Marmaras did not hire me because I attended the interview in Greece wearing jeans and sneakers instead of a formal suit. This was explained to me as showing disrespect. The crewing manager also objected to my bracelet during the selection process.
I left STMA Crewing and worked with Marmaras. The tests and medical examination were arranged in Greece. The vessels were not new, but they were well maintained; salary was good and paid on time, bottled water and 4 GB of internet were free, and there was little paperwork. Supplies were average and the crews were complete. The only serious problem was crew changes.
I have been working for Marmaras for my fourth contract. The company is average, and its fleet mainly consists of vessels built around 2007 or slightly later, but they are generally well maintained. Food is not a problem, and bottled water and soft drinks are free; supplies are more or less adequate. Crew changes have become a serious problem: there is a shortage of officers, and some sailors on six-month contracts remain on board for more than eight months. Internet access and money transfers are not cheap, although some free allowances are provided.
I joined Marmaras more or less by chance, but leaving the company was difficult. I was eventually repatriated after more than four months instead of waiting a year, while some crew members remained on board for much longer. Internet access was reduced, and the company did not respond to my calls or emails; I have been waiting for my final payment for a month. I was also required to keep double accounts and conceal fuel, and I was threatened with non-payment of the final wages.
I worked for Marmaras Navigation on bulk carriers. The ships were mainly Panamax and Cape-size vessels carrying grain, with long passages. Pay was made, and there were bonuses, rejoining payments and extra-work payments; bottled water, soft drinks and beer were free, and food was unlimited. The main problem was crew changes: replacements could take a very long time, although the office generally understood force-majeure situations and could arrange cash or frequent transfers when necessary. The office was not very interested in sailors and mainly brought candidates in so the owner could see them on camera; the selection process was strict, but there were no major problems with the work itself.
Three years ago, I was offered a salary of 3800-4200 for a second officer position with a 4-month contract, but I didn't take it because there were two second officers and I could only serve as a safety officer. Now, the chief officers on panamax vessels are offered only 7000 with a 4+2 contract, which might extend to 6 months. It feels disappointing. They mention return bonuses, but those would only come in the second contract. So, it didn't work out back then, and it doesn't seem to be working out now either.