Maritime Job Verification Guide
A step-by-step checklist to verify shipping job offers, agencies, and vessels before you say “yes”.
Under MLC 2006, seafarers must not be charged recruitment or placement fees.
If any agency or person asks you to pay money for a job offer, visa processing, or “seat booking”, treat it as a major red flag and stop immediately.
5 Key Steps to Verify a Maritime Job Offer
Verify the Manning Agency
- •Ask for the RPSL number (India) or equivalent license.
- •Check the license on the official maritime authority website.
- •Match office address and contact details with official records.
- •Search reviews from other seafarers about the agency.
Validate the Company & Vessel
- •Confirm the ship management / ownership company on their official site.
- •Check vessel details (IMO number, flag, type) on trusted vessel databases.
- •Ensure the company email domain matches the official website.
- •Avoid job offers where the vessel name cannot be verified.
Examine the Offer Letter Carefully
- •Look for proper company letterhead and contact details.
- •Check for exact rank, vessel type, salary, and contract duration.
- •Verify joining port, travel arrangements, and sign-on procedures.
- •Be cautious of letters with poor language or very generic text.
Check for Payment & Documentation Red Flags
- •Legitimate employers do NOT charge placement or processing fees.
- •Never pay for interview slots, job confirmation, or ‘seat booking’.
- •Do not send original documents by courier to unknown addresses.
- •Share personal data only after you’re sure the employer is genuine.
Cross-Verify Through Independent Sources
- •Call the company using numbers from their official website.
- •Ask other seafarers or seniors if they know the agency/company.
- •Check maritime forums and social media groups for warnings.
- •When in doubt, walk away – another genuine opportunity will come.
Quick Self-Check Before You Accept Any Offer
Ask yourself these questions. If any answer feels doubtful, pause and verify more:
- ✓Is the email from a company domain (not free Gmail/Yahoo)?
- ✓Does the agency have a valid RPSL / license?
- ✓Can you verify the vessel’s IMO number and operator?
- ✓Does the salary look realistic for your rank and vessel type?
- ✓Are you being asked to pay any fee for the job?
Use These Safety Resources Before You Decide
Combine this verification guide with our detailed checklists and scam-awareness articles.
Manning Agency Checklist
Step-by-step checklist to verify if a manning agency is genuine and properly licensed.
Open checklist →Fake Job Offer Warning Signs
Learn the most common red flags used by scammers targeting seafarers.
View red flags →Browse Verified Jobs
Explore sea jobs published via JobOnShip from verified companies and agencies.
Browse jobs →Your Career. Your Responsibility.
Never rush into accepting a maritime job offer. Verification takes a little time, but it can save your money, certificates, and future.
If anything feels wrong – stop, verify, and ask questions before you say yes.