The Directorate General of Marine Administration (DGMA) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign targeting fake maritime job rackets, after scammers reportedly siphoned off crores of rupees from unsuspecting seafarers in 2025–26 alone by offering fraudulent high-paying positions on merchant vessels. Several genuine Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) holders and shipping companies have joined the drive, calling the schemes among the most sophisticated employment frauds targeting any professional sector in India.

Scale of the Fraud

According to officials associated with the campaign, hundreds of seafarers across India lose money, personal documents, and career momentum to fake maritime job offers every year. Police have filed cases involving crores of rupees stolen from job-seeking mariners in 2025–26 alone. Victims span the full experience spectrum — from fresh deck cadets seeking their first posting to senior officers looking for better contracts — underscoring how broadly these scams cast their net.

Beyond financial losses, many victims have had critical professional documents compromised, potentially derailing careers that depend on certifications such as the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and Certificate of Competency (COC).

How the Scams Operate

Fraudsters have grown increasingly fluent in DG Shipping terminology, casually referencing RPSL numbers, Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) compliance, CDC endorsements, and flag-state requirements to appear legitimate. They set up offices or use co-working spaces in crewing hotspots such as Navi Mumbai and Chennai, register company names incorporating phrases like 'India Private Limited' or 'Marine Services Pvt Ltd', and advertise positions that closely mimic those offered by licensed ship management firms.

Digital platforms have amplified the problem significantly. WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, Facebook pages, and LinkedIn profiles now serve as primary distribution channels for fake job offers. The fraudulent proposals cover positions on merchant vessels, cruise ships, and offshore platforms, and almost always involve demands for advance payments, full document scans, or both. Common lures include unrealistic salary packages, 'no experience required' promises, and offers of fast-track promotions.

Red Flags and How to Stay Safe

'A genuine-looking job offer isn't enough. Verify before you trust. Before accepting a recruitment offer, check whether the recruiter is authorised, verify the job details and stay cautious of unusual payment demands. Never let urgency override verification,' the DGMA stated as part of its campaign messaging.

Licensed RPSL holders have reinforced the message clearly: genuine shipping companies and RPSL holders never ask applicants to pay for a job, visa, joining ticket, or any processing fee. All visa and medical costs are borne by the shipowner. Any demand for money before a mariner boards a vessel should be treated as a major red flag, officials noted.

Verify Before You Trust: The RPSL Register

The DGMA and industry bodies are urging seafarers to verify a recruiter's RPSL status on the official DG Shipping portal before sharing any documents or travelling to join a vessel. As of October 2026, there are 538 valid RPSL holders, 396 agencies with invalid or expired licences, and 66 agencies that are temporarily suspended from recruiting — making independent verification a critical first step.

The campaign marks a notable escalation in the maritime sector's response to scams that have grown more sophisticated since 2020. With digital fraud channels proliferating and fraudsters exploiting the industry's niche vocabulary, authorities and industry groups are stressing that informed verification is the only reliable safeguard.