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Apply for a seafarer's identity card

Service Description

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 is not a prerequisite for service on merchant ships flying the German flag.

The seafarer's identity card 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 flying the German flag,
  • are a vocational student or a university student at a maritime training institution established under national law and are completing practical training and seagoing service on a ship,
  • are a trainee ship mechanic or trainee ship 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 and hold a valid foreign certificate for seafarers
  • No data can be stored on the seafarer's identity card. Applications for proof of professional activity in maritime shipping are processed by the BSH.

Note:

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

Process flow

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 "Issue of a seafarer's identity document" and complete the form.
  • Then print out the form and sign it. If necessary, an alternative recipient must also sign the form if this person is responsible for the fees incurred.
  • Attach the required documents, which you will also find as a checklist on the last page of the application.
  • Submit the application documents to the BSH by post.
  • The BSH will check your application.
  • If you meet all the requirements, the BSH will send you proof of professional activity in maritime shipping by post.

Requirements

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

Which documents are required?

You must submit your application:

  • valid identity card or passport (copy, front and back)
    • Make sure to black out all document numbers on this copy (e.g. access number, 6 digits, and serial number, 9 digits)
  • A current passport photo with your name on the back (size 3.5 x 4.5 centimeters; does not have to be biometric)

In addition, one of the following documents:

  • Copy of a valid certificate in accordance with the Seafarers' Competency Ordinance, for example:
    • German certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency,
    • Proof of qualification,
    • endorsement of recognition or
    • certificate of equivalence

or

  • Proof of employment as another crew member on a merchant vessel flying the federal flag by submitting a corresponding letter from the shipping company and a valid certificate of fitness for sea service

or

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

or

  • "Holiday 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 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 service at sea

What are the fees?

Fee: 12,50 - 37,50 EUR
Payment in advance: No
https://www.deutsche-flagge.de/de/finanzen/gebuehren

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

Period of Validity: 10 Years
The seafarer's identity card issued is valid for 10 years. As a "vacation driver" you will receive a seafarer's identity card that is valid for one year.

Processing duration

Processing Time: 4 - 6 Weeks

Legal basis

Applications / forms

  • Contradiction

What else should I know?

There are no indications or special features.

Further Information

Author

Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH)

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV)

Professionally released on

11.09.2023

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

Competent Authority

Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) - Sachgebiet S12

Address
Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 78
20359 Hamburg
Link to the directions:
https://www.bsh.de/DE/Das_BSH/Standorte/_Module/Karussell/Hamburg/Anfahrtskizze_HH.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3
Telephone
+49 40 31907125
Fax
+49 40 31905010
E-Mail
Contact us
WWW
"Serviceportal Deutsche Flagge" on the website of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency
Opening times

Call times:

Monday: 09:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00

Tuesday: 09:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00

Wednesday: 13:00 - 15:00

Thursday: 09:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00

Friday: 09:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 14:30