Choosing the right crewing agency can make or break your career at sea. After 15 years in the industry and working with over a dozen agencies, here is everything I wish someone had told me when I was starting out.

Why your choice of agency matters

Your crewing agency is your gateway to the maritime world. They determine which vessels you sail on, what companies you work for, and ultimately how much you earn. A good agency opens doors. A bad one wastes your time, underpays you, or worse — puts you on substandard vessels.

What to look for

1. Reputation and track record

Talk to other seafarers. Read reviews on platforms like CrewRate. Ask in maritime forums and groups. A good agency should have a consistent track record of placing seafarers on decent vessels with reputable ship management companies. If multiple seafarers report the same problems — believe them.

2. Transparency about contracts

The agency should clearly explain contract terms, duration, salary, overtime policy, and all deductions before you sign anything. If they rush you into signing or become evasive about specific terms — that is a red flag. You have the right to take the contract home and review it carefully. Any agency that pressures you to sign on the spot is not acting in your interest.

3. Communication quality

How fast do they respond to your messages? Do they keep you updated during the hiring process? Do they have a dedicated person assigned to you, or do you talk to a different person every time? A good agency treats you as a professional, not as a number in their database.