How to Verify an RPSL Company License on DGMA — 2026 Guide
Before you sign any contract, pay any fee, or give any documents to a recruitment or placement agency, verify their RPSL license. This single step can save you from losing lakhs of rupees to scam agents — and losing years of your career.
This guide shows you exactly how to do it in under 5 minutes.
What Is an RPSL License?
RPSL stands for Recruitment and Placement Service License. Under Indian maritime law, any company or agent that recruits or places Indian seafarers on ships must hold a valid RPSL license issued by DGMA (formerly DGS).
Operating without a valid RPSL license is illegal. Recruiting seafarers and charging fees without a license is a criminal offense. Yet hundreds of fake agents operate every year — and thousands of aspirants lose money to them.
The RPSL license is your first and most important verification.
How to Verify RPSL Status — Step by Step
Step 1: Open your browser and go to https://dgma.gov.in
Step 2: Navigate to the RPSL section. Look for “Seafarers” or “Crew” in the menu, then “RPSL Companies” or “Approved Agencies.”
Step 3: Use the search function to find the company by name or registration number.
Step 4: The result will show:
- Company name
- RPSL number (format: RPSL-XXX/XXXX)
- Registered address
- License validity dates
- License status (Active / Suspended / Cancelled)
Step 5: Cross-reference: If the company gave you an RPSL number, verify that the number matches the company name exactly. Fraudulent agents sometimes quote real RPSL numbers of other companies.
What a Valid RPSL Entry Looks Like
A valid RPSL company listing on dgma.gov.in will show:
- An active status with a validity date in the future
- A verifiable registered address
- Contact details that match what the company gave you
Red flags:
- License expired but company still recruiting — illegal
- RPSL number doesn’t match company name
- Company not found at all on the portal
- Company found but status shows “Suspended” or “Cancelled”
Known Active RPSL Holders (Major Companies, May 2026)
Always verify current status on dgma.gov.in as licenses can be cancelled at any time.
| Company | Type |
|---|---|
| Anglo-Eastern Ship Management | International Ship Manager |
| Synergy Marine Group | International Ship Manager |
| Columbia Shipmanagement India | International Ship Manager |
| Wallem Maritime | International Ship Manager |
| Fleet Management India | International Ship Manager |
| V.Group India | International Ship Manager |
| Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement | International Ship Manager |
| Great Eastern Shipping (GE Shipping) | Indian Flag + International |
| Eastern Pacific Shipping | International Ship Manager |
| Wilhelmsen Ship Management | International Ship Manager |
This is not an exhaustive list. Hundreds of RPSL holders exist. The point is: verify on dgma.gov.in before trusting any agent.
What Legitimate RPSL Companies Never Do
A real RPSL company with a valid license will never:
- Ask you to pay a “registration fee” or “placement fee” for a job
- Ask you to pay for “document processing” through unofficial channels
- Guarantee a job before you have the required certificates
- Ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account
- Operate from a WhatsApp number only with no verifiable office
If any of these are happening, the agent is either unlicensed or operating illegally. Stop all dealings and report to DGS Helpline: 9004048406
What Happens If You Dealt With a Fake Agent
- Stop all payments immediately
- Do not give any more documents
- File a complaint: DGS Helpline 9004048406 | Email: support.dgs@gov.in
- Save all WhatsApp messages, payment receipts, and communication records
- File a police complaint (cyber fraud / cheating under IPC)
You are not alone. This happens to hundreds of aspirants every year. The faster you act, the better your chances of recovering money or getting the agent shut down.
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Internal Links
- How to Use the New DGMA Website 2026
- How to Verify a DG-Approved College
- Merchant Navy Coaching Scams — Complete Warning Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find the RPSL number of a company to verify it?
A: Ask the company directly for their RPSL number and registered name as per DGMA. Then verify both on dgma.gov.in.
Q: Can a company have a valid RPSL license and still be a scam?
A: Yes. A valid license means they are registered — it does not guarantee ethical conduct. Charging placement fees, even with a valid RPSL, is against DGMA rules. Report such cases to DGS.
Q: Is it legal for an RPSL company to charge me a fee?
A: Legitimate RPSL companies do not charge seafarers placement fees. Fees for pre-sea courses are paid to DGS-approved MTIs — not to manning agents.
Q: What if the company’s RPSL has expired recently?
A: Do not proceed. An expired RPSL means they are operating illegally. Report to DGS Helpline: 9004048406.
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