I worked for Alberta Shipmanagement for several contracts. The pay had some positive features, including additional compensation for experience, and the internet was good, but the contracts were long and crew changes were a major problem. I was kept until the maximum contract period, spent around six or seven months waiting for work at home, and eventually left for another company. There were also promises of promotion that did not lead to a position, and I would not be ready to return on the same six-month-plus-one-month terms.
I worked for Alberta Shipmanagement on two bulk carriers. One vessel, built for the company, was in good condition, while another recently purchased vessel was in very poor condition and required substantial work to make it operational. Supplies and provisions varied from ship to ship, and many senior officers came from another company. There are opportunities for promotion, but the company has had problems with repeated non-return decisions and long periods without work between contracts.
I completed a seven-month contract on a bulk carrier with Alberta Shipmanagement. The salary was paid on time, there were seniority bonuses, supplies were acceptable, transport expenses were covered, and internet access was available. However, the company treated ratings very poorly, the normal working day was from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with no days off, and safety procedures were often ignored, including permits for work. Crew changes were also a serious problem; I was signed off only after I personally insisted on going home.
I am currently working as a deck rating through Alberta Shipmanagement on a 2007-built Japanese Capesize bulk carrier. The accommodation has shared bathroom facilities, but the pay is acceptable, the management is currently reasonable, and we work from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The food is good, provisions are not restricted, and the internet package is useful. So far I consider it a workable option for beginners, although I am concerned about the long waiting times for crew changes and the possibility of a change in management.
I was offered a ro-ro contract through Alberta Shipmanagement. The commission was mandatory, and the amount was quoted according to the candidate’s experience.
I worked on a tanker for this Greek company. The crews were Russian and Ukrainian, the internet service was good, and the working day for ratings was usually from 8 a.m. to 5–6 p.m., with days off depending on the senior officers. The food and supply were good, but contracts were generally around six months and were regularly extended, while crew changes were difficult to arrange.
I applied for a junior engine officer position with Alberta Shipmanagement and communicated with a crewing manager. I was told that the medical examination had to be completed on the company’s forms and that a consultant’s fee was required. The communication was unclear, and the manager made a poor impression on me.
I have worked with Bark Marine Agency for several contracts. They never asked me for money, but the office operators changed frequently and repeatedly requested the same documents, as if they did not communicate with one another. I worked through them with Alberta and had no other problems. Overall, my impression is average, with room for improvement; the quality of the contract depended heavily on the senior officers, and I was lucky with them.