Frequently asked questions.
If you cannot find your answer here, write to us through the request form and we will reply the same business day.
General
Are you a manning agency?
No. We go beyond filling vacancies: we are an HR partner that builds human resources strategy for companies. We never charge seafarers a placement fee.
Do you charge seafarers any fees?
No. Human Key Offshore never charges seafarers any fee, at any stage or under any name, for finding work or placement on board: there are no application, registration, CV preparation, interview or placement fees. This is also a requirement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) Regulation 1.4. The service fee is paid by the shipowner and ship manager, not the seafarer. If anyone asks you for money in our name, do not pay and report it to crew@humankeyoffshore.com.
How are you different from a traditional crewing agency?
Agencies fill positions. We select candidates using data, take on the full HR workload of the crew through crew management, and make the process transparent with digital tools.
Which ship types do you supply crews for?
Crude oil and chemical tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, cement carriers, offshore support vessels, general cargo and passenger ships.
Where do you carry out crew changes?
At almost every port ships call at, except Russia, Ukraine, the Strait of Hormuz and Sudan. You can see the main ports on our fleet tracking page.
Shipowners and ship managers
What is the difference between crew supply and crew management?
With crew supply, we find and prepare the candidate, while employment and wage payment stay with the shipowner. With crew management, we take on the full management of the crew, including payroll, rotation, documents and training. A detailed responsibility matrix is on our crew management page.
How do you assess candidates?
We run a technical interview, an online professional test, an assessment of machinery and systems knowledge, and a reference check with the last company. Results are sent to your technical department as a PDF report. Your technical department's own questions can be added to the test.
How quickly can you act on an urgent crew change?
Speed depends on the rank, the systems on board, the port and the visa situation. As a first step, just send us the ship, rank, systems and port details, and matching starts straight away.
Do you provide pre-joining preparation?
Yes. We carry out pre-joining preparation with a ship-specific familiarisation, company procedures and SMS documents, and we monitor performance throughout the contract.
Crewing companies and manning agencies
What happens to the candidate data we share?
It stays for your use only. It is never proposed to another company and never enters a pool visible to another partner. Data is processed in compliance with KVKK and GDPR.
Whose name are CVs sent under?
CVs sent to shipowners carry your logo and corporate identity.
How does a partnership start?
A short introductory exchange of emails, putting the framework in writing, and a pilot period on the first crew requests. Details are on our partnership page.
Seafarers
How do I apply?
We do not currently accept applications or CVs through our website. We announce our open positions through our partners.
Do I pay a fee for applying or placement?
No. Seafarers are never charged a placement fee under any name.
What are the wages?
Wages depend on ship type, rank, flag and trading area. Wages and contract length are stated in writing in the job offer.
How can I contact you?
For general questions, write to crew@humankeyoffshore.com. Please do not attach your CV, passport or certificate copies to your email.