Between your CV and a contract there is almost always a conversation with a crewing manager — in the office, by phone or on video, usually partly in English. It is shorter and more practical than a shore job interview. Here is what they ask and what they are really checking.
What the manager checks
- That your documents are real and valid — passport, seaman's book, certificate of competency, endorsements, medical, visas.
- That your sea service matches the CV — vessel names, types, dates, ranks.
- That you can talk in English — not perfectly, but clearly enough to work.
- That you will be reliable — finish the contract, follow procedures, get on with a mixed crew.
Common questions
- "Tell me about your last contract." Vessel type and size, trading area, your duties, why you signed off. Short and concrete.
- "Why did you leave your previous company?" Be honest and neutral; never criticise the old employer.
- "What do you do if…?" — a fire in the engine room, man overboard, oil spill, blackout. Name the alarm, the report and the first actions.
- Rank questions: COLREG and passage planning for deck officers, main engine and purifiers for engineers, mooring and maintenance for ABs.
- "When are you ready to join, and for how long?" Know your exact readiness date and preferred contract length.
- "What salary do you expect?" Know the market for your rank and vessel type — our salaries page shows current figures.
How to prepare
- Bring originals and copies of every document, in date order.
- Make sure your CV matches the seaman's book to the day — inconsistencies are the most common reason for a quiet "no".
- Prepare a one-minute introduction in English.
- Read about the company and its fleet before the call.
Red flags
An honest crewing agency never asks you for money — not for the interview, the contract, "registration" or a visa. A fee, pressure to decide "today", or a contract you are not allowed to read are reasons to walk away.
Keep your profile complete and your maritime CV up to date, and apply to the vacancies that match your rank.