Like a Arctic Circle, I too worked at sea while doing my (modular) flying training. I worked for BP doing 3 months on, 2 months off. As he says, the crossover in the academic subjects is large enough to make the ATPL exams much easier. There's sod all else to do when you're at sea than study too!
You also have large chunks of disposable income when you come home from a trip and the time to pursue your flying training during your leave without a day job to bother you.
Plenty of bitter divorcees at sea too, and I did my share of winters in the Baltic taking a wooden mallet to chip the ice off the tank vents. Working at sea will also prepare you for working with people from differing cultures and backgrounds. Try having a chat with the Filipinos about their childhood!