How to Check a Shipowner Before Signing a Contract

How to check a shipowner before signing a contract is a quick due diligence check to confirm the company is real, the contract data matches, and you have a clear signed agreement before you go on board.

What should you check first?

Check the shipowner’s name, address, IMO company number, vessel flag, rank, pay, contract length, and complaint channel.

• Compare the company name in the offer, the contract, emails, and ship certificates.
• Make sure the agreement can be reviewed before signing, as required by MLC 2006 standards.
• Look for a clear recruitment contact and an emergency contact.

Where do you verify it?

Verify it in official registers and in the document package itself.

• Check the IMO Identification Number Scheme: ships and companies or registered owners have permanent identifiers. IMO Identification Number Scheme
• Watch for signs of fraudulent registration or a fake flag; IMO warns that fraudulent registries can look convincing. Fraudulent registration
• Confirm the contract includes the shipowner’s name and address, as set out in the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and the relevant NORMLEX provisions.

What if something does not add up?

Do not sign until you get written answers to anything unclear.

• Ask for a clean copy with clear terms on pay, repatriation, leave, and voyage length.
• Save screenshots, links, and files.
• Pressure to "sign now" is a red flag.
• If needed, use contacts, send a report, or check resources in the seafarers section.

A proper check takes minutes. It can prevent most problems before you step on board.