Seeleute-Ausweis Ausstellung

If you are or want to be professionally active in maritime shipping, you can apply for proof in the form of a seafarer's certificate under certain conditions.

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) issues proof of professional activity in maritime shipping in the form of a seafarer's identity card.

The use of the seafarer's identity card is voluntary and not a prerequisite for service on merchant ships under the German flag.

The seafarers' identity document serves as proof of professional activity in maritime shipping and is neither a substitute for a passport nor official proof of identity.

You can obtain the seafarer's identity card if you either

• have a valid German certificate for seafarers or proof of employment as another crew member on a merchant ship under German flag,
• are a specialized student or a university student at a seafaring-related training institution established according to national law and complete practical training and seagoing service on a ship,
• are a trainee ship's mechanic or a trainee ship's mechanic,
• are a school pupil and have been placed by the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) as a so-called "vacation driver" for a vacation internship, or
• are German or German nationals and have a valid foreign seafarer's certificate
• No data can be stored on the seafarers' identity card. Applications for proof of professional activity in maritime shipping are processed by the BSH.

Notice:

The seaman's book used until 31.05.2019 and the former pattern procedure before the seaman's offices has been abolished. You can document seagoing service with certificates of service. In a seaman's book registered

When submitting the application, you must submit:

• valid identity card or passport (copy, front and back).
  • on this copy, be sure to blacken all document numbers (for example, accession number, 6 digits, and serial number, 9 digits)
• A recent passport photo, labeled with your name on the back (size 3.5 x 4.5 centimeters; does not need to be biometric)

Additionally, one of the following documents:

• Copy of a valid certificate according to the Seafarers' Qualification Ordinance, for example:
  • German certificate of competency or certificate of competency,
  • 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 by presentation of a corresponding letter from the shipping company and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service

or

• Proof that the student or university student is enrolled in a nautical or ship operation or ship electrical engineering course of study at an educational institution established under state law.
  • Proof, for example, by means of a corresponding certificate of enrollment from a university or certificate of admission from a technical college) and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service

or

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

or

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

or

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

Only seafarers or persons who can credibly demonstrate that they wish to become one may apply for a certificate.

You must apply in writing to the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) for proof of professional activity in maritime shipping.

• Go to the BSH website "Serviceportal Deutsche Flagge".
• Select the application form "Issuance of a Seafarers' Identity Document" and fill out the form.
• Then print out the form and sign it. If applicable, an alternate recipient must also sign the form if that person will pay the applicable fees.
• Attach the required documents, which can also be found as a checklist on the last application page.
• Submit the application documents to the BSH by mail.
• The BSH will review your application.
• If you meet all the requirements, the BSH will issue you with proof of professional activity in maritime shipping by mail.

There are no clues or specifics.

• Opposition

• Seafarer's Identification Card Issuance:
• Credential is voluntary and not a requirement for service on merchant vessels
• Applications may be made by:
  • Seafarers (crew members) and those with a proven intention to become one
  • Trainees to become ship mechanics or ship mechanics
  • Students at nautical schools (nautical science, ship operation technology, fishery)
  • University students in nautical studies (nautical science, marine engineering, marine electrical engineering)
  • Students as "vacation drivers" via the German Shipowners' Association (VDR)
• Type of certificate for professional activity in maritime shipping
  • Seafarer's identity card
• Identity card serves as proof of professional activity in maritime shipping and is neither a substitute for a passport nor official proof of identity
• responsible: Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).