Check a crewing agency
Before you pay attention to any offer, check that the agency is in an official government registry. Free, no sign-up.
How to check an agency
- Find the agency here by name or licence number.
- Compare the name, city and website with what the agency told you.
- Open the official registry (link next to each result) and check the current status there.
- Ask for the contract before you travel and read who the employer is.
- Never pay for a job, a visa "fee" or a guaranteed place on board.
Warning signs of a fake agency
- They ask you to pay for the job, "processing", training or a medical at their clinic.
- Only a mobile number and a free email address, no office and no licence number.
- A salary much higher than usual for the rank, and pressure to decide today.
- No written contract, or the vessel and employer are not named.
- The website or email looks like a well-known company but the domain is different.
Registries we check
Official lists published by maritime and labour authorities. Click a country to open the source.
| Country | Agencies | Data as of |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | 132 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Georgia | 33 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Croatia | 51 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Sri Lanka | 60 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Latvia | 52 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Philippines | 746 | Sep 7, 2026 |
| Romania | 59 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Russia | 27 | Sep 26, 2026 |
| Ukraine | 68 | Sep 26, 2026 |
Data is copied from official registries on the date shown and may have changed since. Always confirm the status on the registry website. Under MLC 2006 a licensed recruitment service must not charge seafarers for finding a job.