How to check the other side before a deal

Checking the other side on rynda.io means confirming their company and vessel with documents before you share contacts or pay. Words in a chat, a vessel name or an IMO number prove nothing on their own: anyone can type them.

What the site shows you

A badge sits under the other side's name in the chat header; tap it to see the explanation:

The Verified company badge does not guarantee the other side's good faith or the authority of the person writing to you, so always ask for documents for the deal.

After you click "We agree", the site asks whether you are ready to share your email and phone, and reminds you which documents to ask for.

Which documents to ask for

• For the vessel: the certificate of registry or the class certificate. The name, IMO number, year built and deadweight must match the vessel's page on rynda.io.
• For authority: the ship management agreement or the owner's mandate, if the other side is a manager or broker rather than the owner.
• For the company: an extract from the company register.

Documents can be sent as a file right in the chat.

Signs to stop

• The other side rushes you to WhatsApp or another messenger before you have agreed.
• Their story about themselves changes from message to message.
• The vessel data doesn't match its page on rynda.io.
• They ask for a prepayment or a "commission" before any documents.
• The freight figures don't add up: the rate times the quantity doesn't give the stated total.

If you see any of these, click "Report" under the message or write to support@rynda.io.

How to get the Verified company badge yourself

Upload your company documents under Account → Company. The steps are in Company verification and trust badges. The other side replies more often to verified companies.

See also

• How to contact a broker
• Company verification and trust badges
• Privacy and security