I worked on a contract arranged through NSM Crew Management. They charged one month’s salary for placement, and most of the vessels in that fleet were arrested or sold during my time there.
In 2020, I was placed through NSM Crew Management on an LPG carrier operated by Eletson. I paid one month’s salary for the placement, and my first salary was withheld and paid only a month after sign-off. The food was good, while supplies were average; the contract included mandatory overtime, and I witnessed unsafe decisions on board in bad weather. I was sent to sea as promised, but I did not work with them again because another placement would also require a fee.
Payment discipline is the story here. Wages come through a month behind, split in two transfers, and sometimes the delay reaches two months. After signing off you spend another month reminding them about the remainder — stop reminding and it quietly stalls. When you leave, the line is that the owners never take people back; in practice they call about once a year with an offer. Workable for a start if you can tolerate the cash flow.
I worked three contracts with the company, and it feels like a family business where everyone knows each other. There are no fitters; the old man or the second engineer does the welding. I left only because it was hard to get promoted to senior mechanic. They promised me the position and assigned a ship, but in the end, they offered me the second engineer position again. The food is good, and they often provide BBQ and beer. I liked the company, but it's not for the lazy; you can't just sit back in the engine room.
I am currently on a product tanker of this company. Most of the ships operate in the US and South America. The crew is a mix of nationalities. The food is of good quality, although the cook's limited menu is disappointing. The response time for urgent needs is quick. Internet is available at a reasonable price. Contracts are typically around 5 months, and there are no major issues with crew changes. Overall, I would rate my experience a solid 4 out of 5.