SeaJobs.pro
28d ago
Every experienced seafarer knows at least one story about an agency that "ripped them off." Or about a colleague who was sent to a ship that wasn't what was promised. Or they just took the money and disappeared.
It's reality. There are plenty of scammers in maritime recruitment, and they know how to look convincing.
But here's what's also true: most crewing agencies work honestly. You just need to know how to tell them apart. I'll tell you how right now.
A good crewing agency is a middleman who takes on the organizational work. They know which shipowners need people right now, check your documents, help with visa paperwork, organize medical exams and plane tickets, and explain contract terms.
The shipowner pays for all of this — not you. This is a key point to remember.
A bad crewing agency either makes money directly from seafarers (illegally) or works with questionable shipowners that you should know about in advance.
They have a license and it's verifiable. In Russia, crewing agencies are registered and operate within the legal framework. A legitimate agency will freely provide its legal name, tax ID, and office address. If there's no legal information on the website — that's a bad sign.
They don't take money from you. This isn't just good manners — it's an international standard. The MLC 2006 Convention, Rule 1.4 explicitly prohibits agencies from charging seafarers for job placement. Any "registration fees," "paid database listings," "guaranteed contracts for money" — all violations. Period.
They name the shipowner before you sign a contract. A reputable agency won't hide which company you'll work for. You have the right to know the shipowner's name, the vessel's flag, and main contract terms before you sign anything.
Managers answer specific questions. Try asking: "What vessels does your shipowner manage?", "What collective agreement applies?", "How is repatriation arranged?" A competent manager will give you specific answers. Evasive answers and "we'll discuss that after registration" — red flag.
They have reviews in active communities. Seafarer forums, Telegram channels, social media groups — ask there. If an agency has worked honestly for a long time, people know about it. Complete silence or only glowing reviews without details — also a reason to be cautious.
They ask for money for anything before you board the ship. The wording varies: "for training," "for document verification," "for database access," "for guaranteed employment." The meaning is one — it's illegal.
The salary in the listing is noticeably above market rates for minimal requirements. If an inexperienced sailor is promised $4,000 a month — it's either work in a high-risk zone or a scam. The market is transparent; abnormal rates always warrant questions.
They can't name the shipowner or vessel. "We'll tell you the vessel name after you sign the contract" — that's not normal. You must know where you're going BEFORE you sign anything.
They pressure and rush you. "This vacancy only until tomorrow," "we need an answer right now," "another candidate already agreed." Serious agencies give you time to review the offer. Pressure for urgency is classic manipulation.
They ask for original documents. An agency can request copies for processing. Original diplomas, certificates, passports — you don't need to hand these over. If they demand originals without good reason — that's a risk.
They only work through messengers with no office. No physical address, no phone number, only WhatsApp or Telegram — that's not an agency, that's unknown territory.
First, find the company's legal name. Then:
Check it in your country's business registry. In Russia — the FTS website, nalog.ru. Make sure the company actually exists and hasn't been dissolved.
Find reviews on independent platforms — not on the agency's own website. Post in two or three seafaring Telegram channels: "Has anyone worked with [agency name]?"
If there's an ITF Inspector in your port — you can ask them. ITF maintains lists of agencies that do or don't respect seafarers' rights.
Yes, and it's completely normal. Many seafarers think they need to be "loyal" to one agency. There's no basis for this. Register with five, ten agencies — it increases your chances and lets you compare offers. Agencies know about this and accept it.
On seajobs.pro, verified crewing agencies post vacancies — find a suitable contract directly, without extra middlemen.
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