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FAQ

Here you find the most frequently asked questions related to the German flag, arranged according to the subjects addressed by this Website

  • Do I need to rebuild a ship at a change of flag?

With a good and safe ship no major modifications are necessary. In the nautical and technical field there are only a few additional European safety requirements that go beyond the international standard. Equivalent alternative solutions are possible as well. In individual cases, the transitional arrangements for the implementation of the German and European safety standards can be agreed upon. A listing of the ship's safety standards under German flag can be found on our changing flag pages.

  • Who can help me find the appropriate person in the authorities when changing flag?

On the right-hand side of our changing flag pages are the respective "related contacts" with the contact details of the appropriate contact person and/or authority. In addition, the button “Contact details” in the top right-hand corner of this website allows an index-search by topic for the competent contact persons.

  • What is the difference between the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and the German Maritime Labour Act (Seearbeitsgesetz)?

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is a treaty under international law to define minimum standards for working and living conditions of seafarers on a global scale. The Maritime Labour Act is the German law which implements the international standard in national legislation.

  • What has to be included in a seafarer's employment agreement for it to be consistent with the Maritime Labour Convention and the Maritime Labour Act?

The minimum contents of a seafarer's employment agreement are established in § 28 of the Martime Labour Act. For guidance, we have developed a specimen employment agreement for the German flag.

  • Who is responsible for the approval of private seafarer recruitment and placement services?

Private seafarer recruitment and placement services are supervised by the state in which they are headquartered. Recruitment and placement services need to be licensed by that state only. Seafarer recruitment and placement services based in Germany need a licence by the ship safety division of the BG-Verkehr. Further information can be found under "Recruitment of Seafarers".

  • How is a ship under the German flag to be manned?

Manning varies as do ships. According to the German Safe Manning Regulation the master has to be a citizen of an EU or EEA State, there is however no general requirement regarding the minimum crew depending on type and trade of ship. The shipowner submits a manning proposal which will be assessed by the administration. The experts in the ship safety division of the BG-Verkehr will be glad to advise you. For further information please refer to “Manning”.

  • Do German tariff agreements apply automatically to a ship under the German flag?

No, the German wage tariff agreement (HTV See) and collective tariff agreement (MTV See) apply only, if the shipowning company is a member of the tariff community of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) and in addition the individual seafarer is a member of the German seafarers’ trade union ver.di (known as double tariff). Follow the link for further information regarding application and legal implications of tariff agreements in ocean shipping.

  • What is my annual holiday entitlement and how will I be compensated for overtime and Sunday, holiday and night work as a seafarer on board a German flagged ship?

Every seafarer has a minimum annual holiday entitlement of 30 calendar days (§ 57 of the Maritime Labour Act). Depending on one's individual work performance, compensation days of Sunday, holiday and night work (§ 52 of the Maritme Labour Act) as well as of overtime are added. This compensatory time-off is often granted to be realized in combination with holidays. For example, the Manteltarifvertrag See (MTV-See) provides a generalized holidays/time-off compensation of 12,5 days/month. In this case, any of the seafarer's entitlement regarding holidays, time-off and overtime compensation is fulfilled.

 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What do I, as a shipowner, have to consider when I want to use privately contracted armed security personnel against pirates on a German flagged ship?

You need to see that the security company that employs the armed security personnel has a licence issued by the Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA, Federal Office of Economics and Export Control). In addition, you have to apply for an addendum to the ship security plan (SSP) at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) as well as report the deployment of privately contracted armed security personnel to the German Point of Contact. Click here for further information on privately contracted armed security personnel.

  • Where can I get the current ISM information on topics regarding the German flag?

Our ISM circulars contain current information on safety management under the German flag. You are welcome to be added to our mailing list of the ISM circulars - please send us a short e-mail: ism@bg-verkehr.de.

    • What do I have to consider with the newbuilding of a ship under German flag?

    The easiest thing is to follow our "checklist for newbuildings". This is also where you can read the relevant information about equipment, plan approval and the legal bases.

    • Where can I find information on the equipment for recovery of persons from the water?

    Here you can find the most relevant information about the equipment for recovery of persons fallen over board. We have also provided some films about the appropriate equipment (Recovery Systems) for you. Our specialist Captain Lange will gladly provide advice about this topic: peer.lange@bg-verkehr.de, phone: +49 40 361 37-319.

    • How much is charged for the medical fitness examination?

    The examination of fitness for sea service is free of charge for young persons under the age of 18 and for employees and self-employed persons working in the shipping business and paying contributions for the occupational accident insurance to the BG Verkehr. Prior to the examination the recognized medical practitioners establish whether applicants are entitled to cost exemption. Click here for a specimen form of insurance facilitating cost exemption. For young persons it is sufficient to prove their age with their official identity card.
    For everyone else the charge of an examination will be approximately €100, depending on the scope of the examination. Among others, seafarers under foreign flag or those who are only insured with either health or pension insurance have to pay the examination themselves.

    • How long will my medical certificate be valid?

    Medical certificates for sea service in the deck or engine department are usually valid for two years. For young persons under the age of 18 the period of validity is limited to one year.

    • May also my family doctor carry out the medical fitness examination?

    No, the medical fitness examinations may only be performed by physicians who have been authorized by the maritime medical service. Please find here the up-to-date list of recognized medical practitioners.

    • I consume cannabis regularly. Does this make me unfit for sea-service?

    Yes, the regular consumption of cannabis makes one unfit for sea-service. Smoking cannabis regularly leads directly to lesser performance in perception, attention and the capacity of reaction. In addition several substantial side effects can occur – among other things, sedation, sleepiness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fever. There is a difference whether one consumes cannabis in a private setting (legally or illegally, is not relevant) or in a professional capacity on board a sea-going vessel, where an emergency or recues situation that requires a minimum degree of capability may occur at any time.

    Ballast Water

    • To which ships does the Ballast Water Management Convention apply?

    The Ballast Water Management Convention applies to all ships under a flag of a contracting party regardless of their size. Germany has ratified the convention and is therefore a contracting party. Even ships that do not fly the flag of a contracting party have to comply with the Ballast Water Management Convention when they travel in the territorial waters of a contracting party. For the purpose of the Ballast Water Management Convention ship is a vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the aquatic environment. This includes floating platforms without its own propulsion, floating craft and FSUs. The convention applies to inland waterway vessels when they travel maritime waters along the seawards border of the territorial sea. The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) does not apply to:

    1. ships on domestic voyages (however, these are covered by the “See-Umweltverhaltensverordnung (SeeUmwVerhV)” (ordinance on maritime environmental performance)),
    2. warships, naval auxiliaries or other state ships, und
    3. ships not designed or constructed to carry ballast water.

    The BWM Convention does also not apply to ballast water permanently carried on board ships in a sealed ballast water tank system and not discharged into the sea.

    • Under which conditions is a discharge of ballast water permitted?

    The discharge of ballast water shall only be conducted through Ballast Water Management and in accordance with the provisions in the annex to the Ballast Water Management Convention – which means by compliance with Regulations D-2. Here you will find information on problems with the BWMS of a ship (contingency measures / Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency and Compliance Area). If you still have questions, please contact the nearest competent port and: ballastwasser@bsh.de.

    • What exactly does Regulation D-2 of the annex to the Ballast Water Management Convention include?

    The D-2 standard can only be met with an appropriate ballast water management system or by discharging ballast water into a port reception facility. The exact requirements can be found in our sheet with information on the D-2 standard (in German only).

    • Which special regulations apply to ballast water exchange in the North and Baltic Sea?

    Ships cannot access a ballast water exchange area in either the North or Baltic Sea. Such an area would have to be at least 200 m deep and 200 nm away from the nearest shore (if this is unattainable 200 m deep and not less than 50 nm away from nearest shore).

    After the Intra North Sea ballast water exchange area previously defined for the North Sea by IMO Circular BWM.2/Circ.56 ceased to be designated as such on 8 September 2024, the states bordering the North Sea designated an Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency Area with new coordinates.

    If problems occur, or are expected to occur, with the BWMS when taking up ballast water in a German North Sea port, the competent port authority and the BSH via ballastwasser@bsh.de should be contacted as soon as possible. During the weekends or public holidays, please contact the Service Team of the German Flag by phone via +49 40 3190-7777.

    • Which exceptions from Ballast Water Management exist?

    Intended exceptions from Ballast Water Management are:

    1. ensuring the safety of a ship in emergency situations or saving life at sea;
    2. accidental discharge resulting from a damage provided that all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent or reduce the discharge and that the damage was not caused willfully or recklessly;
    3. the uptake and discharge of ballast water and sediments when being used for the purpose of avoiding or minimizing pollution incidents from the ship;
    4. the uptake and subsequent discharge on the high seas of the same ballast water and sediments;
    5. the discharge of ballast water and sediments from a ship at the same location where the whole of that ballast water and those sediments originated and provided that no mixing with unmanaged ballast water and sediments from other areas has occurred. The definition of “same location” for ports lies within the countries competence.
    • Is it necessary to treat the ballast water on board to comply with Regulation D-2?

    No, even though the installation of a ballast water management system on-board is the most common method. The Ballast Water Management Convention arranged other methods as well, e.g. the discharge in port reception facilities, if available. Also, the discharge into an external ballast water management system (e.g. on another ship or on land) is possible if this leads to compliance with the approval requirements of the BWMS Code and, if applicable, procedure G9. The handling of the ballast water needs to be specified accordingly in the Ballast Water Record Book.

    • Is it possible to get exemptions from the treatment requirement in accordance with D-2 in several ports?

    Yes, if all ports have been inspected in accordance with the “HELCOM/OSPAR Joint Harmonised Procedure” in conjunction with IMO Guideline G7 and the risk assessment permits an exemption. An exemption is only granted on the basis of port investigations if the risk to the environment, health, property and/or resources is acceptably low. If the discharge of ballast water is planned for ports, the relevant authorities of the countries have to be contacted.

    • Does the data of the port inspections for granting an exemption get published? Is it available to other applicants?

    Yes, the "HELCOM/OSPAR Joint Harmonised Procedure" stipulates this. The data shall be entered into the HELCOM databank, which is part of the "HELCOM/OSPAR Joint Harmonised Procedure".

    • Which ships must have a Ballast Water Management Plan and a Ballast Water Record Book on board? 

    All ships falling under the Ballast Water Management Convention and flying a flag of a contracting party – regardless of their size - have to carry an approved Ballast Water Management Plan and a Ballast Water Record Book on board on domestic and international voyages. In German law, this is regulated by section 20 of the “See-Umweltverhaltensverordnung (SeeUmwVerhV)” (ordinance on maritime environmental performance). The Ballast Water Record Book may be available electronically or be part of another record book and must be available on board for at least two years (an additional three years in the control of the company).
    Each operation concerning ballast water must be fully recorded without delay and signed by the officer in charge. Each completed page must be signed by the master. Necessary entries include exemptions (see Guideline G4).
    The Ballast Water Record Book must be kept readily available for inspection. In the case of an unmanned ship under tow, it may be kept on the towing ship. The entries in the Ballast Water Record Book must be in a working language of the ship. If that language is not English, French or Spanish the entries shall contain a translation into one of those languages.

    • Do ships with less than 400 GT receive an international Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWM Certificate)?

    As standard, ships on domestic voyages do not receive an IBMW Certificate and are exempt from the survey provision outlined in Section E of the Ballast Water Management Convention. However, shipping companies of these ships can apply for a certificate if they so wish. Provisions by the responsible classification society may require a survey for the ballast water certificate, e.g. because of the class notation.

    • Who can you contact regarding discharge of untreated ballast water?

    Regarding the discharge of untreated ballast water, depending on the area in the territorial waters where the discharge occurs, individual federal and stately authorities are responsible. The point of contact at the federal government regarding prosecution of administrative offences on maritime waterways and federal waterways is the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Section “Environmental Protection in Maritime Traffic” (S 15), e-mail: Ballastwasser@BSH.de. The states are responsible for monitoring and prosecuting administrative offenses in the ports. See a list of contact details for the relevant authorities.

    • Who can I contact if I have more questions regarding ballast water?
    1. Contingency measures (also: emergency measures), challenging water quality, administrative offenses, committee work, exceptions, exemptions and approval of Ballast Water Management Systems: Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Section “Environmental Protection in Maritime Traffic” (S 15), e-mail: Ballastwasser@bsh.de
    2. Approval of Ballast Water management plans and issuance of certificates (IBWM Certificate): BG Verkehr / Ship Safety Division (Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit), e-mail: maschine@bg-verkehr.de, phone: +49 40 361 37-217.
    3. Monitoring ships under foreign flag in German ports as part of port state control: BG Verkehr / Ship Safety Division (Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit), e-mail: psc-germany@bg-verkehr.de
    • Where can I find more information regarding ballast water?
    1. On our website in the section Ballast water, in the document listing (there under “Ballast water”) and in current information on the homepage.
    2. You can find all relevant guidelines and other documents on ballast water with our Document Search
    3. In the IMO Document MEPC71/17/Add. 2 Annex 11 (“BWM – How to do it”)

    Ship Recycling

    • When will the International Ship Recycling Convention (Hong Kong Convention) enter into force?

    The convention will enter into force when at least 15 states with over 40% of the of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping have entered into a binding commitment. This is not yet the case. Find here the current status of this and other conventions of the International Maritime Organization IMO.

    • Is a new authorisation form for application to be submitted, when a ship is renamed and a new civil liability certificate (CLC) is applied for?

    When a ship is renamed, a new civil liability certificate (CLC) is required and must therefore be applied for. However, a new authorization form for that ship is not necessary.

    • Is the tonnage tax restricted to ships under the German flag?

    No, flying the German flag is no prerequisite for the application of the tonnage tax; tonnage tax may be used regardless of flag. It is however important that the ship’s operation is managed from German territory, in particular with regard to technical and to commercial aspects.

    • Which subsidies will I get, if I operate a ship under the German flag?

    There are various kinds of financial support for German-flagged ships:

    1. Subsidies for reducing ancillary labour costs
    The federal government reimburses the shipowner upon application the complete paid employers' contributions to the social security.

    2. Subsidies for training slots
    For the creation of training slots, e.g. for ship mechanics, the federal government pays up to 24.000 € as subsidies to the shipowner/employer.

    3. Wage tax deduction
    The shipowner is entitled to retain 100% of the wage tax due for seafarers on German flagged ships.

    4. Financial support by the training foundation
    The foundation "Stiftung Schifffahrtsstandort Deutschland" grants financial support for training of junior seafarers. For junior officers up to 32.000 € may be paid annually.

    Please click here for further information on financial support for the German flag.