With the mariner shortage, (especially engineers) I’m sure many of the big OSV operators would be willing to work with you to get you seatime if they thought you’d hang around after passing the 3AE. Tugs & OSV’s work 12 hour days so that would be faster than 8 hr days. Since you will need to take +$30K in STCW courses try to find a union or company that pays or have their own school. You didn’t mention passport. Make sure you have a passport.
Also, will you graduate with Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer Technology degree? Below are a couple of threads discussing what you plan on doing.