Before You Join Your Ship 1: Documents Checklist

The most common problem before joining a ship is a missing or expired document. Check the following list one by one before you travel.

Core documents

Passport: valid for as long as required by the countries you will visit. Many places require remaining validity.
Seaman's book and identity documents.
STCW and other certificates: basic safety training, ship-type specific training, your certificate of competency and any endorsements.
Medical certificate: valid proof of fitness for sea service.
Visas: the ones required for the country where you will join.
Vaccination certificates: may be required for some countries and ship types (for example yellow fever). Ask the company and the agent.
Employment agreement and company correspondence (printed or on your phone).

Write the expiry dates of all documents in a table.
Make sure they stay valid throughout the whole contract. A document that expires mid-contract causes trouble.
Keep paper and digital copies. Carry originals in a waterproof folder.
Check that your name is written identically on all documents.

Genuine employers never ask for a placement fee or commission. Report such requests on Faroys with the "Report" button.

The next part covers health, dental and personal medicine preparation.