Tasks of the Maritime Shipping Department

  • Implementation of market surveillance for marine equipment and surveillance of notified bodies
  • Issuance of certificates of competency or proficiency and other documents for German seafarers and endorsements of recognition for foreign seafarers
  • Management of federal funds for the promotion of shipping
  • Granting of permissions to operate under a foreign flag
  • Ship measurement and issuance of the internationally required tonnage certificates
  • Plan approval and survey of installation of on board navigation and communication systems
  • Further development of navigation and communication systems
  • Implementation of European and international conventions and legislation on environmental protection in maritime transport
  • Approval of the ship security plans and issuance of the internationally required certificates

Goals:

  • To ensure close cooperation with the other bodies of the German flag state administration (in particular the Department for Ship Safety at the BG Verkehr)
  • To ensure constant availability (24/7)
  • To have a high level of expertise to advise the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV)
  • To provide expertise in negotiations in European and international bodies