Eastern Pacific Shipping

I contacted Eastern Pacific Shipping and went through an interview with the company. They offered me a Panamax vessel, but I had to decide very quickly and declined because I could not leave in time. Afterwards, they kept making offers that did not work for me, so I eventually abandoned the idea of joining.

I joined Eastern Pacific Shipping as a cadet in 2016. Career progression on the bridge can be possible, but when several captains recommend a promotion, you may still have to fight the office for it. In my experience, the company gives preference to Indian crew members.

I worked for Eastern Pacific Shipping for several years. Junior officers normally had six-month contracts, but these were often extended to seven months; senior officers had five-month contracts and could also be kept on board longer. Crew changes were a real problem, and leaving on time required persistent follow-up. Overall, I consider the company good and workable, especially for people who do not mind long contracts.

I worked for Eastern Pacific Shipping. Transfers between departments were not available, so moving from the galley to the deck was not possible. The supply situation was fairly good and wages were paid on time. The company involved a lot of paperwork for officers, and promotion prospects for ratings were limited.

My experience with Eastern Pacific Shipping is that there is little opportunity for career growth. Promotions may be promised but not delivered, and a promotion discussed during a voyage may turn out to be empty promises.

If anyone is thinking of joining them because of the stories about the possibility of getting on Dual Fuel bulkers, they shouldn't. Several senior officers have come from other companies and worked 3-4 contracts at below-market salaries, and there's been no talk about transitioning to DF. They don't even rush to transfer their own senior officers, but during the interview, they talk a lot about DF.

I had an interview with a company in Singapore for the position of 1A/E LPG. They pushed me to get my medical check-up and prepare for the trip. After I completed the medical and had all my documents ready, I asked if there was a vessel available. They told me there was, but it was the oldest ship in their fleet, which I had previously stated I wouldn't go on. I ended up refusing the offer, and they promised to find something newer. For two weeks, they have been saying they are discussing options, but I suspect it's just a facade and they have no plans other than offering old ships. I'm now wondering if it's worth waiting for them or if this is just a typical business practice.

I am responsible for the hospital and medical care, Oil Spill Locker, office work, and ordering provisions with the cook, as well as the bridge, of course. Many tankers now have free internet in the mess rooms, with decent speed, and some even manage to download movies when others are sleeping. You can communicate with your family via video calls. There is also a paid option, about $20 for 1.5 GB plus 500 MB free each month. It can be used in the cabin, with slightly better speed than in the mess room, but not by much, in my opinion. Drinking water is available; they used to sell it in plastic bottles, but now they are actively moving away from plastic and switching to Tetra Paks. Whether water from the Bond store will be sold depends on the captain, as they are still installing water fountains on the ships, so sometimes you have to drink only from there. Regarding provisions and supplies: the provisions are generally okay, personally, I have enough, but the supply can be hit or miss, as they might cut back or send some cheap alternative to what was needed. I won't even mention delays. Management varies greatly, but most often it is Indians. There are Bulgarians, our people, Chinese, Filipinos, Romanians, Croats. Something for every taste, literally. Personally, I have encountered quite adequate representatives from India, but that is more of an exception.

I have been on a contract for 8 months, and I can confirm what has been said. I spent more than 1 month in a hotel due to Covid after a 2-week quarantine. In the office in Odessa, you sign a 6-month contract, but it is not actually 4 months as stated. When the 4 months are up and other crew members change (except for you), the manager just casually mentions that there are delays with the replacement's visa or documents. Now, people might start leaving Zodiac since they raised salaries on January 1, 2022.

I worked for them for one contract from May to October. I sent them my application in April, they called back and sent their application form. I passed an interview with the director of the Odessa crewing office and then with the Singapore superintendent. I was sent for a medical examination, which could only be done at a specific clinic. I traveled to the clinic in Odessa and was reimbursed for my fuel expenses. I left for Australia on May 11, but boarded the ship only on June 6 due to quarantine and waiting in a hotel. The company covered accommodation costs and there were no food restrictions. I was on a new bulk carrier, but the equipment was outdated. The crew was a mixed group, and the food was good. However, the internet was poor and spare parts were hard to come by. I faced significant issues with crew changes, as they only happened after 8 months on a 4-month contract. The management was unresponsive, and I had serious health issues that were not addressed properly. In the end, I realized that the company would rather I suffer on board than provide proper medical care. If you are immortal and have no one waiting for you at home, I highly recommend working for this company!

I work here now. For a senior engine rank I would choose this company over the LPG competitor I was comparing it with: dual-fuel newbuildings arrive every year, which is both experience and a route towards LNG, and conditions keep improving. The competitor offers better terms today but no dual-fuel prospects.