RPSL - Recruitment & Placement Services License

RPSL stands for Recruitment and Placement Services License issued to seafarer recruitment companies in India by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. This license ensures compliance with the Recruitment & Placement Services Regulations issued by the Indian government and implemented through the Indian Merchant Shipping Act.
Each RPS is issued with a unique RPSL number. Seafarers must verify the RPSL number from the list provided by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) before joining any shipping company. Companies not on the RPSL list may result in the seafarer's joining and sea time being considered invalid. Furthermore, the RPSL number must be mentioned on the company's official letterhead when issuing contracts or other formal documents to seafarers.