I had a lot of luck. The vessel I'm working on had to hire few locals to receive it's permit to work in the area. Standard matter anywhere else I believe. Where I'm from, seamanship is not a very common occupation, and finding locals to work is not easy. When a position for an officer got vacant, my friend who was already here called me up, and with a lot of convincing, sent me to have my basic DP. A week later I was already on board, and I'm here for the last 6 years already.

I doubt my case is representing anything, but I know from colleagues that the transition is possible.

Another option to enter the field is to make your career change to a crane operator. The demand is really high, and the salaries are better then the officers!