The crewing company called me and offered a vacancy on a bulk carrier built in 2009. They quoted a salary that was not particularly low, but immediately asked for a fixed agency fee of $1000. When I said it was too much, the manager showed no willingness to compromise. The manager also had very limited knowledge of the maritime field, so my overall impression was very negative.
I joined a vessel through this crewing company and was already on board when I wrote about my experience. They sent me as a master, and the salary was paid without delays. The vessel was built in 2005 and had its own issues, but overall I was very satisfied because the company gave me the opportunity to start in this position.
I contacted a crewing employee about a vacancy and was asked about my documents. At the time, I had a diploma with a QR code and official verification, but I was told that I was not suitable because the shipowner would not accept such documents. When I explained that the diploma was valid and could be verified, the conversation became rude and I was eventually blocked. Later, I contacted them from another number and was told that applicants with QR-code diplomas were accepted after all.
I accepted a vacancy through this crewing company, but they asked for an agency fee and wanted me to sign a receipt. I reluctantly agreed, but fifteen minutes later they apologized and said that the vacancy was no longer available.
Before joining, I was told that I would have to pass an interview with a Greek superintendent who only asked where I had worked, for how long, and what salary I expected. After approval, I was required to undergo two medical examinations, one for the Marshall Islands and one for Liberia. When I asked why both were necessary, I was told it was just in case. This felt like a waste of time.
I went through this crewing company for a contract on a tanker. I paid for the medical examination and test, and was told that the money would be reimbursed in my salary. There was also a small agency fee. After arriving in Malaysia, we spent 14 days in a quarantine hotel.
About two years ago, I sent my documents to the company and passed an interview in English with one of their managers. After that, they stopped responding and never called me again. I eventually joined another company.
I joined a VLCC through this company. The office gave instructions that I considered unsafe, including telling us to deceive the oxygen analyzer and pressurize tanks where the hydrocarbon concentration was extremely high. The main problem was the salary: they fought hard not to pay it and eventually paid it with a one-and-a-half-month delay, only after we issued an ultimatum.
I went to work through this company on a tanker. From the time they offered me the job until I joined the vessel, the experience was positive: there was no agency fee, and the office kept in touch during my flight and while I was waiting for the vessel in a hotel. I cannot comment on the salary yet, but the crewing service itself was handled well.
This was the worst crewing company I had worked with. The information provided by the managers before joining did not match what I saw and received on board. The commission was high and it was unclear how it was calculated. I also saw document and service-record issues, and it appeared that candidates could be placed for money regardless of their suitability.
The company contacted me and offered a position on a vessel for a short-term delivery voyage. I agreed and sent my application, but then they stopped responding. Three days later, when I contacted them again, they said there were no vacancies and ended the call.
When I was looking for work, I sent my CV to this crewing company several times over the course of a month. I had relevant experience and good references, but they never called me. Because of this, I stopped considering their vacancies.
The company offered me a contract, but I was required to obtain several additional and relatively expensive certificates. They told me honestly that the company would not pay for them.
I am currently on board on a contract arranged by S.K. Crewing. They sent me within two weeks, and all the conditions they described were fulfilled. The situation on board also matches what I was told. The managers supported me from the interview through joining and resolved issues quickly, including arranging a replacement agent at the airport within half an hour.
The company paid for my H2S and danger-goods courses. I only had to complete the training.
I went with this agency and I am satisfied. No matter the situation, they always responded. I kept in touch not through the girls but through the mentor captain, which helped solve problems faster. I started as a third officer and even recommended a friend who got hired as a fourth officer. Previously, I worked with another agency that kept me in the cadet position for several years without any promotions. Here, I moved to a newer vessel and my salary is paid on time. Overall, I am happy with the experience.
Everything is very transparent, the only issue is that you might end up in a different position than initially promised due to reasons beyond anyone's control (mainly due to the pandemic). All payments are made only upon signing, and nothing is requested in advance. Most vacancies are for tankers, and I see some new opportunities for transfers now.
I found the vacancies at S.K. Crewing to be decent, but they charge an agency fee of 500 USD. The staff member I interacted with didn't seem to have a strong understanding of maritime terms, confusing deadweight with gross tonnage. Additionally, I noticed that their paid vacancies are available for free through other agencies.
I advise everyone to avoid this crewing agency. Currently, crew members are on a vessel and have called the agency for support, but they were met with indifference. I got on the ship through another agency, which maintained contact with me. I learned from one crew member that he had previously left S.V. after a similar situation where the owner refused to pay. The cook sought help from S.V., but they claimed it was their first time dealing with this owner. In the end, the cook believed their story and agreed to leave with them again, only to find the ship in terrible condition. He immediately requested to be sent home. I and the cook were sent back, but others remain stranded and unable to return. This is a warning to others not to repeat our experience!