You are correct. My consultant could not get that evaluator to make the correct decision in the first place.
However, on a different application it took 7 MONTHS, but my consultant did get one of the most experienced evaluators to make the correct decision.
What I have learned about applying to NMC is:
If it’s a routine application, it probably won’t be too bad. Usually, within three months.
Unless every endorsement that you are applying for is routine, pay the extra money and file a totally separate application for each endorsement and email each of them to the REC a few days apart. An evaluator can cope with a “complicated” application for one endorsement, but not for two or three endorsements. Your application will be set aside and probably get lost.
If you are using combined tug and barge tonnage seatime, expect a very long painful process.
If your application is for an unlimited license, but with a tonnage restriction, expect a long painful process.
If you cannot get a seatime letter from a former employer and you don’t have a discharge, you can prove your seatime in other ways, but it will be a long painful process… Highlight and attach a copy of the CFR section that authorizes this to your application and your alternate proof of seatime.