Al,
I commend your desire to become a Helicopter Pilot. nothing wrong with that.
You will get a Job in UK Offshore with absolute minimum hours within a reasonable time frame provided you have the following:
CPL(H)
But your application will be ignored as long as there are others on the table with CPL(H)+IR
Therefore, to ensure your application is giving the consideration it deserves you really need CPL(H)+IR
The UK Offshore industry has no additional requirements to operate offshore as co-pilot other than a CPL(H), and IR and an appropriate Type Rating. The Type Rating will be given to you by the Company that employs you.
The helicopter Offshore Industry changes rapidly and feast becomes famine in very short order. Get qualifiied and then apply constantly.
Age is immaterial. 4 years ago we took on a 56 year old pilot with very little commercial experience and no offshore. A bum on a seat is a bum on a seat.
Hope this helps.