Before You Join: The Crew Checklist.

A calmer start to your next contract

Use this free checklist before accepting an offer and again before travelling. It helps you identify unanswered questions; it does not certify an employer, an offer or a contract as safe or lawful.

If something is unclear, write down the question, who will answer it and the date you need the answer. Do not tick a box because somebody says the detail can be sorted out after you arrive.

1. Verify the route

• I found the employer's official careers page independently.
• I checked any hiring partner through the employer's published route and any applicable regulator.
• I know the full legal name of the employer in the agreement.
• I understand every requested payment, who receives it and the stated basis.
• I will not share passwords, one-time codes or unnecessary identity documents.

2. Understand the offer

• I have the complete agreement and documents it incorporates.
• I understand guaranteed pay, variable pay, deductions and payment dates.
• I know my role, contract duration, joining arrangements and how extensions are handled.
• I have asked about rest, leave, medical arrangements and repatriation.
• I have identified terms I need explained before signing.

3. Prepare for travel

• I checked passport, visa, medical and role-document requirements through the relevant official routes.
• I have the itinerary, joining instructions and an independently verified travel contact.
• I know what to do if a flight changes or I cannot find the joining agent.
• I have discussed medication, prescriptions or health questions with an appropriate clinician.
• I saved essential documents securely and can reach them without relying only on a work account.

4. Set up support

• A trusted person knows my travel plan and how to contact me.
• I will obtain the onboard emergency and complaint procedures after joining.
• I know where to find official welfare, union and legal-help routes.
• I have a simple plan for recording pay, work and rest, appointments and unresolved questions.
• I have kept sensitive documents private and shared only what is necessary.

My joining record

The PDF includes a page for writing down your role, employer, ship and flag if known; joining date, itinerary and official travel contact; and three open questions, each with who will answer and by when.

Where to find help

For urgent illness, injury or danger, use the ship's emergency arrangements or appropriate local emergency services ashore. Do not wait for a website inbox to respond. Official welfare, union and lawyer-finding links are on our help page.

General preparation information, not legal or medical advice, recruitment placement or a guarantee of employment. Seek qualified advice for your circumstances and deadlines. Independent maritime legal review has not been completed. You may download, print and share the complete, unaltered checklist free of charge for non-commercial use with attribution.

Download free PDF