Founded by Seafarers · Southampton & Hamburg · Est. 2002
The Manning Agency
Built by Mariners
Crew placement, STCW training, and career development for commercial shipping. 487 seafarers placed in 2025. We know the job because we have done it.
487
Seafarers placed in 2025
23
Active shipping partners
12
Accredited STCW courses
2002
Est. Southampton
The Vessels We Crew
Every rank.
Every vessel type.
From Able Seamen to Masters, from bulk carriers to LNG tankers — Costa del Alba covers the full spectrum of commercial maritime crewing.
View Manning ServicesThree Services, One Agency
Manning, training, and career development — built to work together.
Crew Manning & Placement
We source, screen, and place qualified seafarers with shipping operators worldwide — from ratings to Masters, across all vessel types.
Request CrewMaritime Training
STCW-accredited courses and officer certification programmes at our Southampton training centre — taught by people who have held the tickets they teach.
View CoursesCareer Pathways
From first sea day to command rank — we map the route, fund the training, and place you at every stage.
Start Your JourneyHow It Works
Three steps — whether you are looking for work or looking for crew.
Register Your Profile
Submit your rank, certifications, and sea service history through our online portal. Our crewing team reviews every application.
Interview & Assessment
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a competency interview. We verify your certificates and confirm your fitness for the role.
Deploy
We handle joining instructions, travel logistics, and visa support. You report aboard ready to work, with us behind you every step.
“We have been placing seafarers since 2002 — our record speaks for itself.”
In Their Words
Seafarers and operators who have worked with us.
“Joined the pool in 2014 as OS on a Black Sea to Rotterdam run. They funded my OOW course three years later — no long process, just paperwork and a contract ready when I qualified. My Master's ticket came through last year. Never had a gap contract in that time.”
Andrei Popescu
Master, MV Baltic Strength (Panamax Bulk Carrier)
“Six years, fourteen vessels, and I've never had crew documentation fail Port State Control. I don't know exactly what their verification process is, but it holds up. The other thing — their crewing officers actually pick up the phone.”
Elena Vasquez
Fleet Personnel Manager, Nordvik Shipping
“Did the OOW Engineering course in Southampton last year. The instructor was still sailing commercially until 2022 — he knows what examiners actually ask. Three weeks after results day I was boarding a gas carrier in Rotterdam. That turnaround surprised me.”
James Okonkwo
2nd Engineer, LNG Carrier