Social security

• I am a seafarer and have so far served under foreign flags. How do I benefit from statutory German social security when I change now to the German flag?

Statutory social security in Germany provides a high level of security which private insurance alone cannot match. As an example, the benefits of the statutory accident insurance in case of accidents at the workplace are extremely comprehensive. Here you can find further information on the German statutory social security.

• What must I, as an employer, observe as regards pension insurance?

Statutory social security data for German and European seafarers must be reported electronically. If non-European seafarers shall be exempted from the compulsory pension insurance scheme, the appropriate applications must be submitted to the German pension fund (Knappschaft-Bahn-See). This is where you can find the application form for the exemption from the pension insurance for non-European seafarers.