A Seafarer's Essential Checklist for Verifying a Manning Agency
Choosing the right manning agency (crewing agency) is one of the most important decisions in your maritime career. While many are reputable, some are fraudulent. To protect yourself, you must perform your own due diligence. An RPSL number is essential, but your verification should not stop there.
Use this step-by-step checklist before you commit to any agency or job offer.
Use this step-by-step checklist before you commit to any agency or job offer.
Stage 1: Verify the Paperwork
This is the first and most critical check. If an agency fails here, do not proceed.
- [ ] Check the RPSL Number: The Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) is mandatory for any agency recruiting seafarers in India.
- Action: Ask for the agency's RPSL number. Go to the official DG Shipping website and verify that the number is active, valid, and that the company name matches exactly. Check the expiry date.
- [ ] Check the Registered Address: The address on the RPSL certificate must match the agency's actual office address.
- Action: Compare the address on the DG Shipping website with the address on the company's website and any documents they send you.
Stage 2: Investigate the Company's Presence
A legitimate business has a professional and verifiable presence, both online and offline.
- [ ] Review the Official Website: Does the agency have a professional website with clear information? Or does it look cheap, outdated, or have very little content?
- Action: Look for a professional email address (e.g., [email protected], not @gmail.com). Check for detailed "About Us" and "Contact Us" pages.
- [ ] Verify the Physical Office: Scammers often use fake or virtual addresses.
- Action: Use Google Maps to look up their office address. Does it look like a real commercial building? If possible and you are nearby, visit the office in person. A legitimate agency will have a proper office setup.
- [ ] Search for Online Reviews and Reputation: See what other seafarers are saying about the agency.
- Action: Search online for "[Company Name] reviews." Look on maritime forums, social media groups, and here on Jobonship.org. While some negative reviews are normal for any company, a consistent pattern of complaints about non-payment, poor conditions, or fraud is a major red flag
Stage 3: Analyze the Job Offer and Communication
The way an agency interacts with you reveals a lot about their professionalism.
- [ ] Scrutinize the Offer Letter: Is it a formal document on company letterhead? Or a poorly formatted email?
- Action: Check for specific details: vessel name, IMO number, wages, contract duration, and terms. Vague offers are a warning sign.
- [ ] NEVER Pay for a Job: As mentioned in our guide to spotting scams, legitimate agencies will not ask you for "placement," "processing," or "visa" fees.
- Action: Immediately reject any request for payment for the job itself.
- [ ] Ask Detailed Questions: A real recruiter will be able to answer your questions professionally.
- Action: Ask about the vessel's flag, its current location, the previous crew's experience, and specific details about the onboard conditions. If they are evasive or pressure you to accept immediately, be cautious.
Stage 4: Final Confirmation
Before signing anything, take one last step.
Your career is your responsibility. By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes and build a successful career with legitimate, trustworthy companies.
Before signing anything, take one last step.
- [ ] Trust Your Gut Feeling: After all your checks, if something still feels wrong, it probably is. There will always be other opportunities with reputable companies. Don't let urgency or the promise of a high salary cloud your judgment.
Your career is your responsibility. By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes and build a successful career with legitimate, trustworthy companies.