I joined a coaster through Gulfstream Shipping. I had no complaints about the crewing agency, as they handled everything promptly. They said the commission could be paid upon joining or even from the first salary.
I worked on bulk carriers for the company. Crew changes were severely delayed: I arrived later than the rest of the crew and left after eight months instead of six, while some contracts lasted nine to eleven months. Supplies were cheap and the food was only satisfactory, but salaries were paid on time. The company economised heavily on travel arrangements and supplies.
I had experience with this company and personally encountered the problems mentioned by others: cost-cutting, delayed crew changes, and vessels in poor condition. I would rate the company three out of ten.
I worked for RIX Shipping. The food allowance was €8 per person per day, and provisions were often bought only in cheaper ports, so there were times when the crew had to wait for supplies. Many vessels were in poor condition, while deck supplies were sometimes delivered quickly and sometimes delayed. Salaries were paid steadily, but crew changes were a major problem: with a 4+/-1 month contract, people were often kept on board for five to seven months, and some crew members had to contact the ITF or leave after taking their documents. The office also generated a large amount of paperwork and checklists.
In my contract, crew changes could be delayed by about a month. The salary was €1,600, but the workload was excessive: there could be more than 20 port calls per month, very short passages, and hold cleaning was often done by only two deck ratings. I also encountered poor management on board, including threats and disrespectful comments from senior officers.
I worked one contract last year. There was no fee for joining, and my travel expenses, including excess baggage, were reimbursed on board. The salary was excellent for an ordinary seafarer and bonuses were paid every month; supplies and food were good, but the travel arrangements were very poor and I had to wait a month for my planned return. The workload was heavy and there were no days off.
I have been working on board for seven months. The salary is not delayed, and I have not seen delays with crew changes so far. The work is demanding: vessels operate around the Baltic like shuttles, with frequent cleaning operations and six-on, six-off watches, but the job is manageable.
I worked for RIX Shipping and apparently got unlucky. The vessel was old, the charterer demanded too much, and supplies arrived only once every three months. Crew changes were handled poorly, although wages were paid on time; the food allowance was €9 per person. On one occasion we spent a week without water and then waited another day for a delivery truck after reaching port.
I worked three contracts on coasters. The vessels were old and the work was demanding, while deck cleaning was not paid separately. Salaries and extra overtime were paid regularly, and food and supplies were generally acceptable. Contracts were 4+/-1 months, but travel arrangements had previously been slow; more recently they improved. This company may be suitable for gaining initial experience, but I would definitely look for another company afterward.