Athens (Glyfada) based ship manager of oil, product and chemical tankers; also operates gas carriers per crew reports.
I joined a vessel and found that only one of the three Georgian ABs could properly perform the work; the others appeared to have unsupported experience. The Georgian boatswains I worked with were competent. A Georgian chief officer was sent home after one week, and a third engineer was unable to start the main engine even after a month on board. In such cases, the company was generally aware of the problems and arranged repatriation when the captain requested it.
I am currently working on an LPG tanker. Pay for ratings is low: the cook and boatswain receive about USD 2,200–2,400, an AB about USD 1,950, and an ordinary seaman or messman about USD 1,550. Supplies are poor, food is rationed, and the internet is unlimited but slow and often unavailable. The requirements are high, and starting in a position is difficult; the company usually expects at least one previous contract.
I am working on my second tanker contract with Roswell Tankers. The company is suitable for gaining experience, but the salaries are relatively low, and the condition of the vessels is mixed; on my previous contract we worked continuously, but there were no serious breakdowns or blackouts. The paperwork is relatively simple, and the contracts are flexible, although crew changes can be problematic. Internet availability depends on the owner, supplies are generally acceptable, and the food depends heavily on the cook. Career growth can be good if you work hard, while management is usually not overly demanding, although this also depends on the master.
I work on the gas side — three carriers mostly trading ammonia. The ships are not new but genuinely looked after. Management does not micromanage; supply and provisions come on schedule and orders survive mostly intact. Pay is a notch above the market. The crews are drawn from a circle where everyone knows everyone, so getting in from outside takes luck — but once in, it is comfortable work.