I was planning to join a gas carrier through TBC Shipmanagement. For more than two months, they kept changing the vessel, four times in total. I completed a medical examination, including the flag-state medical, as well as two English tests and an interview. In the end, they told me that the voyage would not go ahead, so the time and medical expenses were wasted.
I dealt with TBC Shipmanagement in 2018. They called me every week with offers to join a tanker in a starting position, but I never reached the joining stage. First they asked me to obtain three additional certificates, then to pay for a medical examination, and later to send my seaman's book by mail without clearly explaining where I was being sent. In my opinion, they were merely intermediaries and did not make decisions about confirmation on a vessel or other serious matters.
I have worked with TBC Shipmanagement for three contracts on tankers. I had no problems: the company always helped and advised me with documents, tests, and other issues. Payments were made on time, and I never paid any commission. I am very satisfied with my cooperation with TBC and recommend them.
I worked for ASM through TBC Shipmanagement. There was a case where my salary payment was delayed due to the managing company. TBC itself was reasonably good, but I would avoid ASM.
I dealt with TBC Shipmanagement while trying to arrange employment. The crewing office was difficult to understand, and it was unclear when interviews would be arranged or whether the company could actually provide a joining date. They repeatedly promised to get back to me, then ignored my calls. I know that some people did manage to leave through them, but my own experience was a long period of uncertainty, so I would not recommend wasting time with them.
I signed up for a 3rd Officer position on a container ship and signed the contract. At the last moment, I was told that the placement had been cancelled. For three months I was given promises, and when I asked for my money back, they said they had no possibility of returning it.
I contacted TBC Shipmanagement about starting in a position, but there was no placement, even though I was willing to pay a commission.
I worked through TBC Shipmanagement on one contract as an electro-mechanical technician. I arrived in Saudi Arabia to join a vessel after a fire. My salary was paid through the crewing company between the 10th and 17th of the following month; the company also paid for my work clothes and an extra day of travel. The vessel was a 2015-built bulk carrier, the food was acceptable, and supplies were adequate. I had good communication with the crewing manager, who was knowledgeable and responsive.
I applied for a 3rd Officer vacancy and sent the requested application form. After that, the company stopped responding, even when I followed up about my application.
I worked through TBC Shipmanagement on a chemical tanker. From submitting my application until joining the vessel, communication via WhatsApp was continuous.