July 02nd, 2025

How to Verify Any Manning Agency: A Global Seafarer's Checklist

Selecting a reputable manning (or crewing) agency is the foundation of a successful maritime career. A good agency is your partner in progress; a fraudulent one can be a danger to your finances and your future. Your most powerful tool is due diligence. This universal, step-by-step guide will show you how to investigate any agency, anywhere in the world, before you sign a contract.

The 3-Step Verification Process

Follow these three essential steps to thoroughly vet any potential recruitment partner.

Step 1: The Official Check (License & Legal Status)

This is the most critical step. A legitimate agency must be legally registered and licensed by its national maritime authority. Do not just trust a certificate they email you; you must verify it independently with the official source.

• [ ] Verify Their Official License: Ask the agency for their registration or license number. Then, check it on the official government website. Key examples include:
  • India: Verify the agency's RPSL (Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers License) number on the official DG Shipping portal. Ensure the status is "Active."
  • Philippines: Verify the agency's status through the official **DMW (Department of Migrant Workers)** portal, which has taken over the functions of the POEA.
  • European Union / UK: Agencies must comply with MLC standards and be registered with their national authority, such as the UK's **MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)**.
• [ ] Match the Registered Address: The official address listed on their license must correspond with their operational office. Any discrepancy is a major red flag.

Step 2: The Digital Deep Dive (Online Presence & Reputation)

In today's world, a professional company maintains a professional digital footprint. Scammers often have a weak or non-existent online presence.

• [ ] Review the Official Website: Does the agency have a modern, professional website with clear and detailed information? Look for a corporate email address (e.g., [email protected]), not a generic one (@gmail.com).
• [ ] Verify the Physical Office: Use tools like Google Maps and Street View to examine their listed address. Does it appear to be a legitimate commercial office, or is it a residential home, a mail drop, or an empty lot?
• [ ] Investigate Online Reputation: See what other seafarers are saying. Search online for "[Agency Name] + reviews" or "[Agency Name] + complaints." Look in international maritime forums and social media groups. While a few negative comments can be normal, a consistent pattern of complaints is a serious warning.

Step 3: The Professional Scrutiny (Communication & Job Offer)

How an agency communicates and presents an offer reveals everything about its professionalism.

• [ ] Scrutinize the Offer Letter: A genuine offer is a formal document on company letterhead. It will contain specific details: the vessel's name and IMO number, precise wage details, contract duration, and terms of employment. Vague offers are unprofessional.
• [ ] Reconfirm the "No Fees" Rule: As per the MLC, 2006, you should NEVER be charged a fee for a job. Immediately reject any agency that asks for "placement fees" or "processing charges."
• [ ] Ask Detailed, Technical Questions: A real recruiter, especially one with maritime experience, can answer your professional questions. Ask about the vessel's flag, its current trade route, the crew composition, and specific onboard equipment. Evasiveness is a clear warning sign.

The Final Check: Trust Your Professional Instincts

After you have completed all the checks, pause and consider. If something still feels wrong or "too good to be true," listen to that feeling. Your professional judgment is a valuable tool. There are thousands of reputable agencies and opportunities in the world; never let a sense of urgency push you into a decision you are not 100% comfortable with.

By diligently following this checklist, you take control of your career, minimize your risks, and build partnerships with agencies that will truly support your journey at sea.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MLC, 2006 rule on recruitment agencies?

Standard A1.4 of the MLC, 2006, prohibits recruitment and placement services from charging any fees or other charges, directly or indirectly, to seafarers for providing them with a job.

Can an agency ask me to pay for my visa or medical exam?

You are typically responsible for the cost of your statutory medical certificate and personal travel documents like your passport. However, these fees should be paid directly to the approved doctor or government authority. An agency should not collect this money from you as part of a "service package." The cost of a work visa for the vessel's trade route is usually borne by the employer.