There are a few basic things that all seafarers should do in order to avoid getting cheated. First, they should be aware of the possibility of getting cheated and be alert for signs that someone may be trying to cheat them. Second, they should never give their personal information to anyone they don’t know and trust. Finally, they should never agree to any financial transaction without first getting all the details in writing.

Recommendations for All Seafarers to Avoid getting Cheated by Crewing agents :

1. Beware of Agents: Good Companies do not employ any Agents for the recruitment of the crew for their ship. All Agents are Crooks and will cheat you. always check the RPSL number of agents or companies ON the DG Shipping website. never entertain any agent who doesn’t have an RPSL number.
2. Email Address: A genuine agency or agent will never communicate the official matter through personal emails and if they are professional enough, they will have a proper official email id and a fully-functional company website. For e.g. agentname@xyzagency.com can be considered well above agentname@gmail.com. Do Not Trust Any Company with a Gmail Address
3. Check the website of the company: You must always check the website of the company you are applying to. If they don’t have a proper website, it might be a red flag.
4. Check the address of the company: You must always check the address of the company. If it is a residential address, it might be a red flag.
5. Check the phone number of the company: You must always check the phone number of the company. If it is a personal phone number, it might be a red flag.
6. Do not approach Agents in Hotel Rooms: Do not meet with agents for document checks or Interviews. All Checking must be done at the Company’s Office. Where you can see the Security, Secretary, Staff, and Senior Officers.
7. Shipping is LOW: Nowadays shipping is very low So there are No URGENT Jobs only for exceptional conditions. therefore don’t go with fake urgent jobs
8. Lower Ranks need more attention: Most Agents have started showing URGENT and only Lower ranks, like Tr OS, Tr Wiper, and Deck Cadets. because there is Plenty of Jobless lower staff.
9. E-Migration: Remember there is e-Migrate. Without this, you cannot leave Indian Immigration.
10. Check your Visa: Never Fly out on a Tourist Visa. And Joining Vietnam / Malaysia / UAE / Gulf / Turkey is questionable. unless the Company is Reputed
11. Check for reviews of the company: You can check for reviews of the company on Google, Facebook, or any other platform. Get in touch with as many seafarers as possible and ask about their experiences with different agencies.

Finally, most of the Agents are Unemployed Seafarers, So they know all the Shipping info to interview anyone and take a chance on making some Money.

So, these are some of the basic precautions which you should take before joining any merchant navy company. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity of a crewing agency to the concerned authorities.

I hope this post was helpful in understanding to Avoid getting Cheated by Crewing agents. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer them.