VERIFY BEFORE YOU TRUST
How to Avoid Merchant Navy Admission Scams & Fake Job Promises – A Guide for Students and Parents
Learn how to identify Merchant Navy admission scams, fake job promises, unauthorized agents, fake sponsorship, fake certificates and unsafe payment requests.
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Warning Signs Students Should Know
Be cautious of guaranteed ship jobs, guaranteed salaries, requests for payment to secure employment, fake company letters, fake sponsorship claims, pressure to pay immediately and promises that bypass normal training or certification.
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“Pay Us and We Will Get You a Ship”
Legitimate employment is not something a stranger can guarantee simply because money is paid. Verify any employment or sponsorship claim directly with the relevant company or official source.
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Check the Sender
A professional-looking logo, email signature or WhatsApp profile does not prove authenticity. Use independently verified official contact details rather than the phone number supplied by the person making the claim.
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Be Careful With Personal Bank Accounts
Ask why a payment is being requested, who the legal recipient is and whether the amount appears in an official fee document. Keep receipts and written records.
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Fake Certificates and Sea Time
Never buy a certificate, sea-time entry, CDC-related record or other maritime document. Training and certification must follow the proper official process.
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Fake Sponsorship
Ask what sponsorship actually means, who provides it, what the written terms are and whether the company relationship can be verified directly.
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Old Screenshots Are Not Proof
A salary screenshot or old placement list may no longer represent the current market, company or course. Ask for current, verifiable information.
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Do Your Own Verification
Verify the course, institute, company, approval status, fees and payment instructions independently. Do not rely on one person to verify themselves.
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If You Feel Pressured, Stop
A genuine opportunity should survive reasonable questions. Take time, involve your parents and verify before paying.
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SeaStart’s Position
SeaStart provides career information and guidance. We do not promise employment, salary, placement or instant success. Our advice is simple: Learn. Verify. Decide.
“If someone is asking you to trust a promise instead of giving you something you can verify, slow down.”
Learn. Verify. Decide.
ASK BEFORE YOU COMMIT
Not sure which maritime pathway is right for you?
Talk to SeaStart before you pay an admission fee.