Manning agent fees cannot generally be charged to seafarers under MLC 2006. Standard A1.4 says recruitment, placement and employment-related charges must not be borne directly or indirectly by the seafarer. Limited exceptions include certain personal documents and a national statutory medical certificate. Visa costs must be borne by the shipowner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This rule applies to covered private recruitment and placement services operating under a national regulatory system. The aim is simple: a seafarer should not have to pay a recruitment agency to obtain a job at sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Indian manning agencies, the MLC requirement also needs to be read alongside the current RPSL rules on recruitment costs and cost allocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n