I worked through D&D Crewing Services on four contracts on container ships before 2014. At that time, I never paid a placement fee. I have nothing bad to say about the agency based on my experience.
I worked through D&D Crewing Services on a contract where most of the crew were Polish. The crew tried to create grounds for my dismissal, including offering me alcohol and then arranging an alcohol test, as well as provoking conflicts. My salary was withheld for two months and was paid only after I refused to leave the vessel and threatened to contact port state control. The crewing representative had promised 24/7 support, but stopped responding when problems arose.
I worked through D&D Crewing Services under a contract with a Polish company. They promised 24/7 support, and when a force majeure situation occurred on board and I was discharged, the crewing company provided full consultation. They charged an agency fee for the first placement and later requested another fee for a position with an Italian company, explaining that future contracts with the same Italian company would be free of charge.
I worked through D&D Crewing Services on one contract. They charged a placement fee for the first assignment, but agreed that I could pay it from my first salary and told me that future cooperation would be free of charge. They fulfilled their promises and provided clear support before, during, and after the contract. They also answered my questions in advance, and everything was as described.