How can I avoid manning agency and recruitment scams?

Deal only with DMW-licensed manning agencies and never pay to get a job. No legitimate agency or employer will ever ask you to pay for a 'visa', 'visa processing', training bond, or medical as the price of a job offer — charging seafarers placement fees is illegal.

Under Philippine law (the Migrant Workers Act, RA 8042 as amended by RA 10022) and MLC 2006, it is illegal recruitment to charge a seafarer a placement fee, and seafarers must not bear the cost of recruitment. Any agency demanding payment before deployment is breaking the law.

The clearest warning sign of a scam is a request for money — especially for a 'visa', 'visa processing fee', 'training bond', 'reservation', or 'medical' sent to a personal bank account, e-wallet (GCash/Maya), or remittance. Legitimate employers shoulder visa costs; you are never asked to pay for your own work visa to win a job.

Other red flags: 'jobs' offered only through Facebook, TikTok, or text with no real licensed office; pressure to pay or decide quickly; a contract that is not a DMW-verified POEA Standard Employment Contract (POEA-SEC); and a 'guaranteed' hire in exchange for a fee.

Before engaging anyone, verify the agency on the official DMW list of licensed recruitment agencies, insist on a DMW-verified POEA-SEC before you depart, and keep copies of every document and receipt. If you suspect illegal recruitment, report it to the Department of Migrant Workers so other seafarers are protected.

Official link

DMW — Verify a licensed recruitment / manning agency →

Official Philippine government portal. Eagle Intelligence is independent and not affiliated with this agency.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal for a manning agency to charge me a placement fee?

No. For seafarers, charging a placement or recruitment fee is illegal under Philippine law and MLC 2006. A licensed agency earns from the principal/shipowner, not from you.

Do I have to pay for my own work visa or 'visa processing'?

No. A legitimate employer or principal shoulders the cost of the work visa for a genuine job offer. Anyone asking you to pay for a 'visa' or 'visa processing fee' to secure a seafaring job is almost certainly running a scam.

An agency contacted me on Facebook and asked for a deposit — is that legit?

Treat it as a scam until proven otherwise. Verify the agency on the official DMW list, deal only through its licensed office, and never send money to a personal account or e-wallet.

They asked for a 'training bond' before deployment. Is that normal?

Be very cautious. A demand to pay a 'bond', 'reservation fee', or 'training fee' before you are deployed is a common illegal-recruitment tactic. Verify the agency and the job order with the DMW first.

How do I report illegal recruitment or a suspected scam?

Report it to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Keep all messages, receipts, and contracts as evidence so the agency or individual can be investigated.

Key references: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) · RA 8042 / RA 10022 · POEA-SEC · MLC 2006. This is general guidance, not legal advice — verify current rules with the issuing authority or a qualified professional. Last reviewed 2026-06-28 by the EAGLE Intelligence Unit.