Many folks have gained time in undesirable locales (malaria zones) gaining PIC under supervision time offshore. Some contracts allow waivers for pilots new to the offshore, depending on demand. Demand is growing with the aging demographics of our industry and the customers are very aware of the growing shortage.
I have a few colleagues who, due to customer contractual requirement, cannot upgrade without more multi-PIC time so they must look for work in the domestic onshore market to gain some time on a 212 or similar.