I worked for Seaspan for 15 years. Although the company’s headquarters were in Vancouver, its crewing and technical departments were based in Mumbai. In my experience, there was often no safe decision to make, because any decision could lead to a reprimand.
I worked as a second officer with Seaspan. The recruitment process involved a large number of interviews and tests, and there were many checklists and reports afterward. The office quickly found out if someone was weak in their duties, but still allowed them to continue working. The salary was a positive aspect, starting at USD 4,300 on a bulker, plus a contract-based returning bonus.
I worked three contracts with Seaspan as a cadet. I was promised promotion to fourth engineer, but it never happened, and I felt that Indian colleagues were repeatedly promoted instead. The food was about 6/10, while the internet was weak. I eventually left for the LPG sector and do not regret it.
I worked for Seaspan for eight years. During that time, I never encountered a Canadian crew member; at most, a cadet was sent. This was my personal experience of the crew composition.
I worked as a senior officer for Seaspan for several years. Apart from the salary, I found few advantages: there were an excessive number of pointless papers, checklists, forms, and meetings. The superintendents were often inadequate, the office put maximum pressure on the crew, and the crew was blamed for everything.
I completed a contract with Seaspan as a third engineer. I received a salary of USD 4,600. The onboard atmosphere was good, there were no problems with food or spare parts, and the crew organized two barbecues a month as well as a New Year's celebration. Overall, I was satisfied with the contract.
I worked for Seaspan from 2007 to 2012 and completed five contracts on 4,250-TEU container ships. The salary was the only significant advantage. The company required an enormous amount of pointless paperwork, checklists, forms, and meetings, which made the work unnecessarily bureaucratic.
I worked two contracts with Seaspan as an ETO. The supply system was poor, the vessels were in poor condition, and the food was also disappointing. The crews were mixed, and contracts lasted five months or more. The only clear advantage was the salary.
I worked for Seaspan as an engine cadet for six months. The cadet program was well organized and included CDI and Seagull assessments. Food quality depended on the officers; on my vessel there were many European officers, so the food was excellent. The ship had Starlink and a separate ship internet connection, and I could use the internet freely for films and calls with my family. The main drawback was the slow promotion process.
I worked on a Seaspan vessel. The company prohibited plastic water bottles and relied on onboard filters, but the water was very hard and caused an unpleasant dry feeling in the mouth. I also experienced repeated harassment from a senior engineer because of personal dislike.
I worked for Seaspan as a machinery cadet on my first contract. The food was extremely poor, including bones and rotten cabbage. The company also required constant Seagull-type tests. I do not recommend this company.
I went through several interviews and tests with Seaspan, including two English interviews. After that, I was asked to attend an additional week-long course from morning until evening. I asked the company to pay the basic salary while I attended the course, but the process ended there.
I am currently working for Seaspan. My salary arrives on time at the end of the month, and the food is satisfactory. The machinery has original spare parts in sufficient quantities, with regular replenishment, and shore-based service handles major overhauls. The vessel is old, but my overall experience so far has been positive.
I went through Seaspan's interview process for a third officer position about a year ago. The interview lasted approximately one and a half hours and covered a very broad range of topics, including conventions, MARPOL, COLREGs, IALA, lights, safety duties, watchkeeping, checklists, and inspections. The process was extremely demanding and detailed.
I have completed three contracts with Seaspan. The company is workable, and the food was generally fine when there was a good cook. The crews included Filipino and Indian ratings, while the officers were mixed. The salary was in line with the company's demanding requirements.
I am currently working on a Seaspan container ship as a deck cadet, and this is my first company. The ship has good conditions, onboard internet, and a cadet program with CDI assessments that are required for promotion. The food is average and sometimes poor, but the salary is very good for a cadet. Overall, it is a very good place to start a cadet career.
I worked as a second engineer for Seaspan for a short period. The starting salary was USD 8,200, but the working process was overwhelmed by meaningless paperwork and PMS tasks. There were so many forms and photo attachments that much of the working day was spent filling them out instead of doing practical engineering work.