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Training · Competence

 

  • I want to go to sea. Where can I get information?

Information specifically for young people and shipping companies can be found on www.machmeer.de. The Berufsbildungsstelle Seeschifffahrt e.V. (maritime vocational training center) and the Zentrale Heuerstelle Hamburg (of the public employment agency) are happy to advise you on maritime training and professions. In addition, this website informs about training and competence and so does the German Shipowners' Association VDR on their website on careers in ocean shipping.

  • I am looking for a place to work at sea, who can I contact about this?

The Zentrale Heuerstelle Hamburg (nautical placement agency) informs, gives advice and places specialists and executives of the shipping industry free of charge. There are also private recruitment and placement agencies for the shipping industry.

  • I hold a foreign certificate of competency and intend to work on a ship under the German flag. To whom shall I apply?

The Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) in Hamburg is responsible for the endorsement of foreign certificates of competency on ships under the German flag. Their experts will be glad to advise you. Find further information under "Recognition of foreign certificates".

  • How can I register for the simplified examination for maritime radiocommunications?

Find information about this under Fortbestand der Befähigung für den Seefunkdienst.

  • How can I prepare myself for the simplified examination for maritime radio certificates ROC / GOC / UBZ at the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH)?

Bookshops have various training material for SRC and LRC on offer.

Both official catalogues of examination questions, the one for SRC and the one for LRC, are for the use of maritime radio services that are not subject to the SOLAS Convention but part of GMDSS. They provide a firm base to prepare for the simplified examination for maritime radio certificates.

For the GOC examination both question catalogues (LRC and SRC) are relevant, for ROC / UBZ examinations only the SRC question catalogue is relevant.


Participation in a refresher course is recommended for those who do not want to study solely by themselves and in addition want to gain practice-oriented skills. Find information on maritime radio courses under "Approved Courses".

Abbreviations:
ROC = Restricted Operator’s Certificate
GOC = General Operator’s Certificate
UBZ = UKW-Betriebszeugnis für Funker (VHF Operator’s Certificate)
SRC = Short Range Certificate
LRC = Long Range Certificate

  • Where can I find information about approved training courses?

All approved training courses by the BSH and the BG Verkehr regarding maritime shipping can be found under "Approved Courses".

  • Does the Seafarer's Card replace my seaman's books?

No, seaman's books are not issued any longer; seagoing services are documented on records of employment. Here you can find a model record of employment.

  • Is it mandatory to apply for a Seafarer's Card?

No, the card is voluntary and not a requirement for service on merchant ships under German flag. In some countries it can be of advantage and sometimes even a requirement to have one. Further information can be found under "Seafarer's Card".

  • Which doctors are recognized to issue medical certificates in Germany and abroad?

You can find a list of all recognized doctors under "Recognized medical practitioners".

  • How can I have the validity of my certificate of competency extended even if it has expired already?

Information, in particular about the documents of proof you will have to submit, are given under "Seagoing service and Ships".

  • How can I proof seagoing service?

Information, in particular about the documents of proof you will have to submit, are given under "Seagoing service and Ships".

  • I serve on a ship operated by the government. Are there things I need to consider when I have the validity of my certificate of competency extended?

Yes, you can find the information about the documents of proof you have to submit under "Seagoing service and Ships".

  • Do I have to have my certificate of proficiency for Ship Security Officer (SSO) extended?

No, SSO certificates of proficiency are issued without a period of validity. Upon request to zeugnisse@bsh.de, you receive a confirmation.

  • Do I need seagoing service as chief mate to acquire an unrestricted certificate of competency as master?

No, in addition to the seagoing service required for the certificate of competency as chief mate, you are required to serve for at least 24 months as navigational watchkeeping officer or chief mate. But seagoing service as chief mate counts double.

  • How does the seagoing service as chief engineer officer on ships with less than 3,000 kW propulsion power count regarding seagoing service to become an unrestricted chief engineer officer?

Upon application up to 6 months can be counted as seagoing service as second engineer officer.

  • As a holder of a German navigational certificate of competency, how can I proof my knowledge of ARPA, ECDIS, Bridge Ressource Management (BRM) and management training?

Your knowledge of ECDIS and ARPA are proven with your certificate of competency without restrictions regarding ARPA and ECDIS (in accordance with the STCW Convention):

  • officers in charge of navigational watch (Regulation II/1),
  • masters and chief mates (Regulation II/2), or
  • near-coastal voyages (Regulation II/3).

Your knowledge of BRM and management training are also confirmed with one of the aforementioned certificates of competency.

Additional statements about advanced training courses for ARPA, ECDIS, BRM or management training are not necessary. Upon request to zeugnisse@bsh.de, you receive a confirmation letter.