Ship manager formed in 2023 by the merger of OSM Maritime Group (founded 1989 in Arendal, Norway) and Thome Group (founded 1963 in Singapore). Manages around 1,000 vessels — tankers, dry bulk, offshore and cruise — and employs some 31,000 people at sea and ashore.
I spent eight months working as a cadet through the company and gained valuable experience. The contract involved paid drinking water, expensive phone calls, regular safety days with extensive training and discussions, and watchkeeping duties. The crew culture was difficult at times, but overall I would rate the experience as average.
I worked on bulk carriers through the company in 2018–2020. The crew management was difficult, and after a captain became intoxicated and could not raise the anchor, alcohol testing was introduced before every watch. As a second officer, I had to submit 11 reports a day at sea. The food budget was $9 per person, the salary was average, and overall I do not recommend this experience.
I joined a bulk carrier through Thome. The vessel was in poor condition, and there was serious disorder on the bridge. The crew was made up mainly of Indian and Filipino seafarers, with me as the only Ukrainian. Overall, this was a very bad experience.
I worked for the company. Salaries were paid on time and supplies were provided, but safety standards were weak. There were frequent training sessions and inspections, including requests to count gloves and send photographs. The main problem was repatriation: some crew members had to pay for their own hotel and food because the travel arrangements were poorly organized, and the journey home took several days.
I work through OSM with GTS management on tankers of around 50,000 DWT. Salaries are paid on time, provisions are generally good, and contracts for officers are usually four months, with shorter rotations possible if a replacement is available. Spare parts are difficult to obtain and require repeated urgent requests. The internet is weak but free, crew changes are generally handled without major problems, and travel expenses are reimbursed. There are opportunities for promotion because of staff turnover, although the crews are reduced and salaries are average or below average.
I worked two contracts through the company. My first contract was with Germany Tankers on well-built, well-maintained ice-class vessels. The supply, workwear and food budget were good, the workload was relaxed, and internet was available, but the salary was only average. On my second contract, the vessel condition and spare-parts supply were poor, and the work was much more demanding, with frequent tank cleaning and different cargoes. The company also used to send replacement crew to vessels when there were shortages or illness.
I received an email from them with a job offer for a seismic position with Ulstein, a Norwegian company. I inquired about it and was told they had already hired an internal specialist. Later, I got another email about the same position while on vacation, which made me wonder where that internal specialist went. When I called, I was surprised to find out that the crew was filled with unprofessional workers. I had previous bad experiences with such crews, so I declined the offer. Additionally, they do not pay for travel days, which is a significant downside. I had worked with Norwegians at another company before, but I decided not to return due to the workload and the time it took to update my documents. It's surprising that another Norwegian company would have similar issues with their crew.
I received a call from a representative of OSM, who was inquiring about when I would be ready to join a vessel. I responded that I would only consider joining when the company is ready to offer a salary that is appropriate for my position. Until then, I am not interested in further discussions.