#2026-536France Codifies Rules for Private Recruitment and Placement Services for Seafarers
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This decree creates a detailed regulatory framework for private companies in France that recruit or place seafarers. It adds new provisions to the Transport Code covering how these services must register, what information they must provide, and which authority manages their registration depending on where their head office is located. Private maritime recruitment and placement services will need to apply electronically, identify the activities they carry out, provide required documents such as proof of civil liability insurance, and commit to meeting operational obligations set by the code. The national register will be publicly available on the maritime ministry’s website, giving shipowners, workers, and authorities a clearer way to check registered providers.
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Key Changes
- Creates a national public register for private seafarer recruitment and placement services established in France
- Sets electronic registration procedures and assigns the competent authority based on the provider’s head office location
- Requires applicants to provide specified documents, including proof of civil liability insurance covering seafarer placement or supply activities
Obligations
What this law requires
Private seafarer recruitment and placement services established in France must apply for registration in the national register before carrying out placement or supply activities for seafarers.
The registration application must be submitted electronically to the competent authority for the location of the service provider’s registered office.
The registration application must specify the placement or seafarer-supply activities for which registration is requested.
Registration applications must include proof of civil liability insurance showing that the seafarer placement or supply activity is covered in accordance with Article L. 5546-1-5 of the Transport Code.
The legal representative of the service provider, or its authorised agent, must commit to putting in place all means necessary to comply with the operational obligations referenced in Articles R. 5546-2-7, R. 5546-2-11 and R. 5546-2-12 of the Transport Code.