The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) is clear: seafarers must not be charged fees for finding or securing employment on a ship. Yet fake offers still circulate. Here is how to protect yourself.
Red flags
- You are asked for money - "registration", "medical", "visa processing" or "guarantee" fees paid to an individual or agent before you sign on.
- Offers that seem too good - very high pay for a junior rank with no interview.
- No verifiable company - no website, no office address, only a messaging app number.
- Pressure - "pay today or lose the place".
- Payment to a personal account rather than a company account.
What to do
- Ask for the company's full name and check it independently: website, licence, and reviews from other seafarers.
- Never send money before you have a signed contract that you have read.
- Keep every message and receipt as evidence.
- Report the listing. On Faroys, use the "Report" button and choose the commission/fee reason; accounts that request fees are permanently removed.
Legitimate employers pay for your recruitment. If someone asks you to, walk away.