A web tool to help seafarers looking for jobs through the maze of slippery manning agents and cunning scammers ITF web tool helps seafarers avoid shady agents
ITFSHIPBESURE.ORG allows those looking for work on cargo or cruise ships the insight they need to negotiate sound contracts and avoid the perils of shady manning agents.
It features a directory of manning agents rated by the ITF as either green (good to go) or red (best avoided). The site initially covers four countries that are major crew suppliers but will be expanded and eventually include much of the world. The launch countries are India, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.
“Every year, hundreds of seafarers are scammed or defrauded by manning agents,” said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. “Our inspectors have long experience in identifying the illegal practices of dubious agents. We wanted to pass on that knowledge so seafarers can find good, reliable work.”
The site helps seafarers understand what good manning agents can do for them. And what bad agents may try. It details what they should expect in a contract and how they can make sure they’re getting a fair deal. It also includes links to the employment pages of cruise ship operators.
“Scams to trick job seekers out of money or to steal their documentation are proliferating, ITFShipBeSure also includes a guide to spot these scams and a regularly updated section that highlights the scams we know about. The golden rule is: if a job looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.” – ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale.
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