A growing number of fraudulent job schemes in India’s maritime sector is leaving aspiring seafarers facing significant financial losses and uncertain career prospects, according to a report by the All India Seafarers Union.
The report highlights a sharp increase in fake placement agencies and unauthorised manning agents targeting young job seekers. These operators promise high-paying positions on foreign-going vessels but often lack valid licenses and disappear after collecting large upfront fees.
India remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime labour. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the country accounts for about 12% of the global seafarer workforce, with roughly 280,000–300,000 active seafarers – most of them employed on foreign-flagged ships. Authorities aim to increase this share to 20% under long-term maritime development plans.
Despite repeated warnings from the Directorate General of Shipping, fraudulent recruitment practices persist. A key issue, industry representatives say, is the absence of a centralized system to track maritime recruitment fraud. Most cases fall under general fraud provisions, making it difficult to assess the scale of the problem or identify repeat offenders.
Underreporting further complicates enforcement. Many victims avoid filing complaints due to lack of awareness, social stigma, or uncertainty about legal procedures. As a result, informal complaints often exceed officially registered cases.
Fraudulent agents typically demand large payments – sometimes amounting to several lakhs of rupees – and request transfers to personal bank accounts. In many instances, candidates do not receive essential documents such as a Seafarer Employment Agreement, leaving them without legal protection.
Maritime experts warn that the issue extends beyond India. Global estimates suggest that up to 30% of seafarers face illegal recruitment fee demands, particularly at the entry level. Victims often report that promised job placements never materialize after payment, or are repeatedly delayed.
Industry stakeholders are calling for stricter enforcement against unlicensed agents, better coordination between central and regional authorities, and the creation of a dedicated grievance mechanism. A centralized database of fraud cases could help identify patterns and improve response measures.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network also highlights the scale of the issue. Since 2019, its SeafarerHelp helpline has handled hundreds of cases involving illegal recruitment, affecting more than a thousand Indian seafarers. Many sought assistance after paying fees without securing employment or after being placed in unsafe working conditions.
Regulators continue to urge seafarers to verify recruitment agencies through official licensing systems and avoid dealing with intermediaries or unregistered agents.
