Apply for seafarer's identity card

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.

• Opposition

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.

Fee from 12,50 EUR to 37,50 EUR (Information on cost composition can be found here)

There are no clues or specifics.