Bite the bullet dude and shell out for the SEIR is my advice. The offshore companies are crying out for pilots at the moment so strike while the iron is hot. I did the same a couple of years ago, only had 250hrs and dropped lucky with co jo slot..but the odds are far better now!
Dont forget you have 3 years max to pass the IR starting from the date you passed all the ATPL exams...!!!!e rule if you ask me!
Happy xmas and new year!
