Illegal recruitment fees push seafarers into debt, erode vessel safety, and expose shipping companies to growing legal and reputational risk. This resource combines the latest research evidence with a practical compliance toolkit for employers.
Joint research by IHRB and TURTLE in 2024 surveyed 2,627 seafarers between May and July 2024. The results confirm that illegal recruitment fees remain endemic across ranks, vessel types, and nationalities — and that the vast majority of incidents go unreported.
Of these, 26% were asked within 2024 alone — demonstrating the practice is current, not historic.
Only 26% refused. Lower-ranked seafarers felt significantly less able to refuse — just 20% of ratings refused versus 29% of officers.
22% didn't know it was illegal. 40% didn't know where to report. 27% believed it would make no difference.
43% of those who paid were charged between $500–$8,000. 16% have accumulated over $8,000 of total career debt. Some borrowed money to pay, incurring interest on top.
63% financial stress. 30% depression. 18% anxiety. 16% sleep disturbances. These impacts directly affect vessel safety.
Container cargo owners must recognise illegal recruitment fees as a significant risk in their Tier 1 transport supply chains. 22% of cases were on offshore vessels.
Source: IHRB & TURTLE — Seafarers and Illegal Recruitment Fees 2024 Insights.
Based on 2,627 seafarer responses.