Crewing Agents.

Crewing Agents are available in many countries. Before registering with them, check whether they are registered with the relevant Government authorities to do the crewing agency. These crewing agents are acting between ship operators and the seaman in the recruiting process. Many of them charge a fixed amount of money as fee from the operators. Now they are charging the seaman too for offering the job.

In some countries the crewing agents are to be registered with the shipping ministries and are allowed to charge a limited service fee legally. When you register yourself with a crewing agent clearly tell him what kind of ship job you are looking for and ask about their service charge. Many of the agents want their service charges to be paid in US dollar.

Also they may have their secret collective agreement. If there is one read it carefully before accepting it. Any way you are governed by the rules of the vessel's flag state rules. When the crew agents are sending you to join a vessel ask from them to provide good transport service and connection travel plans till you reach the ship or ask them to arrange the ship agent at the arrival airport. Also they must provide you with sufficient fund as your travel expenses. This fund must be enough to cover your food and phone call charges.

Before you leave the crewing agent's office with the job offer check the following things.
A copy of the fax, that came to the agent regarding the recruitment.
Flight ticket or train ticket with "OK" status.
Ship's local agent's contact details.
Contact details Shipping Company’s crew manager.
Your crewing agent's personal mobile phone number, to contact in case of emergency.