Initial issuance

• Longer processing time - Please read and note!
• Initial issuance
• Prerequisites
• Application forms
• Issuance of replacement

Longer processing time - Please read and note!

Due to an increased volume of applications, more extensive processing and staff shortages, applications for the issue of certificates for seafarers are currently taking longer to process. It is currently approx. 12 weeks. We apologize for this and ask for your understanding.

How can you help? / What can you do?

1. Submit the applications at least 4 months in advance. If you already have dates for refresher courses for the safety certificates during this period, submit the copies of the certificates of attendance unsolicited by e-mail to zeugnisse@bsh.de.
2. Make sure that the documents supporting your application are complete, usually copies of: a valid identity card or passport, a valid seaworthiness certificate, certificates of competency for ship safety (with proof of qualification for refresher courses, if applicable), a sufficient number of passport photos and proof of required seagoing service.
3. You will find the eligibility requirements for your individual application on the last page of the respective application. Please submit all the documents listed there.
4. If you already have a specific start date for your next assignment, please note this in the “Additional information on the application” field. This will allow us to process your application in good time.
5. Pay attention to which certificate of competency you are applying for; for example, for a master's certificate of competency: NK is the master's certificate of competency (generally in all sailing areas on seagoing vessels of all sizes), NK 500 is the certificate of competency for master near-coastal voyage GRZ 500 and the certificate of competency NK 100 is the certificate of competency for master national voyage GRZ 100.
6. Fill out the application online first, then click on the PDF symbol above the application (the first icon in the line). This will convert the application into a PDF file. Only then can you print out the PDF with your details.
7. Important: Sign the application. The signature must be an original and identical to the signature on the copy of your ID card or passport submitted.
8. A signature must also be provided by the party who may be responsible for the fees, usually the shipping company.
9. Please make inquiries preferably by e-mail (zeugnisse@bsh.de), stating your telephone number if necessary. Please try to avoid telephone inquiries.

If you have confirmed your voyage times as captain yourself, a signed and stamped confirmation from the shipping company of your voyage times is required (e.g. a tabular overview, stating the ship's name, IMO numbers, GT, your position on board and the respective start and end of the voyage time).

By observing the above points, you will help us to reduce the processing time - thank you very much!

Initial issuance of certificates for seafarers

The BSH is responsible for issuing all certificates for seafarers; this includes the seafarer's card.

Exception: The Seemannsamt Rostock (in German only) is exclusively responsible for the initial issuance of certificates of competency as Navigational Watchkeeping Officer (NWO), Engineering Watchkeeping Officer (TWO) and Electro-technical Officer (ETO), if the applicants were graduates of the maritime university / technical college in Warnemünde. If the training did not correspond to the standard training course, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is responsible.

Prerequisites

For the initial issuance of a certificate, you must fulfill various requirements. Details can be found in the relevant application forms.
These prerequisites may include certain seagoing service. You can find details on this in the information on seagoing service · ships.

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Application forms

Please note the following:

• You can process only one form at a time (not several).
• You must send your applications to the BSH by post or fax (applications by e-mail are not possible).
• For the sake of environment: Please send your applications to BSH without plastic envelopes or folders.

Data protection declaration

• Guide - electronic forms
• SEPA-Basislastschrift-Mandat(Direct Debit Authorization)
• Antrag auf Erstausstellung von Befähigungszeugnissen und -nachweisen direkt nach Abschluss an einer Fach(hoch)schule (application for the initial issuance of certificates of competency or proficiency right after graduation from a technical college or university of applied sciences)
  (in German only)
• Antrag auf Ausstellung von Befähigungszeugnissen für die nächsthöhere Dienststellung an Bord (application for the issuance of certificates of competency or proficiency for the subsequent rank on board)
  (in German only)
• Antrag auf Erstausstellung, Gültigkeitsverlängerung und Umtausch von Seefunkzeugnissen (application for initial issuance, extension of validity and exchange of radio operator's certificates)
  (in German only)
• Application for the Issuance of Certificates of Proficiency
  (Deck Department, Engine Department, General Purpose Ratings, Safety, Security)
• Application for the Issuance of Certificates of Proficiency for Service on certain Types of Ships
  (Passenger Ships, IGF, Polar-Ships, Tankers)
• Antrag auf Ausstellung von Befähigungsnachweisen für Schiffsmechaniker in der Berufsausbildung (application for issuance of certificates of proficiency for ship's mechanics during training)
  (in German only)

If more than one certificate is issued for a seafarer at the same time, the fees may be reduced. Click here for more information on fees.

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Issuance of replacement

• Application for the replacement of Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP)

For the issuance of a replacement radio operator's certificate that was not not issued by the BSH, please contact the Deutschen Seglerverband e.V. (in German only), Gründgenstraße 18, 22309 Hamburg.

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