Ship manager based in Limassol, managing around 700 ships and nearly 35,000 people at sea and ashore.
I worked for MSC first as an electrical trainee and later as a junior officer. After that, I left for a Greek company and moved directly into the same position there. My experience suggests that MSC can provide initial sea time, but further progress may require changing companies.
I completed one and a half contracts through iCrew for MSC. My salary was USD 1,340, but promises of promotion during the second contract were not fulfilled. The company sent crew members back in lower positions instead of providing the advancement that had been promised. This was a negative experience for career development.
I worked two contracts with MSC. I was promoted during both contracts, and my salary was paid on time. When I was once denied boarding for my return flight, the company promptly rearranged the flight, organized a PCR test, and provided hotel accommodation. However, the office usually ignored messages from seafarers, and the paperwork was excessive.
I worked for MSC on a vessel built in 2016. The salary was paid on time, but the office's attitude toward ratings was very poor. The fleet included many old vessels, and crew changes were often delayed because of a shortage of personnel. I would only recommend it to officers who can get placed on a newer vessel.
I returned from a contract with MSC two months ago, but the company still had not sent my final settlement of USD 500. The office treated employees poorly, and the vessel operated for several months without key crew members. Supplies were below average and the food was poor, although the internet and salary level were reasonably good. The company may be suitable for gaining experience, but I would not recommend it otherwise.
I completed my first contract with MSC on a vessel built in 2017. Everything was satisfactory: the salary was paid on time, the food was excellent, the attitude was good, and supplies were available.
I worked two contracts with MSC. Both contracts involved problems from joining the vessel through sign-off; the ships were in poor condition and the company economized on everything. The management was difficult to deal with, and the overall experience was negative.
I worked for MSC for five years. There was always work available, free internet, and salaries were paid on time at the beginning of the following month. However, it was easier to join a vessel than to sign off: the office often tried to keep crew members on board and make them sign extensions. The office treated seafarers poorly, supplies were limited, and the food was often inadequate.
I worked for MSC and found it very difficult to sign off. Contracts were generally six months or longer, and crew changes were often handled through ITF. The fleet included old vessels, officers had to deal with a large amount of paperwork, and the company saved money wherever possible. There was always work, but I would advise people to avoid the company.
This was my first contract with MSC. The senior crew members left almost on time, usually with delays of about two weeks, although sometimes people were kept on board for another two or three weeks. I have generally enjoyed working here so far, despite the delays.
I worked for MSC and experienced constant work instead of proper rest and meal breaks. Food and water were unavailable at times, spare parts and technical support were delayed, and crew changes were often not arranged on time. Some crew members had to sign off with ITF assistance.
I worked for both CMA CGM and MSC. My experience with MSC was very poor, especially regarding supplies and crew-change management.
My first contract with MSC was also my last. I spent 8.5 months on board and left without a replacement. The vessel was in very poor condition: the generators could not run in parallel or share the load automatically, the separator was unusable, and the bunker line started leaking during bunkering. I also stood a 6-on/6-off watch for four months, and on another occasion had to restrain an intoxicated fitter who was chasing the boatswain with a knife.
I worked several contracts through MSC. On my last contract, I stayed on board for 9.5 months because the company did not arrange my replacement. After I contacted the ITF, the matter was escalated and the crew and I were finally repatriated.