I worked for Carisbrooke Shipping as an OS on a 14,000 DWT geared vessel. My salary was always paid on time, and additional payments for self-loading and self-discharging were made when agreed. Food, spare parts and other supplies were good, and crew internet was available. I was replaced after exactly four months, while Filipino crew members were kept on board for another one to one and a half months. I joined through another crewing agency, whose manager frequently ignored questions and once forgot to send my tickets, telling me only on Monday morning that I should have flown the previous day.
I worked for Carisbrooke Shipping on two contracts as a deck cadet and OS on a small cargo vessel. I sailed in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, and salaries were good for ratings and always paid on time; additional payments for cement cargo work were also made. Provisions and stores were supplied on time, and maintenance on deck was good on my vessel. The main drawbacks were reduced crews, including no third officer or electrician and only a senior engineer and motorman in the engine room, while salaries for senior officers were low. I joined through another crewing agency, whose manager often ignored questions and once failed to send my tickets on time.
In my experience, Carisbrooke Shipping was a good crewing company, especially for officers starting their careers. Salaries were paid on time, and travel and medical expenses were covered in the past, although I do not know if this is still the case. Provisions and stores were good, internet on board was available for a fee, and there were opportunities for promotion.
I worked for Carisbrooke Shipping in 2017–2018. The company was acceptable, but the vessels were small and the crews were reduced.