diff --git a/App/CLAUDE.md b/App/CLAUDE.md
index 0820d46..1238bf5 100644
--- a/App/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/App/CLAUDE.md
@@ -143,6 +143,14 @@ A crew-management module built incrementally per the **wiki `Crewing-Implementat
 - **Screens:** `/crewing/candidates` (master list with search / source / rank-applied / min-experience filters rendered as removable chips + match count + Clear all; Add-candidate modal) and `/crewing/candidates/[id]` (profile; the 7-stage pipeline/stepper is 3b). **Candidates** added to the flag-gated Crewing nav (Manager + MPO).
 - **Deferred:** the public careers intake API (A2, §13 open question) — 3a uses the internal Add-candidate modal only; CVs are stored but not parsed.
 
+**Phase 3b — Recruitment pipeline (Epic C; spec §5.1/§8.4–8.5/§8.13):**
+
+- **Models:** `Application` (one per requisition+candidate) drives the 7-stage `ApplicationStage` (`SHORTLISTED → COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES → DOC_VERIFICATION → SALARY_AGREEMENT → PROPOSED → INTERVIEW → SELECTED`; `→ REJECTED`; `ONBOARDED` is 3c). `ApplicationGate` records each vetting gate — `SALARY` / `SELECTION` / `WAIVER` gates with `result=PENDING` are the Manager's queue items. `ReferenceCheck`, effective-dated `SalaryStructure` (attached to the Application in 3b; bound to the assignment in 3c), and minimal `BankDetail` / `EpfDetail` captured at DOC_VERIFICATION (PII encryption deferred to Phase 4). `CrewAction` gained `applicationId`.
+- **State machine:** `lib/application-pipeline.ts` (mirrors po/requisition machines) — sourcing advances are MPO/Manager; `approve_salary` and `select` are Manager-only; `canReject` is orthogonal. `BOARD_STAGES` is the 7 columns.
+- **Actions** (`app/(portal)/crewing/applications/actions.ts`): `addApplication` (first candidate moves the requisition OPEN→SHORTLISTING), `advanceStage`, `recordReferenceCheck`, `verifyDocuments` (captures bank/EPF), `agreeSalary`→`approveSalary`/`returnSalary`, `recordInterviewResult`, `requestInterviewWaiver`→`approveInterviewWaiver`/`declineInterviewWaiver`, `selectCandidate`/`returnSelection` (sets requisition→SELECTED), `rejectApplication`. Waiver is **never automatic** (R2). Notifications: `SALARY_FOR_APPROVAL` / `SELECTION_FOR_APPROVAL` / `WAIVER_REQUESTED` (+ `CANDIDATE_PROPOSED`).
+- **Screens:** pipeline board per requisition (`/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline`, 7 columns + Add-candidate), the application workhorse (`/crewing/applications/[id]` — 7-step stepper + adaptive per-stage action card), and an **"Open pipeline"** action on the requisition detail.
+- **Central approvals (§8.13 R8):** `/approvals` now also lists pending crewing gates (Salary / Selection / Waiver) with inline Approve/Return, alongside POs — one unified Manager queue.
+
 ### GST Calculation
 
 `totalAmount = sum(quantity × unitPrice × (1 + gstRate))` for each line item. The `gstRate` is stored as a decimal on `POLineItem` (e.g., `0.18` = 18%). This applies in Server Actions when computing `totalPrice` per line and the PO `totalAmount`.
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/approvals/crewing-approvals.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/approvals/crewing-approvals.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..22ff719
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/approvals/crewing-approvals.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+"use client";
+
+import { useState } from "react";
+import Link from "next/link";
+import { useRouter } from "next/navigation";
+import { Badge } from "@/components/ui/badge";
+import { AdminDialog } from "@/components/ui/admin-dialog";
+import {
+  approveSalary,
+  returnSalary,
+  selectCandidate,
+  returnSelection,
+  approveInterviewWaiver,
+  declineInterviewWaiver,
+} from "../crewing/applications/actions";
+
+export type CrewApprovalKind = "SALARY" | "SELECTION" | "WAIVER";
+
+export type CrewApprovalItem = {
+  applicationId: string;
+  kind: CrewApprovalKind;
+  candidateName: string;
+  rank: string;
+  requisitionCode: string;
+  detail: string; // amount for salary, etc.
+};
+
+const KIND_LABEL: Record<CrewApprovalKind, string> = { SALARY: "Salary", SELECTION: "Selection", WAIVER: "Waiver" };
+const KIND_VARIANT = { SALARY: "warning", SELECTION: "default", WAIVER: "secondary" } as const;
+
+const approveFn: Record<CrewApprovalKind, (id: string) => Promise<{ ok: true } | { error: string }>> = {
+  SALARY: approveSalary,
+  SELECTION: selectCandidate,
+  WAIVER: approveInterviewWaiver,
+};
+const returnFn: Record<CrewApprovalKind, (id: string, reason: string) => Promise<{ ok: true } | { error: string }>> = {
+  SALARY: returnSalary,
+  SELECTION: returnSelection,
+  WAIVER: declineInterviewWaiver,
+};
+
+function Row({ item }: { item: CrewApprovalItem }) {
+  const router = useRouter();
+  const [pending, setPending] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState("");
+  const [returnOpen, setReturnOpen] = useState(false);
+  const [reason, setReason] = useState("");
+
+  async function approve() {
+    setPending(true); setError("");
+    const res = await approveFn[item.kind](item.applicationId);
+    setPending(false);
+    if ("error" in res) setError(res.error); else router.refresh();
+  }
+  async function doReturn(e: React.FormEvent) {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    setPending(true); setError("");
+    const res = await returnFn[item.kind](item.applicationId, reason);
+    setPending(false);
+    if ("error" in res) setError(res.error); else { setReturnOpen(false); router.refresh(); }
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <tr className="hover:bg-neutral-50">
+      <td className="px-4 py-3"><Badge variant={KIND_VARIANT[item.kind]}>{KIND_LABEL[item.kind]}</Badge></td>
+      <td className="px-4 py-3">
+        <Link href={`/crewing/applications/${item.applicationId}`} className="font-medium text-neutral-900 hover:text-primary-700">{item.candidateName}</Link>
+        <span className="block text-xs text-neutral-500">{item.rank} · <span className="font-mono">{item.requisitionCode}</span></span>
+      </td>
+      <td className="px-4 py-3 text-sm text-neutral-600">{item.detail}</td>
+      <td className="px-4 py-3 text-right">
+        <div className="flex justify-end gap-2">
+          <button onClick={approve} disabled={pending} className="rounded-md bg-primary-600 px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-semibold text-white hover:bg-primary-700 disabled:opacity-60">Approve</button>
+          <button onClick={() => setReturnOpen(true)} disabled={pending} className="rounded-md border border-neutral-300 px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-medium text-neutral-700 hover:bg-neutral-50">Return</button>
+        </div>
+        {error && <p className="text-xs text-danger-700 mt-1">{error}</p>}
+        <AdminDialog title={`Return ${KIND_LABEL[item.kind].toLowerCase()}`} open={returnOpen} onClose={() => setReturnOpen(false)}>
+          <form onSubmit={doReturn} className="space-y-4 text-left">
+            <textarea className="w-full rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-3 py-2 text-sm" rows={3} value={reason} onChange={(e) => setReason(e.target.value)} required placeholder="Reason for returning" />
+            <div className="flex justify-end gap-3">
+              <button type="button" className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 hover:bg-neutral-50" onClick={() => setReturnOpen(false)}>Cancel</button>
+              <button type="submit" disabled={pending} className="rounded-lg bg-primary-600 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white hover:bg-primary-700 disabled:opacity-60">Return</button>
+            </div>
+          </form>
+        </AdminDialog>
+      </td>
+    </tr>
+  );
+}
+
+export function CrewingApprovals({ items }: { items: CrewApprovalItem[] }) {
+  return (
+    <div className="mt-8">
+      <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold text-neutral-900 mb-1">Crewing approvals</h2>
+      <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 mb-3">{items.length} item{items.length === 1 ? "" : "s"} awaiting your decision</p>
+      <div className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-200 bg-white overflow-hidden">
+        <table className="w-full text-sm">
+          <thead className="bg-neutral-50 border-b border-neutral-200">
+            <tr>
+              <th className="px-4 py-3 text-left font-medium text-neutral-600">Kind</th>
+              <th className="px-4 py-3 text-left font-medium text-neutral-600">Candidate</th>
+              <th className="px-4 py-3 text-left font-medium text-neutral-600">Detail</th>
+              <th className="px-4 py-3"></th>
+            </tr>
+          </thead>
+          <tbody className="divide-y divide-neutral-100">
+            {items.map((item) => <Row key={`${item.kind}-${item.applicationId}`} item={item} />)}
+          </tbody>
+        </table>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/approvals/page.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/approvals/page.tsx
index 067d250..27faa98 100644
--- a/App/app/(portal)/approvals/page.tsx
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/approvals/page.tsx
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ import { redirect } from "next/navigation";
 import Link from "next/link";
 import { formatCurrency, formatDate } from "@/lib/utils";
 import { ApprovalsSearch } from "./approvals-search";
+import { CREWING_ENABLED } from "@/lib/feature-flags";
+import { CrewingApprovals, type CrewApprovalItem, type CrewApprovalKind } from "./crewing-approvals";
 import { Suspense } from "react";
 import type { Metadata } from "next";
 
@@ -49,6 +51,49 @@ export default async function ApprovalsPage({ searchParams }: Props) {
     db.vessel.findMany({ orderBy: { name: "asc" }, select: { id: true, name: true } }),
   ]);
 
+  // Crewing approvals (spec §8.13 R8) — the same unified Manager queue. Pending
+  // SALARY / SELECTION / WAIVER gates surface here alongside POs.
+  const role = session.user.role;
+  const showCrewing =
+    CREWING_ENABLED &&
+    (hasPermission(role, "approve_salary_structure") ||
+      hasPermission(role, "select_candidate") ||
+      hasPermission(role, "approve_interview_waiver"));
+
+  const crewGates = showCrewing
+    ? await db.applicationGate.findMany({
+        where: { result: "PENDING", gate: { in: ["SALARY", "SELECTION", "WAIVER"] } },
+        orderBy: { createdAt: "asc" },
+        include: {
+          application: {
+            include: {
+              crewMember: { select: { name: true } },
+              requisition: { select: { code: true, rank: { select: { name: true } } } },
+              salaryStructures: { where: { approvedById: null }, orderBy: { createdAt: "desc" }, take: 1 },
+            },
+          },
+        },
+      })
+    : [];
+
+  const crewItems: CrewApprovalItem[] = crewGates.map((g) => {
+    const sal = g.application.salaryStructures[0];
+    const detail =
+      g.gate === "SALARY" && sal
+        ? `${sal.currency} ${Number(sal.basic).toLocaleString("en-IN")} / ${sal.rateBasis.toLowerCase()}`
+        : g.gate === "WAIVER"
+          ? "Returning crew — interview waiver"
+          : "Interview cleared";
+    return {
+      applicationId: g.applicationId,
+      kind: g.gate as CrewApprovalKind,
+      candidateName: g.application.crewMember.name,
+      rank: g.application.requisition.rank.name,
+      requisitionCode: g.application.requisition.code,
+      detail,
+    };
+  });
+
   return (
     <div>
       <div className="mb-4">
@@ -137,6 +182,8 @@ export default async function ApprovalsPage({ searchParams }: Props) {
           </div>
         </>
       )}
+
+      {showCrewing && crewItems.length > 0 && <CrewingApprovals items={crewItems} />}
     </div>
   );
 }
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/[id]/page.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/[id]/page.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2fdb825
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/[id]/page.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,142 @@
+import { auth } from "@/auth";
+import { db } from "@/lib/db";
+import { hasPermission } from "@/lib/permissions";
+import { CREWING_ENABLED } from "@/lib/feature-flags";
+import { redirect, notFound } from "next/navigation";
+import Link from "next/link";
+import { ArrowLeft, Check } from "lucide-react";
+import { Badge } from "@/components/ui/badge";
+import { ApplicationActionCard } from "../application-action-card";
+import { STAGE_ORDER, STAGE_LABEL, STAGE_VARIANT, stageIndex } from "../application-ui";
+import { experienceLabel } from "../../candidates/candidate-ui";
+import { cn } from "@/lib/utils";
+import type { Metadata } from "next";
+
+export const metadata: Metadata = { title: "Application" };
+
+export default async function ApplicationDetailPage({ params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }) {
+  if (!CREWING_ENABLED) notFound();
+
+  const session = await auth();
+  if (!session?.user) redirect("/login");
+  const role = session.user.role;
+  if (!hasPermission(role, "view_requisitions") && !hasPermission(role, "manage_candidates")) redirect("/dashboard");
+
+  const { id } = await params;
+  const app = await db.application.findUnique({
+    where: { id },
+    include: {
+      requisition: { include: { rank: { select: { name: true } }, vessel: { select: { name: true } }, site: { select: { name: true } } } },
+      crewMember: { include: { appliedRank: { select: { name: true } }, currentRank: { select: { name: true } } } },
+      gates: true,
+      salaryStructures: { orderBy: { createdAt: "desc" } },
+    },
+  });
+  if (!app) notFound();
+
+  const gate = (t: string) => app.gates.find((g) => g.gate === t);
+  const salaryPending = gate("SALARY")?.result === "PENDING";
+  const waiverPending = gate("WAIVER")?.result === "PENDING";
+  const selectionPending = gate("SELECTION")?.result === "PENDING";
+  const proposed = app.salaryStructures.find((s) => !s.approvedById) ?? app.salaryStructures[0] ?? null;
+
+  const loc = app.requisition.vessel?.name ?? app.requisition.site?.name ?? "—";
+  const curIdx = stageIndex(app.stage);
+
+  return (
+    <div className="max-w-4xl">
+      <Link href={`/crewing/requisitions/${app.requisition.id}/pipeline`} className="inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm text-neutral-500 hover:text-neutral-800 mb-4">
+        <ArrowLeft className="h-4 w-4" /> Pipeline · {app.requisition.code}
+      </Link>
+
+      <div className="mb-6 flex items-center gap-3">
+        <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold text-neutral-900">{app.crewMember.name}</h1>
+        <Badge variant={STAGE_VARIANT[app.stage]}>{STAGE_LABEL[app.stage]}</Badge>
+        {app.crewMember.type === "EX_HAND" && (
+          <span className="rounded-full bg-purple-100 text-purple-700 px-2.5 py-0.5 text-xs font-medium">Returning crew</span>
+        )}
+      </div>
+      <p className="text-sm text-neutral-500 -mt-4 mb-6">
+        {app.requisition.rank.name} · {loc} · <span className="font-mono">{app.requisition.code}</span>
+      </p>
+
+      {/* 7-step stepper */}
+      <div className="mb-6 flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+        {STAGE_ORDER.map((s, i) => {
+          const done = curIdx > i || app.stage === "ONBOARDED";
+          const current = curIdx === i;
+          return (
+            <div key={s} className={cn(
+              "flex items-center gap-1.5 rounded-full px-3 py-1 text-xs font-medium",
+              done ? "bg-success-100 text-success-700" : current ? "bg-primary-100 text-primary-700" : "bg-neutral-100 text-neutral-400"
+            )}>
+              {done && <Check className="h-3 w-3" />}
+              {STAGE_LABEL[s]}
+            </div>
+          );
+        })}
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
+        {/* Adaptive action card */}
+        <ApplicationActionCard
+          id={app.id}
+          stage={app.stage}
+          isExHand={app.crewMember.type === "EX_HAND"}
+          interviewResult={app.interviewResult}
+          interviewWaived={app.interviewWaived}
+          rejectedReason={app.rejectedReason}
+          salaryPending={salaryPending}
+          waiverPending={waiverPending}
+          selectionPending={selectionPending}
+          salary={proposed ? {
+            rateBasis: proposed.rateBasis,
+            basic: Number(proposed.basic),
+            victualingPerDay: Number(proposed.victualingPerDay),
+            currency: proposed.currency,
+            approved: Boolean(proposed.approvedById),
+          } : null}
+          perms={{
+            manage: hasPermission(role, "manage_candidates"),
+            recordReference: hasPermission(role, "record_reference_check"),
+            recordInterview: hasPermission(role, "record_interview_result"),
+            requestWaiver: hasPermission(role, "request_interview_waiver"),
+            approveSalary: hasPermission(role, "approve_salary_structure"),
+            approveWaiver: hasPermission(role, "approve_interview_waiver"),
+            select: hasPermission(role, "select_candidate"),
+          }}
+        />
+
+        {/* Profile */}
+        <div className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-200 bg-white overflow-hidden h-fit">
+          <div className="px-4 py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 bg-neutral-50">
+            <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold text-neutral-900">Profile</h2>
+          </div>
+          <dl className="divide-y divide-neutral-100">
+            {([
+              ["Rank applied", app.crewMember.appliedRank?.name ?? app.requisition.rank.name],
+              ["Last rank held", app.crewMember.currentRank?.name ?? "—"],
+              ["Experience", experienceLabel(app.crewMember.experienceMonths)],
+              ["Source", app.crewMember.source],
+            ] as [string, string][]).map(([k, v]) => (
+              <div key={k} className="flex justify-between gap-4 px-4 py-2.5">
+                <dt className="text-sm text-neutral-500">{k}</dt>
+                <dd className="text-sm text-neutral-900 text-right">{v}</dd>
+              </div>
+            ))}
+          </dl>
+          {app.crewMember.type === "EX_HAND" && (
+            <div className="px-4 py-3 border-t border-neutral-100 text-xs text-purple-700 bg-purple-50">
+              Returning crew — prior docs/bank/tour on file; interview may be waived with Manager approval.
+            </div>
+          )}
+          <div className="px-4 py-3 border-t border-neutral-100">
+            <Link href={`/crewing/candidates/${app.crewMember.id}`} className="text-sm text-primary-600 hover:underline">
+              View full candidate profile →
+            </Link>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/actions.ts b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/actions.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f63a20d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/actions.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,537 @@
+"use server";
+
+import { auth } from "@/auth";
+import { db } from "@/lib/db";
+import { hasPermission, type Permission } from "@/lib/permissions";
+import { CREWING_ENABLED } from "@/lib/feature-flags";
+import {
+  canPerformAction,
+  canReject,
+  getTransition,
+  type ApplicationAction,
+} from "@/lib/application-pipeline";
+import { getManagerRecipients, getMpoRecipients } from "@/lib/requisition-service";
+import { notifyCrew } from "@/lib/notifier";
+import { SalaryRateBasis } from "@prisma/client";
+import type { Role } from "@prisma/client";
+import { z } from "zod";
+import { revalidatePath } from "next/cache";
+
+type ActionResult = { ok: true; id?: string } | { error: string };
+
+const appPath = (id: string) => `/crewing/applications/${id}`;
+
+async function guard(
+  permission: Permission
+): Promise<{ error: string } | { userId: string; role: Role }> {
+  if (!CREWING_ENABLED) return { error: "Crewing is not enabled" };
+  const session = await auth();
+  if (!session?.user) return { error: "Unauthorized" };
+  if (!hasPermission(session.user.role, permission)) return { error: "Unauthorized" };
+  return { userId: session.user.id, role: session.user.role };
+}
+
+// Load an application with the bits the actions need; null if missing.
+async function loadApp(id: string) {
+  return db.application.findUnique({
+    where: { id },
+    include: {
+      requisition: { select: { id: true, status: true, code: true, rank: { select: { name: true } } } },
+      crewMember: { select: { id: true, name: true, type: true } },
+    },
+  });
+}
+
+function revalidateApp(applicationId: string, requisitionId: string) {
+  revalidatePath(appPath(applicationId));
+  revalidatePath(`/crewing/requisitions/${requisitionId}/pipeline`);
+  revalidatePath("/approvals");
+}
+
+// ── Add a candidate to a requisition's pipeline ────────────────────────────────
+
+export async function addApplication(formData: FormData): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("manage_candidates");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const requisitionId = formData.get("requisitionId") as string;
+  const crewMemberId = formData.get("crewMemberId") as string;
+  if (!requisitionId || !crewMemberId) return { error: "Requisition and candidate are required" };
+
+  const [requisition, candidate, existing] = await Promise.all([
+    db.requisition.findUnique({ where: { id: requisitionId }, select: { status: true } }),
+    db.crewMember.findUnique({ where: { id: crewMemberId }, select: { type: true } }),
+    db.application.findUnique({ where: { requisitionId_crewMemberId: { requisitionId, crewMemberId } }, select: { id: true } }),
+  ]);
+  if (!requisition) return { error: "Requisition not found" };
+  if (!candidate) return { error: "Candidate not found" };
+  if (requisition.status === "CANCELLED" || requisition.status === "FILLED") {
+    return { error: `Cannot add candidates to a ${requisition.status} requisition` };
+  }
+  if (existing) return { error: "This candidate is already in the pipeline for this requisition" };
+
+  const application = await db.application.create({
+    data: {
+      requisitionId,
+      crewMemberId,
+      type: candidate.type,
+      stage: "SHORTLISTED",
+      actions: { create: { actionType: "APPLICATION_CREATED", actorId: g.userId, crewMemberId, requisitionId } },
+    },
+  });
+
+  // First candidate moves the requisition from OPEN into sourcing.
+  if (requisition.status === "OPEN") {
+    await db.requisition.update({
+      where: { id: requisitionId },
+      data: {
+        status: "SHORTLISTING",
+        actions: { create: { actionType: "REQUISITION_ADVANCED", actorId: g.userId, metadata: { to: "SHORTLISTING" } } },
+      },
+    });
+  }
+
+  revalidateApp(application.id, requisitionId);
+  return { ok: true, id: application.id };
+}
+
+// ── Sourcing stage advances (MPO/Manager) ──────────────────────────────────────
+// start_competency, verify_competency, propose_accepted. verify_docs / approve_salary /
+// select have dedicated actions below.
+
+export async function advanceStage(id: string, action: ApplicationAction): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  if (action !== "start_competency" && action !== "verify_competency" && action !== "propose_accepted") {
+    return { error: "Use the dedicated action for this step" };
+  }
+  const g = await guard("manage_candidates");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  const transition = getTransition(app.stage, action);
+  if (!transition) return { error: `Cannot ${action} from ${app.stage}` };
+  if (!canPerformAction(app.stage, action, g.role)) return { error: "Unauthorized" };
+
+  await db.application.update({
+    where: { id },
+    data: {
+      stage: transition.to,
+      // Completing the competency & references stage records its gate.
+      ...(action === "verify_competency"
+        ? { gates: { create: { gate: "COMPETENCY_REFERENCE", result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId } } }
+        : {}),
+      actions: {
+        create: {
+          actionType: action === "verify_competency" ? "GATE_PASSED" : action === "propose_accepted" ? "CANDIDATE_PROPOSED" : "GATE_PASSED",
+          actorId: g.userId,
+          crewMemberId: app.crewMemberId,
+          metadata: { from: app.stage, to: transition.to },
+        },
+      },
+    },
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+const referenceSchema = z.object({
+  refereeName: z.string().trim().min(1, "Referee name is required"),
+  refereeContact: z.string().optional(),
+  outcome: z.string().optional(),
+  note: z.string().optional(),
+});
+
+export async function recordReferenceCheck(formData: FormData): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("record_reference_check");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const id = formData.get("applicationId") as string;
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+
+  const parsed = referenceSchema.safeParse({
+    refereeName: formData.get("refereeName"),
+    refereeContact: (formData.get("refereeContact") as string) || undefined,
+    outcome: (formData.get("outcome") as string) || undefined,
+    note: (formData.get("note") as string) || undefined,
+  });
+  if (!parsed.success) return { error: parsed.error.errors[0]?.message ?? "Validation failed" };
+
+  await db.referenceCheck.create({
+    data: {
+      applicationId: id,
+      refereeName: parsed.data.refereeName,
+      refereeContact: parsed.data.refereeContact ?? null,
+      outcome: parsed.data.outcome ?? null,
+      note: parsed.data.note ?? null,
+      recordedById: g.userId,
+    },
+  });
+  await db.crewAction.create({
+    data: { actionType: "REFERENCE_RECORDED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMemberId },
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+// ── DOC_VERIFICATION: capture bank/EPF + verify documents → SALARY_AGREEMENT ────
+
+const docsSchema = z.object({
+  accountName: z.string().optional(),
+  accountNumber: z.string().optional(),
+  ifsc: z.string().optional(),
+  bankName: z.string().optional(),
+  uan: z.string().optional(),
+  aadhaarLast4: z.string().optional(),
+  pfNumber: z.string().optional(),
+  note: z.string().optional(),
+});
+
+export async function verifyDocuments(formData: FormData): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("manage_candidates");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const id = formData.get("applicationId") as string;
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  const transition = getTransition(app.stage, "verify_docs");
+  if (!transition) return { error: `Cannot verify documents from ${app.stage}` };
+
+  const parsed = docsSchema.safeParse(Object.fromEntries(formData));
+  if (!parsed.success) return { error: parsed.error.errors[0]?.message ?? "Validation failed" };
+  const d = parsed.data;
+  const crewMemberId = app.crewMember.id;
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    // Capture bank / EPF (PII — encryption deferred to Phase 4).
+    await tx.bankDetail.upsert({
+      where: { crewMemberId },
+      update: { accountName: d.accountName, accountNumber: d.accountNumber, ifsc: d.ifsc, bankName: d.bankName },
+      create: { crewMemberId, accountName: d.accountName, accountNumber: d.accountNumber, ifsc: d.ifsc, bankName: d.bankName },
+    });
+    await tx.epfDetail.upsert({
+      where: { crewMemberId },
+      update: { uan: d.uan, aadhaarLast4: d.aadhaarLast4, pfNumber: d.pfNumber },
+      create: { crewMemberId, uan: d.uan, aadhaarLast4: d.aadhaarLast4, pfNumber: d.pfNumber },
+    });
+    await tx.application.update({
+      where: { id },
+      data: {
+        stage: transition.to,
+        gates: {
+          create: { gate: "DOCUMENT", result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId, note: d.note ?? null },
+        },
+        actions: { create: { actionType: "GATE_PASSED", actorId: g.userId, crewMemberId, metadata: { gate: "DOCUMENT" } } },
+      },
+    });
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+// ── SALARY_AGREEMENT: MPO agrees → Manager approves ────────────────────────────
+
+const salarySchema = z.object({
+  rateBasis: z.nativeEnum(SalaryRateBasis).default("MONTHLY"),
+  basic: z.coerce.number().positive("Basic must be greater than 0"),
+  victualingPerDay: z.coerce.number().min(0).default(0),
+  currency: z.string().default("INR"),
+});
+
+export async function agreeSalary(formData: FormData): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("manage_candidates");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const id = formData.get("applicationId") as string;
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  if (app.stage !== "SALARY_AGREEMENT") return { error: `Salary can only be agreed at SALARY_AGREEMENT (currently ${app.stage})` };
+
+  const parsed = salarySchema.safeParse(Object.fromEntries(formData));
+  if (!parsed.success) return { error: parsed.error.errors[0]?.message ?? "Validation failed" };
+  const d = parsed.data;
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    // One live proposed structure per application — replace any prior draft.
+    await tx.salaryStructure.deleteMany({ where: { applicationId: id, approvedById: null } });
+    await tx.salaryStructure.create({
+      data: {
+        applicationId: id,
+        rateBasis: d.rateBasis,
+        basic: d.basic,
+        victualingPerDay: d.victualingPerDay,
+        currency: d.currency,
+      },
+    });
+    // Salary gate goes PENDING for the Manager's queue.
+    await tx.applicationGate.upsert({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "SALARY" } },
+      update: { result: "PENDING", decidedById: null, note: null },
+      create: { applicationId: id, gate: "SALARY", result: "PENDING" },
+    });
+    await tx.crewAction.create({
+      data: { actionType: "SALARY_AGREED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id },
+    });
+  });
+
+  const managers = await getManagerRecipients();
+  await notifyCrew({
+    event: "SALARY_FOR_APPROVAL",
+    recipients: managers,
+    subject: `Salary for approval — ${app.crewMember.name}`,
+    body: `${app.crewMember.name}'s salary for ${app.requisition.rank.name} (${app.requisition.code}) is ready for your approval.`,
+    link: appPath(id),
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function approveSalary(id: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("approve_salary_structure");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  if (!canPerformAction(app.stage, "approve_salary", g.role)) return { error: `Cannot approve salary from ${app.stage}` };
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    await tx.salaryStructure.updateMany({ where: { applicationId: id, approvedById: null }, data: { approvedById: g.userId } });
+    await tx.applicationGate.update({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "SALARY" } },
+      data: { result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId },
+    });
+    await tx.application.update({
+      where: { id },
+      data: {
+        stage: "PROPOSED",
+        actions: { create: { actionType: "SALARY_APPROVED", actorId: g.userId, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id } },
+      },
+    });
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function returnSalary(id: string, reason: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("approve_salary_structure");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+  if (!reason?.trim()) return { error: "A reason is required to return for revision" };
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+
+  await db.applicationGate.updateMany({
+    where: { applicationId: id, gate: "SALARY" },
+    data: { result: "REJECTED", decidedById: g.userId, note: reason.trim() },
+  });
+  await db.crewAction.create({
+    data: { actionType: "SALARY_AGREED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id, note: `Returned: ${reason.trim()}` },
+  });
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+// ── INTERVIEW: MPO records result / requests waiver → Manager selects ──────────
+
+export async function recordInterviewResult(id: string, accepted: boolean, note?: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("record_interview_result");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  if (app.stage !== "INTERVIEW") return { error: `Interview results are recorded at the INTERVIEW stage (currently ${app.stage})` };
+
+  if (!accepted) {
+    // A failed interview rejects the application.
+    return rejectApplicationInternal(id, app.crewMember.id, app.requisition.id, g.userId, note?.trim() || "Interview not passed");
+  }
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    await tx.application.update({ where: { id }, data: { interviewResult: "ACCEPTED" } });
+    await tx.applicationGate.upsert({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "INTERVIEW" } },
+      update: { result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId },
+      create: { applicationId: id, gate: "INTERVIEW", result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId },
+    });
+    // Selection now pending for the Manager.
+    await tx.applicationGate.upsert({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION" } },
+      update: { result: "PENDING", decidedById: null },
+      create: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION", result: "PENDING" },
+    });
+    await tx.crewAction.create({ data: { actionType: "INTERVIEW_RECORDED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id, note: note?.trim() || null } });
+  });
+
+  const managers = await getManagerRecipients();
+  await notifyCrew({
+    event: "SELECTION_FOR_APPROVAL",
+    recipients: managers,
+    subject: `Selection for approval — ${app.crewMember.name}`,
+    body: `${app.crewMember.name} passed the interview for ${app.requisition.rank.name} (${app.requisition.code}) and awaits your selection.`,
+    link: appPath(id),
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function requestInterviewWaiver(id: string, note?: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("request_interview_waiver");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  if (app.crewMember.type !== "EX_HAND") return { error: "Interview waivers are only for returning crew (ex-hands)" };
+  if (app.stage !== "INTERVIEW") return { error: `Waivers are requested at the INTERVIEW stage (currently ${app.stage})` };
+
+  await db.applicationGate.upsert({
+    where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "WAIVER" } },
+    update: { result: "PENDING", decidedById: null, note: note?.trim() || null },
+    create: { applicationId: id, gate: "WAIVER", result: "PENDING", note: note?.trim() || null },
+  });
+  await db.crewAction.create({ data: { actionType: "WAIVER_REQUESTED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id } });
+
+  const managers = await getManagerRecipients();
+  await notifyCrew({
+    event: "WAIVER_REQUESTED",
+    recipients: managers,
+    subject: `Interview waiver requested — ${app.crewMember.name}`,
+    body: `An interview waiver is requested for returning crew ${app.crewMember.name} (${app.requisition.code}). Approve or decline.`,
+    link: appPath(id),
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function approveInterviewWaiver(id: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("approve_interview_waiver");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    await tx.application.update({ where: { id }, data: { interviewWaived: true } });
+    await tx.applicationGate.update({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "WAIVER" } },
+      data: { result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId },
+    });
+    // Waived → selection is now pending.
+    await tx.applicationGate.upsert({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION" } },
+      update: { result: "PENDING", decidedById: null },
+      create: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION", result: "PENDING" },
+    });
+    await tx.crewAction.create({ data: { actionType: "WAIVER_APPROVED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id } });
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function declineInterviewWaiver(id: string, reason: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("approve_interview_waiver");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+  if (!reason?.trim()) return { error: "A reason is required to decline" };
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+
+  await db.applicationGate.updateMany({
+    where: { applicationId: id, gate: "WAIVER" },
+    data: { result: "REJECTED", decidedById: g.userId, note: reason.trim() },
+  });
+  await db.crewAction.create({
+    data: { actionType: "WAIVER_REQUESTED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id, note: `Declined: ${reason.trim()}` },
+  });
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function selectCandidate(id: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("select_candidate");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  if (!canPerformAction(app.stage, "select", g.role)) return { error: `Cannot select from ${app.stage}` };
+
+  const full = await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id }, select: { interviewResult: true, interviewWaived: true } });
+  if (full.interviewResult !== "ACCEPTED" && !full.interviewWaived) {
+    return { error: "Record an interview result (or a Manager-approved waiver) before selecting" };
+  }
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    await tx.applicationGate.upsert({
+      where: { applicationId_gate: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION" } },
+      update: { result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId },
+      create: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION", result: "VERIFIED", decidedById: g.userId },
+    });
+    await tx.application.update({
+      where: { id },
+      data: { stage: "SELECTED", actions: { create: { actionType: "CANDIDATE_SELECTED", actorId: g.userId, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id } } },
+    });
+    // The requisition moves to SELECTED (onboarding flips it to FILLED in 3c).
+    await tx.requisition.update({
+      where: { id: app.requisition.id },
+      data: { status: "SELECTED", actions: { create: { actionType: "REQUISITION_ADVANCED", actorId: g.userId, metadata: { to: "SELECTED" } } } },
+    });
+  });
+
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function returnSelection(id: string, reason: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("select_candidate");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+  if (!reason?.trim()) return { error: "A reason is required to return" };
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+
+  await db.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+    await tx.applicationGate.updateMany({ where: { applicationId: id, gate: "SELECTION" }, data: { result: "REJECTED", decidedById: g.userId, note: reason.trim() } });
+    await tx.application.update({ where: { id }, data: { interviewResult: "PENDING" } });
+    await tx.crewAction.create({ data: { actionType: "INTERVIEW_RECORDED", actorId: g.userId, applicationId: id, crewMemberId: app.crewMember.id, note: `Selection returned: ${reason.trim()}` } });
+  });
+  revalidateApp(id, app.requisition.id);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+// ── Rejection (orthogonal) ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+async function rejectApplicationInternal(
+  id: string,
+  crewMemberId: string,
+  requisitionId: string,
+  userId: string,
+  reason: string
+): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  await db.application.update({
+    where: { id },
+    data: {
+      stage: "REJECTED",
+      rejectedReason: reason,
+      rejectedAt: new Date(),
+      actions: { create: { actionType: "APPLICATION_REJECTED", actorId: userId, crewMemberId, note: reason } },
+    },
+  });
+  revalidateApp(id, requisitionId);
+  return { ok: true };
+}
+
+export async function rejectApplication(id: string, reason: string): Promise<ActionResult> {
+  const g = await guard("manage_candidates");
+  if ("error" in g) return g;
+  if (!reason?.trim()) return { error: "A reason is required to reject" };
+
+  const app = await loadApp(id);
+  if (!app) return { error: "Application not found" };
+  if (!canReject(app.stage, g.role)) return { error: `Cannot reject from ${app.stage}` };
+
+  return rejectApplicationInternal(id, app.crewMember.id, app.requisition.id, g.userId, reason.trim());
+}
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/application-action-card.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/application-action-card.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0bfe368
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/application-action-card.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,347 @@
+"use client";
+
+import { useState } from "react";
+import { useRouter } from "next/navigation";
+import type { ApplicationStage, InterviewOutcome, SalaryRateBasis } from "@prisma/client";
+import { AdminDialog } from "@/components/ui/admin-dialog";
+import {
+  advanceStage,
+  agreeSalary,
+  approveSalary,
+  returnSalary,
+  verifyDocuments,
+  recordReferenceCheck,
+  recordInterviewResult,
+  requestInterviewWaiver,
+  approveInterviewWaiver,
+  selectCandidate,
+  returnSelection,
+  rejectApplication,
+} from "./actions";
+
+const INPUT =
+  "w-full rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-3 py-2 text-sm focus:border-primary-500 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-primary-500/20";
+const PRIMARY = "rounded-lg bg-primary-600 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white hover:bg-primary-700 disabled:opacity-60";
+const SECONDARY = "rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 hover:bg-neutral-50 disabled:opacity-60";
+const DANGER = "rounded-lg border border-danger-300 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium text-danger-700 hover:bg-danger-50 disabled:opacity-60";
+
+export type ActionCardProps = {
+  id: string;
+  stage: ApplicationStage;
+  isExHand: boolean;
+  interviewResult: InterviewOutcome;
+  interviewWaived: boolean;
+  rejectedReason: string | null;
+  salaryPending: boolean;
+  waiverPending: boolean;
+  selectionPending: boolean;
+  salary: { rateBasis: SalaryRateBasis; basic: number; victualingPerDay: number; currency: string; approved: boolean } | null;
+  perms: {
+    manage: boolean;
+    recordReference: boolean;
+    recordInterview: boolean;
+    requestWaiver: boolean;
+    approveSalary: boolean;
+    approveWaiver: boolean;
+    select: boolean;
+  };
+};
+
+function useAction() {
+  const router = useRouter();
+  const [pending, setPending] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState("");
+  async function run(fn: () => Promise<{ ok: true } | { error: string }>) {
+    setPending(true);
+    setError("");
+    const res = await fn();
+    setPending(false);
+    if ("error" in res) setError(res.error);
+    else router.refresh();
+    return res;
+  }
+  return { pending, error, run };
+}
+
+function Card({ title, sub, children }: { title: string; sub?: string; children: React.ReactNode }) {
+  return (
+    <div className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-200 bg-white overflow-hidden">
+      <div className="px-4 py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 bg-neutral-50">
+        <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold text-neutral-900">{title}</h2>
+        {sub && <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 mt-0.5">{sub}</p>}
+      </div>
+      <div className="p-4 space-y-3">{children}</div>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
+
+function RejectButton({ id }: { id: string }) {
+  const router = useRouter();
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
+  const [reason, setReason] = useState("");
+  const [pending, setPending] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState("");
+  async function submit(e: React.FormEvent) {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    setPending(true); setError("");
+    const res = await rejectApplication(id, reason);
+    setPending(false);
+    if ("error" in res) setError(res.error); else { setOpen(false); router.refresh(); }
+  }
+  return (
+    <>
+      <button className={DANGER} onClick={() => setOpen(true)}>Reject</button>
+      <AdminDialog title="Reject candidate" open={open} onClose={() => setOpen(false)}>
+        <form onSubmit={submit} className="space-y-4">
+          <p className="text-sm text-neutral-600">Rejecting removes this candidate from the pipeline. The reason is recorded.</p>
+          <textarea className={INPUT} rows={3} value={reason} onChange={(e) => setReason(e.target.value)} required placeholder="Reason" />
+          {error && <p className="text-sm text-danger-700 bg-danger-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">{error}</p>}
+          <div className="flex justify-end gap-3">
+            <button type="button" className={SECONDARY} onClick={() => setOpen(false)}>Cancel</button>
+            <button type="submit" disabled={pending} className="rounded-lg bg-danger px-4 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white hover:opacity-90 disabled:opacity-60">{pending ? "Rejecting…" : "Reject"}</button>
+          </div>
+        </form>
+      </AdminDialog>
+    </>
+  );
+}
+
+function Err({ msg }: { msg: string }) {
+  return msg ? <p className="text-sm text-danger-700 bg-danger-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">{msg}</p> : null;
+}
+
+export function ApplicationActionCard(p: ActionCardProps) {
+  const { run, pending, error } = useAction();
+  const canReject = p.perms.manage && !["SELECTED", "ONBOARDED", "REJECTED"].includes(p.stage);
+
+  // Reference-check form state (COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES).
+  const [ref, setRef] = useState({ refereeName: "", refereeContact: "", outcome: "positive", note: "" });
+  // Bank/EPF form state (DOC_VERIFICATION).
+  const [docs, setDocs] = useState({ accountName: "", accountNumber: "", ifsc: "", bankName: "", uan: "", aadhaarLast4: "", pfNumber: "" });
+  // Salary form state (SALARY_AGREEMENT).
+  const [sal, setSal] = useState({ rateBasis: "MONTHLY", basic: "", victualingPerDay: "0", currency: "INR" });
+
+  function fdFrom(obj: Record<string, string>, extra?: Record<string, string>) {
+    const fd = new FormData();
+    Object.entries({ ...obj, ...extra }).forEach(([k, v]) => fd.set(k, v));
+    return fd;
+  }
+
+  const footer = (
+    <>
+      <Err msg={error} />
+      {canReject && (
+        <div className="flex justify-end pt-1">
+          <RejectButton id={p.id} />
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </>
+  );
+
+  switch (p.stage) {
+    case "SHORTLISTED":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Shortlisted" sub="Begin vetting: competency & references.">
+          {p.perms.manage && (
+            <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => advanceStage(p.id, "start_competency"))}>
+              Start competency &amp; references
+            </button>
+          )}
+          {footer}
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Competency & references" sub="Record reference checks, then verify to continue.">
+          {p.perms.recordReference && (
+            <div className="space-y-2 rounded-md border border-neutral-200 p-3">
+              <p className="text-xs font-medium text-neutral-600">Add a reference check</p>
+              <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Referee name" value={ref.refereeName} onChange={(e) => setRef({ ...ref, refereeName: e.target.value })} />
+              <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Referee contact (optional)" value={ref.refereeContact} onChange={(e) => setRef({ ...ref, refereeContact: e.target.value })} />
+              <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Note (optional)" value={ref.note} onChange={(e) => setRef({ ...ref, note: e.target.value })} />
+              <button className={SECONDARY} disabled={pending || !ref.refereeName} onClick={() => run(() => recordReferenceCheck(fdFrom(ref, { applicationId: p.id }))).then((r) => { if ("ok" in r) setRef({ refereeName: "", refereeContact: "", outcome: "positive", note: "" }); })}>
+                Save reference
+              </button>
+            </div>
+          )}
+          {p.perms.manage && (
+            <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => advanceStage(p.id, "verify_competency"))}>
+              Verify &amp; continue to documents
+            </button>
+          )}
+          {footer}
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "DOC_VERIFICATION":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Documents" sub="MPO collects & verifies documents, bank and EPF.">
+          {p.perms.manage ? (
+            <>
+              <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2">
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Account name" value={docs.accountName} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, accountName: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Account number" value={docs.accountNumber} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, accountNumber: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="IFSC" value={docs.ifsc} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, ifsc: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Bank name" value={docs.bankName} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, bankName: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="UAN" value={docs.uan} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, uan: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="Aadhaar (last 4)" value={docs.aadhaarLast4} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, aadhaarLast4: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} placeholder="PF number" value={docs.pfNumber} onChange={(e) => setDocs({ ...docs, pfNumber: e.target.value })} />
+              </div>
+              <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => verifyDocuments(fdFrom(docs, { applicationId: p.id })))}>
+                Verify &amp; continue to salary
+              </button>
+            </>
+          ) : (
+            <p className="text-sm text-neutral-500">Awaiting document verification by the MPO.</p>
+          )}
+          {footer}
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "SALARY_AGREEMENT":
+      if (p.salaryPending) {
+        return (
+          <Card title="Salary" sub="Office-only; the Manager approves.">
+            <p className="text-sm text-neutral-600">
+              Proposed: <strong>{p.salary?.currency} {p.salary?.basic}</strong> / {p.salary?.rateBasis.toLowerCase()} · victualing {p.salary?.currency} {p.salary?.victualingPerDay}/day
+            </p>
+            {p.perms.approveSalary ? (
+              <div className="flex gap-2">
+                <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => approveSalary(p.id))}>Approve salary</button>
+                <ReturnButton label="Return salary" onReturn={(reason) => returnSalary(p.id, reason)} />
+              </div>
+            ) : (
+              <p className="text-sm text-warning-700 bg-warning-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">Awaiting Manager approval.</p>
+            )}
+            {footer}
+          </Card>
+        );
+      }
+      return (
+        <Card title="Salary" sub="Office-only; the Manager approves.">
+          {p.perms.manage ? (
+            <>
+              <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-2">
+                <select className={INPUT} value={sal.rateBasis} onChange={(e) => setSal({ ...sal, rateBasis: e.target.value })}>
+                  <option value="MONTHLY">Per month</option>
+                  <option value="DAILY">Per day</option>
+                </select>
+                <input className={INPUT} type="number" placeholder="Basic" value={sal.basic} onChange={(e) => setSal({ ...sal, basic: e.target.value })} />
+                <input className={INPUT} type="number" placeholder="Victualing / day" value={sal.victualingPerDay} onChange={(e) => setSal({ ...sal, victualingPerDay: e.target.value })} />
+              </div>
+              <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending || !sal.basic} onClick={() => run(() => agreeSalary(fdFrom(sal, { applicationId: p.id })))}>
+                Agree salary &amp; send for approval
+              </button>
+            </>
+          ) : (
+            <p className="text-sm text-neutral-500">Awaiting the MPO to agree the salary.</p>
+          )}
+          {footer}
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "PROPOSED":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Proposed" sub="Awaiting the candidate's acceptance.">
+          {p.perms.manage && (
+            <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => advanceStage(p.id, "propose_accepted"))}>
+              Candidate accepted — schedule interview
+            </button>
+          )}
+          {footer}
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "INTERVIEW":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Interview" sub="MPO records the result; the Manager approves the selection.">
+          {/* Interview result row */}
+          {p.interviewResult === "PENDING" && !p.interviewWaived && p.perms.recordInterview && (
+            <div className="flex gap-2">
+              <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => recordInterviewResult(p.id, true))}>Interview passed</button>
+              <button className={DANGER} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => recordInterviewResult(p.id, false))}>Interview failed</button>
+            </div>
+          )}
+          {/* Waiver (ex-hand) */}
+          {p.isExHand && !p.interviewWaived && p.interviewResult === "PENDING" && !p.waiverPending && p.perms.requestWaiver && (
+            <button className={SECONDARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => requestInterviewWaiver(p.id))}>Request interview waiver → Manager</button>
+          )}
+          {p.waiverPending && (
+            p.perms.approveWaiver ? (
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                <span className="text-sm text-warning-700">Waiver requested.</span>
+                <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => approveInterviewWaiver(p.id))}>Approve waiver</button>
+              </div>
+            ) : (
+              <p className="text-sm text-warning-700 bg-warning-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">Interview waiver awaiting Manager approval.</p>
+            )
+          )}
+          {/* Selection row */}
+          {(p.interviewResult === "ACCEPTED" || p.interviewWaived) && (
+            p.perms.select ? (
+              <div className="flex gap-2">
+                <button className={PRIMARY} disabled={pending} onClick={() => run(() => selectCandidate(p.id))}>Approve — select</button>
+                <ReturnButton label="Return" onReturn={(reason) => returnSelection(p.id, reason)} />
+              </div>
+            ) : (
+              <p className="text-sm text-success-700 bg-success-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">{p.interviewWaived ? "Interview waived" : "Interview passed"} — awaiting Manager selection.</p>
+            )
+          )}
+          {footer}
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "SELECTED":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Selected" sub="Ready to onboard.">
+          <p className="text-sm text-success-700 bg-success-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">Candidate selected.</p>
+          <button className={PRIMARY} disabled title="Onboarding arrives in the next phase (3c)">Onboard to crew (next phase)</button>
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    case "REJECTED":
+      return (
+        <Card title="Rejected">
+          <p className="text-sm text-danger-700 bg-danger-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">{p.rejectedReason ?? "This candidate was rejected."}</p>
+        </Card>
+      );
+
+    default:
+      return (
+        <Card title="Onboarded">
+          <p className="text-sm text-success-700 bg-success-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">This candidate has been onboarded.</p>
+        </Card>
+      );
+  }
+}
+
+function ReturnButton({ label, onReturn }: { label: string; onReturn: (reason: string) => Promise<{ ok: true } | { error: string }> }) {
+  const router = useRouter();
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
+  const [reason, setReason] = useState("");
+  const [pending, setPending] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState("");
+  async function submit(e: React.FormEvent) {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    setPending(true); setError("");
+    const res = await onReturn(reason);
+    setPending(false);
+    if ("error" in res) setError(res.error); else { setOpen(false); router.refresh(); }
+  }
+  return (
+    <>
+      <button type="button" className={SECONDARY} onClick={() => setOpen(true)}>{label}</button>
+      <AdminDialog title={label} open={open} onClose={() => setOpen(false)}>
+        <form onSubmit={submit} className="space-y-4">
+          <textarea className={INPUT} rows={3} value={reason} onChange={(e) => setReason(e.target.value)} required placeholder="Reason for returning" />
+          {error && <p className="text-sm text-danger-700 bg-danger-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">{error}</p>}
+          <div className="flex justify-end gap-3">
+            <button type="button" className={SECONDARY} onClick={() => setOpen(false)}>Cancel</button>
+            <button type="submit" disabled={pending} className={PRIMARY}>{pending ? "Returning…" : "Return"}</button>
+          </div>
+        </form>
+      </AdminDialog>
+    </>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/application-ui.ts b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/application-ui.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..070d0cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/application-ui.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+import type { ApplicationStage } from "@prisma/client";
+import type { BadgeProps } from "@/components/ui/badge";
+
+type Variant = NonNullable<BadgeProps["variant"]>;
+
+// The 7 board columns in order (mirrors lib/application-pipeline BOARD_STAGES;
+// kept here as a client-safe constant for the stepper/board UI).
+export const STAGE_ORDER: ApplicationStage[] = [
+  "SHORTLISTED",
+  "COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES",
+  "DOC_VERIFICATION",
+  "SALARY_AGREEMENT",
+  "PROPOSED",
+  "INTERVIEW",
+  "SELECTED",
+];
+
+export const STAGE_LABEL: Record<ApplicationStage, string> = {
+  SHORTLISTED: "Shortlisted",
+  COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES: "Competency & references",
+  DOC_VERIFICATION: "Documents",
+  SALARY_AGREEMENT: "Salary",
+  PROPOSED: "Proposed",
+  INTERVIEW: "Interview",
+  SELECTED: "Selected",
+  REJECTED: "Rejected",
+  ONBOARDED: "Onboarded",
+};
+
+export const STAGE_VARIANT: Record<ApplicationStage, Variant> = {
+  SHORTLISTED: "outline",
+  COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES: "default",
+  DOC_VERIFICATION: "default",
+  SALARY_AGREEMENT: "warning",
+  PROPOSED: "default",
+  INTERVIEW: "warning",
+  SELECTED: "success",
+  REJECTED: "danger",
+  ONBOARDED: "success",
+};
+
+// Index of a stage within the 7-step flow (−1 for REJECTED; 7 for ONBOARDED).
+export function stageIndex(stage: ApplicationStage): number {
+  if (stage === "REJECTED") return -1;
+  if (stage === "ONBOARDED") return STAGE_ORDER.length;
+  return STAGE_ORDER.indexOf(stage);
+}
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/page.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/page.tsx
index ba0ec19..793ac68 100644
--- a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/page.tsx
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/page.tsx
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ export default async function RequisitionDetailPage({
       site: { select: { name: true } },
       raisedBy: { select: { name: true } },
       sourceReliefRequest: { select: { id: true, requestedBy: { select: { name: true } } } },
+      _count: { select: { applications: true } },
     },
   });
   if (!req) notFound();
@@ -69,7 +70,15 @@ export default async function RequisitionDetailPage({
             <span className="font-mono">{req.code}</span> · {REASON_LABEL[req.reason]} · {ageLabel(req.createdAt.toISOString())} ago
           </p>
         </div>
-        {canWithdraw && <WithdrawRequisitionButton id={req.id} />}
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+          <Link
+            href={`/crewing/requisitions/${req.id}/pipeline`}
+            className="rounded-lg bg-primary-600 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white hover:bg-primary-700"
+          >
+            Open pipeline
+          </Link>
+          {canWithdraw && <WithdrawRequisitionButton id={req.id} />}
+        </div>
       </div>
 
       {req.autoRaised && (
@@ -108,15 +117,20 @@ export default async function RequisitionDetailPage({
           )}
         </div>
 
-        {/* Candidates — populated by the recruitment pipeline (Phase 3) */}
+        {/* Candidates — the recruitment pipeline (Phase 3b) */}
         <div className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-200 bg-white overflow-hidden">
           <div className="px-4 py-3 border-b border-neutral-200 bg-neutral-50">
             <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold text-neutral-900">Candidates</h2>
           </div>
-          <p className="px-4 py-12 text-center text-sm text-neutral-400">
-            The recruitment pipeline arrives in a later phase. Candidates attached to this
-            requisition will appear here.
-          </p>
+          <div className="px-4 py-8 text-center">
+            <p className="text-2xl font-semibold text-neutral-900">{req._count.applications}</p>
+            <p className="text-sm text-neutral-500 mt-0.5 mb-4">
+              candidate{req._count.applications === 1 ? "" : "s"} in the pipeline
+            </p>
+            <Link href={`/crewing/requisitions/${req.id}/pipeline`} className="text-sm font-medium text-primary-600 hover:underline">
+              Open recruitment pipeline →
+            </Link>
+          </div>
         </div>
       </div>
     </div>
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline/page.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline/page.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ff84770
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline/page.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+import { auth } from "@/auth";
+import { db } from "@/lib/db";
+import { hasPermission } from "@/lib/permissions";
+import { CREWING_ENABLED } from "@/lib/feature-flags";
+import { redirect, notFound } from "next/navigation";
+import { PipelineBoard } from "./pipeline-board";
+import type { Metadata } from "next";
+
+export const metadata: Metadata = { title: "Recruitment pipeline" };
+
+export default async function PipelinePage({ params }: { params: Promise<{ id: string }> }) {
+  if (!CREWING_ENABLED) notFound();
+
+  const session = await auth();
+  if (!session?.user) redirect("/login");
+  const role = session.user.role;
+  if (!hasPermission(role, "view_requisitions")) redirect("/dashboard");
+
+  const { id } = await params;
+  const requisition = await db.requisition.findUnique({
+    where: { id },
+    include: { rank: { select: { name: true } }, vessel: { select: { name: true } }, site: { select: { name: true } } },
+  });
+  if (!requisition) notFound();
+
+  const applications = await db.application.findMany({
+    where: { requisitionId: id },
+    include: { crewMember: { select: { id: true, name: true, type: true, experienceMonths: true } } },
+    orderBy: { createdAt: "asc" },
+  });
+
+  const canManage = hasPermission(role, "manage_candidates");
+  // Candidates available to add: in the pool (not employees) and not already applied here.
+  const appliedIds = new Set(applications.map((a) => a.crewMemberId));
+  const pool = canManage
+    ? (await db.crewMember.findMany({
+        where: { status: { not: "EMPLOYEE" } },
+        orderBy: { name: "asc" },
+        select: { id: true, name: true, type: true },
+      })).filter((c) => !appliedIds.has(c.id))
+    : [];
+
+  return (
+    <PipelineBoard
+      requisition={{
+        id: requisition.id,
+        code: requisition.code,
+        rank: requisition.rank.name,
+        location: requisition.vessel?.name ?? requisition.site?.name ?? "—",
+        status: requisition.status,
+      }}
+      applications={applications.map((a) => ({
+        id: a.id,
+        stage: a.stage,
+        crewName: a.crewMember.name,
+        isExHand: a.crewMember.type === "EX_HAND",
+        experienceMonths: a.crewMember.experienceMonths,
+      }))}
+      pool={pool}
+      canManage={canManage}
+    />
+  );
+}
diff --git a/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline/pipeline-board.tsx b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline/pipeline-board.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c80b1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/app/(portal)/crewing/requisitions/[id]/pipeline/pipeline-board.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+"use client";
+
+import { useState } from "react";
+import Link from "next/link";
+import { useRouter } from "next/navigation";
+import { ArrowLeft } from "lucide-react";
+import type { ApplicationStage, RequisitionStatus } from "@prisma/client";
+import { AdminDialog } from "@/components/ui/admin-dialog";
+import { STAGE_ORDER, STAGE_LABEL } from "../../../applications/application-ui";
+import { addApplication } from "../../../applications/actions";
+
+type AppCard = { id: string; stage: ApplicationStage; crewName: string; isExHand: boolean; experienceMonths: number };
+type PoolItem = { id: string; name: string; type: string };
+
+export function PipelineBoard({
+  requisition,
+  applications,
+  pool,
+  canManage,
+}: {
+  requisition: { id: string; code: string; rank: string; location: string; status: RequisitionStatus };
+  applications: AppCard[];
+  pool: PoolItem[];
+  canManage: boolean;
+}) {
+  const router = useRouter();
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
+  const [crewMemberId, setCrewMemberId] = useState("");
+  const [pending, setPending] = useState(false);
+  const [error, setError] = useState("");
+
+  async function add(e: React.FormEvent) {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    setPending(true); setError("");
+    const fd = new FormData();
+    fd.set("requisitionId", requisition.id);
+    fd.set("crewMemberId", crewMemberId);
+    const res = await addApplication(fd);
+    setPending(false);
+    if ("error" in res) setError(res.error);
+    else { setOpen(false); setCrewMemberId(""); router.refresh(); }
+  }
+
+  const byStage = (s: ApplicationStage) => applications.filter((a) => a.stage === s);
+  const rejected = applications.filter((a) => a.stage === "REJECTED");
+
+  return (
+    <div>
+      <Link href={`/crewing/requisitions/${requisition.id}`} className="inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm text-neutral-500 hover:text-neutral-800 mb-4">
+        <ArrowLeft className="h-4 w-4" /> Requisition
+      </Link>
+
+      <div className="mb-6 flex items-center justify-between">
+        <div>
+          <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold text-neutral-900">{requisition.rank} — {requisition.location}</h1>
+          <p className="text-sm text-neutral-500 mt-0.5">Recruitment pipeline · <span className="font-mono">{requisition.code}</span> · {applications.length} candidate{applications.length === 1 ? "" : "s"}</p>
+        </div>
+        {canManage && (
+          <button onClick={() => setOpen(true)} className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-4 py-2.5 text-sm font-semibold text-neutral-700 hover:bg-neutral-50">
+            + Add candidate
+          </button>
+        )}
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="flex gap-3 overflow-x-auto pb-4">
+        {STAGE_ORDER.map((s) => {
+          const cards = byStage(s);
+          return (
+            <div key={s} className="w-56 shrink-0">
+              <div className="mb-2 flex items-center justify-between px-1">
+                <span className="text-xs font-semibold text-neutral-600 uppercase tracking-wide">{STAGE_LABEL[s]}</span>
+                <span className="text-xs text-neutral-400">{cards.length}</span>
+              </div>
+              <div className="space-y-2 min-h-[60px] rounded-lg bg-neutral-50 p-2">
+                {cards.map((a) => (
+                  <Link key={a.id} href={`/crewing/applications/${a.id}`} className="block rounded-md border border-neutral-200 bg-white p-3 hover:border-primary-300 hover:shadow-sm transition">
+                    <p className="text-sm font-medium text-neutral-900">{a.crewName}</p>
+                    <p className="text-xs text-neutral-500 mt-0.5">
+                      {Math.floor(a.experienceMonths / 12)} yrs
+                      {a.isExHand && <span className="ml-1 text-purple-600">· ex-hand</span>}
+                    </p>
+                  </Link>
+                ))}
+                {cards.length === 0 && <p className="text-center text-xs text-neutral-300 py-2">—</p>}
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          );
+        })}
+      </div>
+
+      {rejected.length > 0 && (
+        <div className="mt-6">
+          <p className="text-xs font-semibold text-neutral-500 uppercase tracking-wide mb-2">Rejected ({rejected.length})</p>
+          <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+            {rejected.map((a) => (
+              <Link key={a.id} href={`/crewing/applications/${a.id}`} className="rounded-md border border-neutral-200 bg-white px-3 py-1.5 text-sm text-neutral-500 hover:bg-neutral-50">
+                {a.crewName}
+              </Link>
+            ))}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      <AdminDialog title="Add candidate to pipeline" open={open} onClose={() => setOpen(false)}>
+        <form onSubmit={add} className="space-y-4">
+          <div>
+            <label className="block text-xs font-medium text-neutral-700 mb-1">Candidate</label>
+            <select className="w-full rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-3 py-2 text-sm" value={crewMemberId} onChange={(e) => setCrewMemberId(e.target.value)} required>
+              <option value="">— Select from the pool —</option>
+              {pool.map((c) => (
+                <option key={c.id} value={c.id}>{c.name}{c.type === "EX_HAND" ? " (ex-hand)" : ""}</option>
+              ))}
+            </select>
+            {pool.length === 0 && <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-neutral-400">No available candidates. Add candidates from the Candidates page first.</p>}
+          </div>
+          {error && <p className="text-sm text-danger-700 bg-danger-50 rounded-lg px-3 py-2">{error}</p>}
+          <div className="flex justify-end gap-3">
+            <button type="button" className="rounded-lg border border-neutral-300 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium text-neutral-700 hover:bg-neutral-50" onClick={() => setOpen(false)}>Cancel</button>
+            <button type="submit" disabled={pending || !crewMemberId} className="rounded-lg bg-primary-600 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-semibold text-white hover:bg-primary-700 disabled:opacity-60">{pending ? "Adding…" : "Add to pipeline"}</button>
+          </div>
+        </form>
+      </AdminDialog>
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/App/lib/application-pipeline.ts b/App/lib/application-pipeline.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a11a6c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/lib/application-pipeline.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+import type { ApplicationStage, Role } from "@prisma/client";
+
+// Recruitment pipeline state machine (Crewing-Implementation-Spec §5.1) — mirrors
+// po-state-machine / requisition-state-machine. The 7 board stages advance in
+// order; ONBOARDED is the terminal system state set at onboarding (Phase 3c);
+// REJECTED is an orthogonal branch reachable from any active stage.
+//
+// Stage advances are modelled here. The within-stage work — recording reference
+// checks, capturing bank/EPF, agreeing the salary, recording the interview
+// result, requesting a waiver — happens in server actions; this machine governs
+// when a candidate may move to the next column and who may move them.
+//
+// Manager-gated advances (spec §6): SALARY_AGREEMENT → PROPOSED (salary approval)
+// and INTERVIEW → SELECTED (final selection) are Manager-only. The interview
+// waiver is a separate Manager-approved action (R2), never automatic.
+
+export type ApplicationAction =
+  | "start_competency" // SHORTLISTED → COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES
+  | "verify_competency" // COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES → DOC_VERIFICATION
+  | "verify_docs" // DOC_VERIFICATION → SALARY_AGREEMENT
+  | "approve_salary" // SALARY_AGREEMENT → PROPOSED (Manager)
+  | "propose_accepted" // PROPOSED → INTERVIEW
+  | "select" // INTERVIEW → SELECTED (Manager)
+  | "onboard"; // SELECTED → ONBOARDED (Phase 3c)
+
+interface Transition {
+  to: ApplicationStage;
+  allowedRoles: Role[];
+}
+
+type TransitionMap = Partial<Record<ApplicationAction, Transition>>;
+
+const SOURCING_ROLES: Role[] = ["MANNING", "MANAGER", "SUPERUSER"];
+const MANAGER_ROLES: Role[] = ["MANAGER", "SUPERUSER"];
+
+const TRANSITIONS: Partial<Record<ApplicationStage, TransitionMap>> = {
+  SHORTLISTED: {
+    start_competency: { to: "COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES", allowedRoles: SOURCING_ROLES },
+  },
+  COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES: {
+    verify_competency: { to: "DOC_VERIFICATION", allowedRoles: SOURCING_ROLES },
+  },
+  DOC_VERIFICATION: {
+    verify_docs: { to: "SALARY_AGREEMENT", allowedRoles: SOURCING_ROLES },
+  },
+  SALARY_AGREEMENT: {
+    // Manager approves the agreed salary structure (spec §6).
+    approve_salary: { to: "PROPOSED", allowedRoles: MANAGER_ROLES },
+  },
+  PROPOSED: {
+    propose_accepted: { to: "INTERVIEW", allowedRoles: SOURCING_ROLES },
+  },
+  INTERVIEW: {
+    // Final selection is a Manager approval (spec §6). The action enforces that
+    // the interview was accepted or a Manager-approved waiver is in place (R2).
+    select: { to: "SELECTED", allowedRoles: MANAGER_ROLES },
+  },
+  SELECTED: {
+    // The onboarding side-effect (Phase 3c) moves SELECTED → ONBOARDED.
+    onboard: { to: "ONBOARDED", allowedRoles: SOURCING_ROLES },
+  },
+};
+
+// The 7 visible board columns, in order (spec §8.4). ONBOARDED/REJECTED are not
+// board columns — they are terminal/branch states.
+export const BOARD_STAGES: ApplicationStage[] = [
+  "SHORTLISTED",
+  "COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES",
+  "DOC_VERIFICATION",
+  "SALARY_AGREEMENT",
+  "PROPOSED",
+  "INTERVIEW",
+  "SELECTED",
+];
+
+export function getTransition(from: ApplicationStage, action: ApplicationAction): Transition | null {
+  return TRANSITIONS[from]?.[action] ?? null;
+}
+
+export function canPerformAction(from: ApplicationStage, action: ApplicationAction, role: Role): boolean {
+  return getTransition(from, action)?.allowedRoles.includes(role) ?? false;
+}
+
+export function getAvailableActions(stage: ApplicationStage, role: Role): ApplicationAction[] {
+  const map = TRANSITIONS[stage];
+  if (!map) return [];
+  return (Object.keys(map) as ApplicationAction[]).filter((a) => canPerformAction(stage, a, role));
+}
+
+// ── Rejection (orthogonal) ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
+// A candidate may be rejected with remarks from any active stage (not once
+// SELECTED/ONBOARDED, and not again if already REJECTED), by MPO or Manager.
+
+export const REJECT_ROLES: Role[] = ["MANNING", "MANAGER", "SUPERUSER"];
+const TERMINAL: ApplicationStage[] = ["SELECTED", "ONBOARDED", "REJECTED"];
+
+export function canReject(from: ApplicationStage, role: Role): boolean {
+  return !TERMINAL.includes(from) && REJECT_ROLES.includes(role);
+}
diff --git a/App/lib/notifier.ts b/App/lib/notifier.ts
index 33f71fa..b6392be 100644
--- a/App/lib/notifier.ts
+++ b/App/lib/notifier.ts
@@ -28,7 +28,11 @@ export type NotificationEvent =
 export type CrewNotificationEvent =
   | "REQUISITION_RAISED"
   | "RELIEF_REQUESTED"
-  | "RELIEF_CONVERTED";
+  | "RELIEF_CONVERTED"
+  | "CANDIDATE_PROPOSED"
+  | "SALARY_FOR_APPROVAL"
+  | "SELECTION_FOR_APPROVAL"
+  | "WAIVER_REQUESTED";
 
 interface NotifyParams {
   event: NotificationEvent;
@@ -425,6 +429,10 @@ const CREW_ACTION_LABEL: Record<CrewNotificationEvent, string> = {
   REQUISITION_RAISED: "View Requisition",
   RELIEF_REQUESTED: "View Requisitions",
   RELIEF_CONVERTED: "View Requisition",
+  CANDIDATE_PROPOSED: "View Candidate",
+  SALARY_FOR_APPROVAL: "Review Salary",
+  SELECTION_FOR_APPROVAL: "Review Selection",
+  WAIVER_REQUESTED: "Review Waiver",
 };
 
 export async function notifyCrew({ event, recipients, subject, body, link }: CrewNotifyParams) {
diff --git a/App/lib/requisition-service.ts b/App/lib/requisition-service.ts
index 1cd7ef7..fb6c4f2 100644
--- a/App/lib/requisition-service.ts
+++ b/App/lib/requisition-service.ts
@@ -82,6 +82,13 @@ export function getMpoRecipients(): Promise<User[]> {
   });
 }
 
+/** Manager recipients — for the approval gates (salary / selection / waiver). */
+export function getManagerRecipients(): Promise<User[]> {
+  return db.user.findMany({
+    where: { isActive: true, role: { in: ["MANAGER", "SUPERUSER"] } },
+  });
+}
+
 /**
  * System auto-raise: an OPEN requisition with no human actor (autoRaised), then
  * notifies the office. Sign-off, end-of-contract and the leave-clash detector
diff --git a/App/prisma/migrations/20260622130627_crewing_pipeline/migration.sql b/App/prisma/migrations/20260622130627_crewing_pipeline/migration.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec5ae28
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/prisma/migrations/20260622130627_crewing_pipeline/migration.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,168 @@
+-- CreateEnum
+CREATE TYPE "ApplicationStage" AS ENUM ('SHORTLISTED', 'COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES', 'DOC_VERIFICATION', 'SALARY_AGREEMENT', 'PROPOSED', 'INTERVIEW', 'SELECTED', 'REJECTED', 'ONBOARDED');
+
+-- CreateEnum
+CREATE TYPE "ApplicationGateType" AS ENUM ('COMPETENCY_REFERENCE', 'DOCUMENT', 'SALARY', 'INTERVIEW', 'WAIVER', 'SELECTION');
+
+-- CreateEnum
+CREATE TYPE "GateResult" AS ENUM ('PENDING', 'VERIFIED', 'REJECTED');
+
+-- CreateEnum
+CREATE TYPE "InterviewOutcome" AS ENUM ('PENDING', 'ACCEPTED', 'REJECTED');
+
+-- CreateEnum
+CREATE TYPE "SalaryRateBasis" AS ENUM ('MONTHLY', 'DAILY');
+
+-- AlterEnum
+-- This migration adds more than one value to an enum.
+-- With PostgreSQL versions 11 and earlier, this is not possible
+-- in a single migration. This can be worked around by creating
+-- multiple migrations, each migration adding only one value to
+-- the enum.
+
+
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'APPLICATION_CREATED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'GATE_PASSED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'GATE_FAILED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'REFERENCE_RECORDED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'SALARY_AGREED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'SALARY_APPROVED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'CANDIDATE_PROPOSED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'INTERVIEW_RECORDED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'WAIVER_REQUESTED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'WAIVER_APPROVED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'CANDIDATE_SELECTED';
+ALTER TYPE "CrewActionType" ADD VALUE 'APPLICATION_REJECTED';
+
+-- AlterTable
+ALTER TABLE "CrewAction" ADD COLUMN     "applicationId" TEXT;
+
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "Application" (
+    "id" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "stage" "ApplicationStage" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'SHORTLISTED',
+    "type" "CandidateType" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'NEW',
+    "interviewResult" "InterviewOutcome" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'PENDING',
+    "interviewWaived" BOOLEAN NOT NULL DEFAULT false,
+    "rejectedReason" TEXT,
+    "rejectedAt" TIMESTAMP(3),
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    "updatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL,
+    "requisitionId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "crewMemberId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "Application_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("id")
+);
+
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "ApplicationGate" (
+    "id" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "applicationId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "gate" "ApplicationGateType" NOT NULL,
+    "result" "GateResult" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'PENDING',
+    "note" TEXT,
+    "decidedById" TEXT,
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    "updatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "ApplicationGate_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("id")
+);
+
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "ReferenceCheck" (
+    "id" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "applicationId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "refereeName" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "refereeContact" TEXT,
+    "outcome" TEXT,
+    "note" TEXT,
+    "recordedById" TEXT,
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "ReferenceCheck_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("id")
+);
+
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "SalaryStructure" (
+    "id" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "applicationId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "rateBasis" "SalaryRateBasis" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'MONTHLY',
+    "basic" DECIMAL(12,2) NOT NULL,
+    "victualingPerDay" DECIMAL(12,2) NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    "allowances" JSONB,
+    "currency" TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'INR',
+    "effectiveFrom" TIMESTAMP(3),
+    "effectiveTo" TIMESTAMP(3),
+    "approvedById" TEXT,
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    "updatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "SalaryStructure_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("id")
+);
+
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "BankDetail" (
+    "id" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "crewMemberId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "accountName" TEXT,
+    "accountNumber" TEXT,
+    "ifsc" TEXT,
+    "bankName" TEXT,
+    "verificationStatus" "GateResult" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'PENDING',
+    "verifiedById" TEXT,
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    "updatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "BankDetail_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("id")
+);
+
+-- CreateTable
+CREATE TABLE "EpfDetail" (
+    "id" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "crewMemberId" TEXT NOT NULL,
+    "uan" TEXT,
+    "aadhaarLast4" TEXT,
+    "pfNumber" TEXT,
+    "verificationStatus" "GateResult" NOT NULL DEFAULT 'PENDING',
+    "verifiedById" TEXT,
+    "createdAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
+    "updatedAt" TIMESTAMP(3) NOT NULL,
+
+    CONSTRAINT "EpfDetail_pkey" PRIMARY KEY ("id")
+);
+
+-- CreateIndex
+CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "Application_requisitionId_crewMemberId_key" ON "Application"("requisitionId", "crewMemberId");
+
+-- CreateIndex
+CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "ApplicationGate_applicationId_gate_key" ON "ApplicationGate"("applicationId", "gate");
+
+-- CreateIndex
+CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "BankDetail_crewMemberId_key" ON "BankDetail"("crewMemberId");
+
+-- CreateIndex
+CREATE UNIQUE INDEX "EpfDetail_crewMemberId_key" ON "EpfDetail"("crewMemberId");
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "CrewAction" ADD CONSTRAINT "CrewAction_applicationId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("applicationId") REFERENCES "Application"("id") ON DELETE SET NULL ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "Application" ADD CONSTRAINT "Application_requisitionId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("requisitionId") REFERENCES "Requisition"("id") ON DELETE RESTRICT ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "Application" ADD CONSTRAINT "Application_crewMemberId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("crewMemberId") REFERENCES "CrewMember"("id") ON DELETE RESTRICT ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "ApplicationGate" ADD CONSTRAINT "ApplicationGate_applicationId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("applicationId") REFERENCES "Application"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "ReferenceCheck" ADD CONSTRAINT "ReferenceCheck_applicationId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("applicationId") REFERENCES "Application"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "SalaryStructure" ADD CONSTRAINT "SalaryStructure_applicationId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("applicationId") REFERENCES "Application"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "BankDetail" ADD CONSTRAINT "BankDetail_crewMemberId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("crewMemberId") REFERENCES "CrewMember"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE ON UPDATE CASCADE;
+
+-- AddForeignKey
+ALTER TABLE "EpfDetail" ADD CONSTRAINT "EpfDetail_crewMemberId_fkey" FOREIGN KEY ("crewMemberId") REFERENCES "CrewMember"("id") ON DELETE CASCADE ON UPDATE CASCADE;
diff --git a/App/prisma/schema.prisma b/App/prisma/schema.prisma
index b268cc5..c4b1e56 100644
--- a/App/prisma/schema.prisma
+++ b/App/prisma/schema.prisma
@@ -133,6 +133,64 @@ enum CrewActionType {
   RELIEF_CANCELLED
   CANDIDATE_ADDED
   CANDIDATE_UPDATED
+  APPLICATION_CREATED
+  GATE_PASSED
+  GATE_FAILED
+  REFERENCE_RECORDED
+  SALARY_AGREED
+  SALARY_APPROVED
+  CANDIDATE_PROPOSED
+  INTERVIEW_RECORDED
+  WAIVER_REQUESTED
+  WAIVER_APPROVED
+  CANDIDATE_SELECTED
+  APPLICATION_REJECTED
+}
+
+// ─── Crewing recruitment pipeline (Phase 3b: Epic C) ────────────────────────
+// The gated 7-stage application pipeline (Crewing-Implementation-Spec §5.1).
+// ONBOARDED is the terminal system state set at onboarding (Phase 3c);
+// REJECTED is the branch reachable from any active stage.
+enum ApplicationStage {
+  SHORTLISTED
+  COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES
+  DOC_VERIFICATION
+  SALARY_AGREEMENT
+  PROPOSED
+  INTERVIEW
+  SELECTED
+  REJECTED
+  ONBOARDED
+}
+
+// A vetting gate on an application. SALARY / SELECTION / WAIVER are the
+// Manager-decided gates that surface in the central Approvals queue (§8.13).
+enum ApplicationGateType {
+  COMPETENCY_REFERENCE
+  DOCUMENT
+  SALARY
+  INTERVIEW
+  WAIVER
+  SELECTION
+}
+
+enum GateResult {
+  PENDING
+  VERIFIED
+  REJECTED
+}
+
+// MPO's recorded interview outcome (Manager then approves selection).
+enum InterviewOutcome {
+  PENDING
+  ACCEPTED
+  REJECTED
+}
+
+// Salary capture basis — the other is derived (R10/A4). Effective-dated.
+enum SalaryRateBasis {
+  MONTHLY
+  DAILY
 }
 
 // ─── Crewing candidates (Phase 3a: Epic B) ──────────────────────────────────
@@ -563,7 +621,8 @@ model Requisition {
   // The site relief request this requisition was converted from, if any.
   sourceReliefRequest ReliefRequest? @relation("ReliefConversion")
 
-  actions CrewAction[]
+  actions      CrewAction[]
+  applications Application[]
 }
 
 // A foreseen-gap flag from a site (site staff), pending office conversion into a
@@ -609,6 +668,8 @@ model CrewAction {
   requisition   Requisition? @relation(fields: [requisitionId], references: [id])
   crewMemberId  String?
   crewMember    CrewMember?  @relation(fields: [crewMemberId], references: [id])
+  applicationId String?
+  application   Application? @relation(fields: [applicationId], references: [id])
 }
 
 // The talent-pool spine (Phase 3a, Epic B). One row per person, created the
@@ -639,5 +700,116 @@ model CrewMember {
   appliedRankId String?
   appliedRank   Rank?   @relation("CrewAppliedRank", fields: [appliedRankId], references: [id])
 
-  actions CrewAction[]
+  actions      CrewAction[]
+  applications Application[]
+  bankDetail   BankDetail?
+  epfDetail    EpfDetail?
+}
+
+// ─── Crewing recruitment pipeline models (Phase 3b) ─────────────────────────
+
+// A candidate's application against one requisition — the gated pipeline spine
+// (spec §5.1/§8.4–8.5). One application per (requisition, candidate).
+model Application {
+  id              String           @id @default(cuid())
+  stage           ApplicationStage @default(SHORTLISTED)
+  type            CandidateType    @default(NEW)
+  interviewResult InterviewOutcome @default(PENDING)
+  interviewWaived Boolean          @default(false) // set true only on Manager-approved waiver (R2)
+  rejectedReason  String?
+  rejectedAt      DateTime?
+  createdAt       DateTime         @default(now())
+  updatedAt       DateTime         @updatedAt
+
+  requisitionId String
+  requisition   Requisition @relation(fields: [requisitionId], references: [id])
+  crewMemberId  String
+  crewMember    CrewMember  @relation(fields: [crewMemberId], references: [id])
+
+  gates            ApplicationGate[]
+  referenceChecks  ReferenceCheck[]
+  salaryStructures SalaryStructure[]
+  actions          CrewAction[]
+
+  @@unique([requisitionId, crewMemberId])
+}
+
+// One row per vetting gate. SALARY / SELECTION / WAIVER gates with result PENDING
+// are the Manager's central Approvals-queue items (§8.13). `decidedById` is a
+// denormalised actor id — the audited actor lives on the CrewAction.
+model ApplicationGate {
+  id            String              @id @default(cuid())
+  applicationId String
+  application   Application         @relation(fields: [applicationId], references: [id], onDelete: Cascade)
+  gate          ApplicationGateType
+  result        GateResult          @default(PENDING)
+  note          String?
+  decidedById   String?
+  createdAt     DateTime            @default(now())
+  updatedAt     DateTime            @updatedAt
+
+  @@unique([applicationId, gate])
+}
+
+// Competency & reference checks recorded by the MPO at the COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES gate.
+model ReferenceCheck {
+  id             String      @id @default(cuid())
+  applicationId  String
+  application    Application @relation(fields: [applicationId], references: [id], onDelete: Cascade)
+  refereeName    String
+  refereeContact String?
+  outcome        String? // free-text / "positive" | "negative"
+  note           String?
+  recordedById   String?
+  createdAt      DateTime    @default(now())
+}
+
+// The salary agreed at SALARY_AGREEMENT, sent for Manager approval. Effective-dated
+// (R10/A4) and attached to the Application in 3b; onboarding (3c) binds it to the
+// CrewAssignment. `approvedById` is set when the Manager approves the SALARY gate.
+model SalaryStructure {
+  id               String          @id @default(cuid())
+  applicationId    String
+  application      Application     @relation(fields: [applicationId], references: [id], onDelete: Cascade)
+  rateBasis        SalaryRateBasis @default(MONTHLY)
+  basic            Decimal         @db.Decimal(12, 2)
+  victualingPerDay Decimal         @default(0) @db.Decimal(12, 2)
+  allowances       Json?
+  currency         String          @default("INR")
+  effectiveFrom    DateTime?
+  effectiveTo      DateTime?
+  approvedById     String?
+  createdAt        DateTime        @default(now())
+  updatedAt        DateTime        @updatedAt
+}
+
+// Bank details captured at DOC_VERIFICATION (needed downstream for payroll).
+// NOTE: PII — field-level encryption/masking is a Phase-4 task (§11); stored
+// plainly for now behind the crewing flag.
+model BankDetail {
+  id                 String     @id @default(cuid())
+  crewMemberId       String     @unique
+  crewMember         CrewMember @relation(fields: [crewMemberId], references: [id], onDelete: Cascade)
+  accountName        String?
+  accountNumber      String?
+  ifsc               String?
+  bankName           String?
+  verificationStatus GateResult @default(PENDING) // verified by Accounts in a later phase
+  verifiedById       String?
+  createdAt          DateTime   @default(now())
+  updatedAt          DateTime   @updatedAt
+}
+
+// EPF / identity details captured at DOC_VERIFICATION. PII note as BankDetail.
+model EpfDetail {
+  id                 String     @id @default(cuid())
+  crewMemberId       String     @unique
+  crewMember         CrewMember @relation(fields: [crewMemberId], references: [id], onDelete: Cascade)
+  uan                String?
+  aadhaarLast4       String?
+  pfNumber           String?
+  verificationStatus GateResult @default(PENDING)
+  verifiedById       String?
+  createdAt          DateTime   @default(now())
+  updatedAt          DateTime   @updatedAt
 }
diff --git a/App/tests/integration/applications.test.ts b/App/tests/integration/applications.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5299dfe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/tests/integration/applications.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+/**
+ * Integration tests for the Crewing Phase 3b recruitment pipeline actions.
+ * The Application/Gate/Salary/Bank/EPF tables are introduced in this phase, so
+ * afterEach wipes the crewing lifecycle tables wholesale.
+ */
+import { vi, describe, it, expect, beforeAll, afterAll, afterEach } from "vitest";
+
+vi.mock("@/auth", () => ({ auth: vi.fn() }));
+vi.mock("next/cache", () => ({ revalidatePath: vi.fn() }));
+vi.mock("@/lib/feature-flags", () => ({ CREWING_ENABLED: true, INVENTORY_ENABLED: true }));
+vi.mock("@/lib/notifier", () => ({ notify: vi.fn(), notifyCrew: vi.fn() }));
+
+import { auth } from "@/auth";
+import { db } from "@/lib/db";
+import {
+  addApplication,
+  advanceStage,
+  recordReferenceCheck,
+  verifyDocuments,
+  agreeSalary,
+  approveSalary,
+  recordInterviewResult,
+  requestInterviewWaiver,
+  approveInterviewWaiver,
+  selectCandidate,
+  rejectApplication,
+} from "@/app/(portal)/crewing/applications/actions";
+import { makeSession, getSeedUser, fd } from "./helpers";
+import type { ApplicationStage, Role } from "@prisma/client";
+
+let managerId: string;
+let manningId: string;
+let siteStaffId: string;
+let rankId: string;
+let vesselId: string;
+
+const SS_EMAIL = "sitestaff@itapp.local";
+const as = (userId: string, role: Role) =>
+  vi.mocked(auth as unknown as () => Promise<unknown>).mockResolvedValue(makeSession(userId, role));
+
+let seq = 0;
+async function freshRequisition() {
+  seq += 1;
+  return db.requisition.create({ data: { code: `REQ-T${seq}`, rankId, vesselId, reason: "NEW_VACANCY", status: "OPEN" } });
+}
+async function freshCandidate(type: "NEW" | "EX_HAND" = "NEW") {
+  return db.crewMember.create({ data: { name: type === "EX_HAND" ? "Ex Hand" : "New Cand", type, status: type === "EX_HAND" ? "EX_HAND" : "CANDIDATE", source: type === "EX_HAND" ? "EX_HAND" : "CAREERS", appliedRankId: rankId } });
+}
+async function newApplication(type: "NEW" | "EX_HAND" = "NEW") {
+  const [req, cand] = await Promise.all([freshRequisition(), freshCandidate(type)]);
+  as(managerId, "MANAGER");
+  const res = await addApplication(fd({ requisitionId: req.id, crewMemberId: cand.id }));
+  if (!("ok" in res)) throw new Error("addApplication failed");
+  return { applicationId: res.id!, requisitionId: req.id, crewMemberId: cand.id };
+}
+const setStage = (id: string, stage: ApplicationStage) => db.application.update({ where: { id }, data: { stage } });
+
+beforeAll(async () => {
+  managerId = (await getSeedUser("manager@pelagia.local")).id;
+  manningId = (await getSeedUser("manning@pelagia.local")).id;
+  const ss = await db.user.upsert({ where: { email: SS_EMAIL }, update: { role: "SITE_STAFF", isActive: true }, create: { employeeId: "ITAPP-SS", email: SS_EMAIL, name: "SS App", role: "SITE_STAFF" } });
+  siteStaffId = ss.id;
+  rankId = (await db.rank.findFirstOrThrow()).id;
+  vesselId = (await db.vessel.findFirstOrThrow()).id;
+});
+
+afterEach(async () => {
+  await db.crewAction.deleteMany({});
+  await db.salaryStructure.deleteMany({});
+  await db.applicationGate.deleteMany({});
+  await db.referenceCheck.deleteMany({});
+  await db.application.deleteMany({});
+  await db.bankDetail.deleteMany({});
+  await db.epfDetail.deleteMany({});
+  await db.requisition.deleteMany({});
+  await db.crewMember.deleteMany({});
+  vi.clearAllMocks();
+});
+
+afterAll(async () => {
+  await db.user.deleteMany({ where: { email: SS_EMAIL } });
+});
+
+describe("addApplication", () => {
+  it("creates a SHORTLISTED application and moves the requisition into SHORTLISTING", async () => {
+    const { applicationId, requisitionId } = await newApplication();
+    const app = await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } });
+    expect(app.stage).toBe("SHORTLISTED");
+    expect((await db.requisition.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: requisitionId } })).status).toBe("SHORTLISTING");
+  });
+
+  it("rejects a duplicate candidate on the same requisition", async () => {
+    const { requisitionId, crewMemberId } = await newApplication();
+    as(managerId, "MANAGER");
+    const res = await addApplication(fd({ requisitionId, crewMemberId }));
+    expect("error" in res).toBe(true);
+  });
+});
+
+describe("happy path to PROPOSED", () => {
+  it("walks shortlist → competency → docs(+bank/EPF) → salary → manager approval", async () => {
+    const { applicationId, crewMemberId } = await newApplication();
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    expect("ok" in (await advanceStage(applicationId, "start_competency"))).toBe(true);
+    await recordReferenceCheck(fd({ applicationId, refereeName: "Capt. Rao", outcome: "positive" }));
+    expect("ok" in (await advanceStage(applicationId, "verify_competency"))).toBe(true);
+    expect("ok" in (await verifyDocuments(fd({ applicationId, accountNumber: "123456", ifsc: "HDFC0001", uan: "UAN99" })))).toBe(true);
+
+    // Bank/EPF captured at the docs gate
+    expect((await db.bankDetail.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { crewMemberId } })).accountNumber).toBe("123456");
+    expect((await db.epfDetail.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { crewMemberId } })).uan).toBe("UAN99");
+    expect((await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } })).stage).toBe("SALARY_AGREEMENT");
+
+    // MPO agrees salary → SALARY gate pending
+    await agreeSalary(fd({ applicationId, rateBasis: "MONTHLY", basic: "45000" }));
+    const gate = await db.applicationGate.findFirstOrThrow({ where: { applicationId, gate: "SALARY" } });
+    expect(gate.result).toBe("PENDING");
+
+    // MPO cannot approve salary
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    expect(await approveSalary(applicationId)).toEqual({ error: "Unauthorized" });
+
+    // Manager approves → PROPOSED, structure approved
+    as(managerId, "MANAGER");
+    expect("ok" in (await approveSalary(applicationId))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } })).stage).toBe("PROPOSED");
+    expect((await db.salaryStructure.findFirstOrThrow({ where: { applicationId } })).approvedById).toBe(managerId);
+  });
+});
+
+describe("interview → selection", () => {
+  it("MPO records pass → Manager selects → SELECTED + requisition SELECTED", async () => {
+    const { applicationId, requisitionId } = await newApplication();
+    await setStage(applicationId, "INTERVIEW");
+
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    expect("ok" in (await recordInterviewResult(applicationId, true))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.applicationGate.findFirstOrThrow({ where: { applicationId, gate: "SELECTION" } })).result).toBe("PENDING");
+
+    // MPO cannot select
+    expect(await selectCandidate(applicationId)).toEqual({ error: "Unauthorized" });
+
+    as(managerId, "MANAGER");
+    expect("ok" in (await selectCandidate(applicationId))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } })).stage).toBe("SELECTED");
+    expect((await db.requisition.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: requisitionId } })).status).toBe("SELECTED");
+  });
+
+  it("a failed interview rejects the application", async () => {
+    const { applicationId } = await newApplication();
+    await setStage(applicationId, "INTERVIEW");
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    await recordInterviewResult(applicationId, false, "Did not meet the bar");
+    const app = await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } });
+    expect(app.stage).toBe("REJECTED");
+    expect(app.rejectedReason).toBe("Did not meet the bar");
+  });
+
+  it("cannot select before an interview result or waiver", async () => {
+    const { applicationId } = await newApplication();
+    await setStage(applicationId, "INTERVIEW");
+    as(managerId, "MANAGER");
+    const res = await selectCandidate(applicationId);
+    expect("error" in res).toBe(true);
+  });
+});
+
+describe("interview waiver (ex-hands, R2)", () => {
+  it("MPO requests, Manager approves, then selection works without an interview", async () => {
+    const { applicationId } = await newApplication("EX_HAND");
+    await setStage(applicationId, "INTERVIEW");
+
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    expect("ok" in (await requestInterviewWaiver(applicationId, "20 yrs with us"))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.applicationGate.findFirstOrThrow({ where: { applicationId, gate: "WAIVER" } })).result).toBe("PENDING");
+
+    as(managerId, "MANAGER");
+    expect("ok" in (await approveInterviewWaiver(applicationId))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } })).interviewWaived).toBe(true);
+
+    expect("ok" in (await selectCandidate(applicationId))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } })).stage).toBe("SELECTED");
+  });
+
+  it("is refused for a non-ex-hand candidate", async () => {
+    const { applicationId } = await newApplication("NEW");
+    await setStage(applicationId, "INTERVIEW");
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    const res = await requestInterviewWaiver(applicationId);
+    expect("error" in res).toBe(true);
+  });
+});
+
+describe("rejection", () => {
+  it("MPO rejects from a mid stage", async () => {
+    const { applicationId } = await newApplication();
+    await setStage(applicationId, "DOC_VERIFICATION");
+    as(manningId, "MANNING");
+    expect("ok" in (await rejectApplication(applicationId, "Docs not in order"))).toBe(true);
+    expect((await db.application.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: applicationId } })).stage).toBe("REJECTED");
+  });
+
+  it("site staff cannot drive the pipeline", async () => {
+    const { applicationId } = await newApplication();
+    as(siteStaffId, "SITE_STAFF");
+    expect(await advanceStage(applicationId, "start_competency")).toEqual({ error: "Unauthorized" });
+    expect(await rejectApplication(applicationId, "x")).toEqual({ error: "Unauthorized" });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/App/tests/unit/application-pipeline.test.ts b/App/tests/unit/application-pipeline.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0fc3c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/App/tests/unit/application-pipeline.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from "vitest";
+import {
+  BOARD_STAGES,
+  canPerformAction,
+  canReject,
+  getAvailableActions,
+  getTransition,
+} from "@/lib/application-pipeline";
+
+// The gated 7-stage recruitment pipeline (Crewing-Implementation-Spec §5.1).
+describe("Application pipeline state machine", () => {
+  it("has the 7 board stages in order", () => {
+    expect(BOARD_STAGES).toEqual([
+      "SHORTLISTED",
+      "COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES",
+      "DOC_VERIFICATION",
+      "SALARY_AGREEMENT",
+      "PROPOSED",
+      "INTERVIEW",
+      "SELECTED",
+    ]);
+  });
+
+  describe("sourcing advances (MPO/Manager)", () => {
+    it("MPO walks the early stages", () => {
+      expect(getTransition("SHORTLISTED", "start_competency")?.to).toBe("COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES");
+      expect(canPerformAction("SHORTLISTED", "start_competency", "MANNING")).toBe(true);
+      expect(getTransition("COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES", "verify_competency")?.to).toBe("DOC_VERIFICATION");
+      expect(getTransition("DOC_VERIFICATION", "verify_docs")?.to).toBe("SALARY_AGREEMENT");
+      expect(getTransition("PROPOSED", "propose_accepted")?.to).toBe("INTERVIEW");
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe("Manager-gated advances (spec §6)", () => {
+    it("salary approval is Manager-only", () => {
+      expect(canPerformAction("SALARY_AGREEMENT", "approve_salary", "MANAGER")).toBe(true);
+      expect(canPerformAction("SALARY_AGREEMENT", "approve_salary", "SUPERUSER")).toBe(true);
+      expect(canPerformAction("SALARY_AGREEMENT", "approve_salary", "MANNING")).toBe(false);
+      expect(getTransition("SALARY_AGREEMENT", "approve_salary")?.to).toBe("PROPOSED");
+    });
+
+    it("selection is Manager-only", () => {
+      expect(canPerformAction("INTERVIEW", "select", "MANAGER")).toBe(true);
+      expect(canPerformAction("INTERVIEW", "select", "MANNING")).toBe(false);
+      expect(getTransition("INTERVIEW", "select")?.to).toBe("SELECTED");
+    });
+  });
+
+  it("rejects actions on the wrong stage", () => {
+    expect(getTransition("SHORTLISTED", "select")).toBeNull();
+    expect(getTransition("SELECTED", "approve_salary")).toBeNull();
+  });
+
+  it("offers MPO only sourcing actions, Manager the gated ones", () => {
+    expect(getAvailableActions("SALARY_AGREEMENT", "MANNING")).toHaveLength(0);
+    expect(getAvailableActions("SALARY_AGREEMENT", "MANAGER")).toEqual(["approve_salary"]);
+    expect(getAvailableActions("SHORTLISTED", "SITE_STAFF")).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
+
+  describe("rejection (orthogonal)", () => {
+    it("MPO/Manager can reject from any active stage", () => {
+      expect(canReject("COMPETENCY_AND_REFERENCES", "MANNING")).toBe(true);
+      expect(canReject("INTERVIEW", "MANAGER")).toBe(true);
+    });
+    it("cannot reject once selected/onboarded/already rejected", () => {
+      expect(canReject("SELECTED", "MANAGER")).toBe(false);
+      expect(canReject("ONBOARDED", "MANAGER")).toBe(false);
+      expect(canReject("REJECTED", "MANAGER")).toBe(false);
+    });
+    it("site staff cannot reject", () => {
+      expect(canReject("SHORTLISTED", "SITE_STAFF")).toBe(false);
+    });
+  });
+});