You are asked to pay for a job
Legitimate employers and licensed manning agents do not charge seafarers for placement, processing, visa or medical arrangements. Be wary of any request for upfront payment.
Protect Yourself
Recruitment Fraud Awareness for Seafarers
Most maritime recruitment is genuine. However, fraudulent offers still appear online and in messaging apps. The goal here is to help you spot warning signs before you share documents, make a payment, or accept employment.
A calm, practical approach
Fraud prevention is not about fear. It is about taking a few simple steps to check that an offer, employer, and contract are real. Experienced seafarers do this as a matter of routine — and it is a habit worth keeping from your first contract to your last.
Common Warning Signs
The following patterns do not prove fraud by themselves, but they are reasons to pause and look more closely before you share personal information or commit to an offer.
The agency or company is hard to verify
Check that the company has a real website, registered address, and verifiable contact details. Fake agencies often use free email addresses, vague locations, or falsely claim an RPSL licence.
The offer feels rushed or secretive
Pressure to accept immediately, sign without reading, or avoid talking to others is a warning sign. A genuine offer gives you time to review the contract and ask questions.
The contract or terms are unclear
You should receive a clear contract covering wages, rank, vessel, duration, repatriation, and deductions. Do not join a vessel without reviewing and keeping a signed copy.
Communication is unofficial or suspicious
Recruiters using personal email addresses, WhatsApp-only contact, or refusing to share company details should be treated with caution. Official channels usually come from a company domain.
The salary or urgency seems unusual
Unrealistic wages, immediate joining demands, or requests to send your passport or original documents before a formal offer are red flags. Verify independently before you commit.
Before Accepting Any Offer
Use this short checklist before you sign, travel, or hand over documents. Most of it is common sense, but it is easy to skip a step when you are eager to join.
- Verify the employer or manning agency exists and, where applicable, holds a valid RPSL licence.
- Read the full contract carefully, including wage, rank, vessel, duration, and repatriation clauses.
- Confirm wages, allowances, and any deductions in writing before you sign.
- Check joining arrangements: port, travel, visa, and medical requirements.
- Keep copies of every email, message, contract, and document exchanged.
- Never transfer money for placement, processing, visa, or medical fees.
Protect Your Personal Documents
Your documents are your professional identity. Share them only when the recruitment process is genuine and the recipient has been verified.
Passport and CDC
Only share clear copies when a verified recruitment process is underway. Never send original passports or Seafarer Identity Documents to someone you have not independently verified.
CoC, STCW and flag certificates
Provide copies of certificates only to legitimate employers or agents you trust. Keep originals secure and track where copies have been sent.
Medical and visa documents
Be cautious if someone arranges a medical exam or visa at an unknown facility, or asks you to pay for it before an offer is confirmed.
If Something Feels Wrong
Trust your instincts. If an offer or conversation makes you uncomfortable, slow down and follow these steps. You do not need to confront anyone to stay safe.
Pause
Do not reply in a hurry, sign anything, or send documents while you are uncertain.
Verify independently
Look up the company, vessel, and recruiter using official sources, company websites, or contacts you already know.
Ask questions
A genuine employer will answer reasonable questions about the vessel, crew, contract, and joining process.
Seek advice
Talk to a senior colleague, union representative, or maritime welfare organisation if something feels off.
Report suspicious activity
Use the CrewAhead contact form to let us know, even if you are unsure. Your report can help protect other seafarers.
CrewAhead's Role
CrewAhead is designed to encourage safer, more transparent maritime recruitment. We ask employers to provide accurate company information, we review reported concerns, and we take moderation action where our Community Guidelines are violated.
Verification and review tools help, but they cannot catch every risk. You are still the best judge of any offer you receive. Always verify opportunities independently before acting.
Employer verification Maritime-specific checks Reported concern review
Seen something suspicious?
If you have encountered an offer, agency, or message that feels wrong, report it to us. We review every concern and take action where it aligns with our Community Guidelines. Even if you are unsure, reporting helps protect other seafarers.