Application to Boarding: Eight Steps
You know in advance what happens at each step and when each document is required.
The eight steps below are the whole road from application to joining the ship. We have written out who does what at each step and what is expected from you — because the complaint heard most often in this sector is not knowing what is happening mid-process.
Quay to ship: the scene advances as you scroll.
- 01
Application
Fill in the form; tell us your position and experience.
- Who does it
- You — through the form
- Expected from you
- Position preference, experience summary, contact details
- 02
First consultation
We talk through your situation by phone or WhatsApp.
- Who does it
- Us — phone or WhatsApp
- Expected from you
- A suitable time window; no documents needed yet
- 03
Document check
Your papers are checked one by one; anything missing is reported in writing.
- Who does it
- Us — we compare your documents
- Expected from you
- Legible copies of the documents you hold
- 04
Interview
Employer or agency interview; we prepare you if needed.
- Who does it
- Employer or agency
- Expected from you
- Preparation for the interview; we work on it together if needed
- 05
Medical report
Seafarer medical examination at an authorised centre.
- Who does it
- Authorised health institution
- Expected from you
- Appointment and examination (yours to arrange)
- 06
Visa procedures
Document preparation according to flag and route requirements.
- Who does it
- Application yours, guidance ours
- Expected from you
- Consulate paperwork and appointment
- 07
Placement
Contract terms and duration are set out in writing.
- Who does it
- Employer — the contract is drawn up
- Expected from you
- Reading the contract and asking questions before signing
- 08
Joining the ship
Flights, transfer and joining date are planned.
- Who does it
- Organised by employer or agency
- Expected from you
- Being ready on the joining date
How long does it take
The honest answer: it varies. For a candidate whose documents are complete the process is shorter; missing paperwork, a medical appointment or a visa calendar lengthens it. We do not give you a number of days because part of that calendar is not in our hands. We keep you informed so you know where you stand at every step.