BG Verkehr / Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
Seeärztlicher Dienst / Maritime Psychologie
Meßberg 4
20095 Hamburg
Fax: +49 40 361 37-333
Mail: lotsentest@bg-verkehr.de
Dietrich Grasshoff
Phone: +49 40 361 37 277
Mail: dietrich.grasshoff@bg-verkehr.de
Dr. Markus Neumann
Phone: +49 40 361 37 278
Mail: markus.neumann@bg-verkehr.de
Psychological aptitude test
- Psychological aptitude test
- Scheduling an appointment
- During the aptitude test
- Preparation/After the appointment confirmation
- Results, validity, retry
- Costs
- FAQ Psychological aptitude test
Psychological aptitude test
The psychological aptitude test verifies the performance and behavioural characteristics of future sea pilots and their aptitude for sea piloting service. The performance and behavioural characteristics are elaborated upon in the German "Seelotseignungsverodnung" Annex 2 (in German only).
Scheduling an appointment
There is a high demand for appointments. Therefore, please register as early as possible to schedule an appointment via e-mail at lotsentest@bg-verkehr.de. Our team of the Maritime Psychology will consult on possible appointments during the available times.
Prior to an application, please inform the Generaldirektion Wasserstraßen und Schifffahrt (GDWS) about your participation in the psychological aptitude test. A formless e-mail to gdws@wsv.bund.de
During the psychological aptitude test
The aptitude test will take place in the spaces of the maritime psychology department of the Maritime Medical Service in Hamburg (Meßberg 4) at two consecutive days.
Examination day 1
- Start 8 am, please be there not later than 7:45 am
- computerised test procedure, duration approx. 4 hours
- lunch break, approx. 1 hour
- work sample, duration approx. 2 hours
- individual end, at the latest 5 pm
Examination day 2
- Behavioural sample and interview, duration approx. 2.5 hours
- Individual start, at the earlies 8 am, and individual end, at the latest 4:30 pm
On the first examination day please bring:
- your valid form of identification (ID, drivers license),
- your visual aid, if required
All materials required for the examination will be provided.
Preparation
The computerised test procedures and the work sample of the first examination day are designed in such a way that you they can be successfully completed without preparation. For the 2. examination day, you should look into the professional challenges of piloting.
Since the English requirements for piloting are also tested during the examination days, it is advisable to refresh one's English skills. In general, you should make sure that you are well-rested on the days of the test. Depending on your place of residence, it might be advisable to travel the day prior.
After the appointment confirmation
Please send (lotsentest@bg-verkehr.de) at the latest 7 days prior to the aptitude test a digital copy (pdf) of:
- a completed and signed biographical questionnaire
- the prepared additional questions
- the signed data sharing declaration
- your German Pilot Certificate of Fitness as proof of your medical fitness.
Results
The overall result is decided by an aptitude commission. In accordance with the Seelotseignungsverordnung, sec. 3 para.2, this commission consists of two people:
- a psychologist of the maritime psychology department of the Maritime Medical Service; and
- a member of the "Kreis der aktiven Seelotsinnen und Seelotsen" (circle of active sea pilots) appointed by the "Bundeslotsenkammer" (Federal Chamber of Sea Pilots)
The maritime psychology department of the Maritime Medical Service will let you know your overall patitude test result test as a target achievement score (number between a 1 and 100) by mail. You have passed the aptitude test with a target achievement score of at least 55 (Seelotseignungsverordnung, sec. 3 para. 4).
Validity
The attestation of a successfully completed psychological aptitude test are valid indefinitely. Those who passed the German Pilot test before the end of 2022, do not have to complete an additional aptitude test. The comparability of the results of the old and new tests are ensured with Annex 3 of the Seelotseignungsverordnung (on sec. 11 para. 5).
Retry
The complete aptitude test as well as the English test may only be repeated once in case of failure (acc. to Seelotseingnugsverordnung, sec. 3 para.4). A waiting period of 12 months is mandatory before the test may be repeated.
Costs
The costs for the psychological aptitude test are mostly covered by the Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV). You have to cover a partial amount of 150 Euros. After the aptitude test, the Maritime Medical Service will send you a notification of charges over this amount.
FAQ Psychological aptitude test
Most of the test is conducted in German.
No particular clothing is required. On day 1, you should wear relatively comfortable clothes in order to perform several hours of computer tests. The interview on day 2 is similar to the situation of a job interview. Therefore for this phase, dress as you would for a job interview.
No, but you must have sufficient knowlege of the German language in order to perform the tasks of a sea pilot. This will be tested during the psychological aptitude test.