Originally Posted by
TorqueStripe
If you are aiming for offshore, why would you want to get the ME IR yourself??? For the operators it doesn't make a difference whether you show up with SE or ME. They are putting you through an extensive type rating course anyway, and the ME IR in the end is just another ticked checkbox.
That's not necessarily the case, I'm afraid. The TR obviously requires a TRI/TRE, of which the UK offshore operators have plenty of. The SEIR to MEIR upgrade requires an IRI, which the operators might not necessarily have on staff (which would mean an additional cost and hassle). Which means that with certain operator(s), there is definetely a preference for MEIRs over SEIRs.