Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which prerequisites do I need to fulfil to work aboard an ocean-going vessel?

Your general health, your hearing, vision and your ability to distinguish between colours will be tested. For more information go to "Regulation on Medical Fitness for Service at Sea".

Who needs an official certificate proving that a candidate is fit for working on an ocean-going vessel?

Every captain and crew member on ocean-going vessels under German flag are required to have an

official certificate proving that they have the fitness and health required for working on an ocean-going vessel.

How much is the check-up establishing whether a candidate is fit for working aboard an ocean-going vessel?

Young adults, who have not yet turned 18, are exempt from these fees. A sailor who has an accident insurance with the BG Verkehr, the German professional association for Transport, due to the type of employment including employment on an ocean-going vessel is also eligible for a free check-up. In cases where the employer does not pay accident insurance to the BG Verkehr, a check-up will cost the candidate a fee. Non-payment on behalf of the employer could be the case where:

• An employee is hired to work aboard an ocean-going vessel under a foreign flag

• A candidate only has a health insurance with the Knappschaft (previously See-Krankenkasse, merged with the Knappschaft in 2008)

  nhis, a sailors’ associationa maritime health insurance, , a sailors’ association

• A candidate is on a pension scheme with the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Knappschaft-Bahn-See, the German Pension Scheme Association for employees of the German Mining, Railway and Shipping

  s

Depending on the requirements of the specific service, fees can vary between EUR 20 and approximately EUR 80 in converted currency.

For how long is my certificate valid?

The certificate for theduties of deck- and engine service

and

is normally valid for two years

The certificate is limited to a year for the following peoplecrew members:

• Young adults under 18 years
• Individuals under 21 who work on fishing vessels
• Individuals over 65
• Individuals in charge of preparing food and drinks
  

Can my GP administer the check-up for service at sea?

The answer is no. According to the German Seemannsgesetz, the law establishing the rights and duties of crew members, medical check-ups to establish whether a captain, officer or crew member has the physical and mental fitness required, can only be administered by physicians who have been authorised by the Maritime Medical Service Unit. An updated index of our authorised physicians is provided  here

.