Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany

Proof of professional activity in maritime shipping - exhibition

Prerequisites

• You can credibly demonstrate that you are currently employed in the maritime shipping industry, or intend to be.
• They have
  • a valid German certificate for seafarers or
  • Proof of employment as another crew member on a merchant ship flying the German flag, for example as
    • Vocational school student or university student at a maritime training institution established under state law, through which you complete practical training and sea time on a ship
    • Trainee ship mechanic (male or female)
    • Pupil or pupil who has been placed by the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) as a so-called "holiday driver" for a holiday internship or
    • German or Germans with a valid foreign seafarer's certificate.

Documents required

• valid identity card or passport (copy, front and back)
• a recent passport photo with your name written on the back (size 3.5 x 4.5 centimeters; does not need to be biometric)
• Copy of a valid certificate according to the Seamen's Qualification Regulation, for example:
  • German certificate of competence or proof of competence,
  • Proof of qualification,
  • Certificate of recognition or
  • Certificate of equivalence

or

• Proof of employment as another crew member on a merchant ship flying the German flag (for example, by submitting a corresponding letter from the shipping company and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service)

or

• Proof that you are enrolled at a training institution established under state law for a nautical, marine engineering, or marine electrical engineering training or study program (for example, through a corresponding certificate of enrollment from a university or admission certificate from a technical college) and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service.

or

• "Holiday traveler contract" arranged by the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service

or

• Proof of training as a ship mechanic and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service

or

• Proof of recognition of practical training and sea service time from the BSH and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service

Please note

The seafarer's ID card serves as proof of employment in the maritime industry and is neither a substitute for a passport nor an official form of identification. Use of the seafarer's ID card is voluntary and not a requirement for service on merchant ships flying the German flag.

The seaman's book, used until May 31, 2019, and the former conscription procedure before the maritime offices have been abolished. Sea service time can be documented with service certificates.

Deadlines

The seaman's ID card is valid for 10 years.

Procedure

• You are visiting the website of the responsible authority.
• You fill out the application form provided there.
• You print out the form and sign it.
• You submit the application form to the relevant authority and attach the necessary documents.
• The relevant authority will review your application.
• Upon successful completion of the examination, you will receive your seaman's identification card.

Processing time

The processing takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

Fees

12.50 EUR - 37.50 EUR

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 62 Seafarers' Qualification Ordinance (See-BV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/see-bv/__62.html


Section 3 paragraph 1 sentence 1 number 6 Seafarers' Qualification Ordinance (See-BV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/see-bv/__3.html