Guidelines On The Implementation of The Maritime Labour Convention On Board of German Flagged Ships (MLC-Guideline)

Guidelines on the implementation of the
Maritime Labour Convention on board of

German flagged ships (MLC-Guideline)
Revision 2/2013
Revision 2/2013 II
Guidelines on the implementation of the
Maritime Labour Convention on board of
German flagged ships
(MLC-Guideline)
Revision 2/2013 III

Imprint
Publisher Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit

of the BG Verkehr
Brandstwiete 1
D-20457 Hamburg
Telephon: (040) 361 37 - 0
www.seearbeit.de
Editorial board/content Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit - Referat ISM/ILO
Photo Frontpage Kirk Williams, Hamburg
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit exercises no influence on the contents and layout

of any external websites that may be linked to this guide. In no cases liability will be
assumed for any loss caused by the use information provided.
Revision 2/2013 IV
Declaration of the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit on the
implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention in Germany
The implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention in national legislation was

especially effected by entry into force of the Seearbeitsgesetz and the regulations
issued on this basis.
According to § 129 Seearbeitsgesetz the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of the

Berufsgenossenschaft für Transport und Verkehrswirtschaft (BG Verkehr) monitors if
ships that sail under German flag are compliant with national regulations concerning
the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention..
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of the BG Verkehr has established a documented

system for the inspection and certification of the maritime labour conditions.
The system ensures that:
the working and living conditions for seafarers on board of German flagged
ships are compliant with the standards of the Maritime Labour Convention,
the measures laid down in the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance will
be followed to comply with the national requirements and
ships in international voyage with a gross tonnage of 500 tons or more are
holding a valid Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime
Labour Compliance.
To achieve the objectives the inspections of seafarers´ working and living conditions
are carried out periodically. The inspection and implementation of the requirements
of the Maritime Labour Convention will be ensured by the following consistent
principles:
All verifications will be carried out according to the guidelines on the

implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention on board of German
flagged ships.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit has a sufficient number of qualified

inspectors available to fulfil its tasks.
The inspectors have the necessary education, training and competence to

carry out inspections of the Maritime Labour conditions in an adequate
manner, independent and with the necessary knowledge and expertise.
To maintain the qualification the inspectors will be regularly qualified and

trained.
Complaints will be handled confidentially and will be analysed immediately

according to documented complaints-procedures.
Revision 2/2013 V
Inspectors will not be assigned with tasks which might influence the effective
and independent inspection.
Recognized Organisations (ROs) have to fulfil mandatory requirements

concerning qualification and independence, which will be determined in a
validation process.
Due to the system for inspection and certification it is ensured, that the
verification work carried out by the RO is sufficient and meets the
requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit operates a data-information system, which

ensures that inspection time frames and the certification periods will be
observed.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit keeps records about all inspections of the

Maritime Labour Conditions, which are submitted by the inspectors.
Information about the inspection activity will be published in an annual report.
The procedures describing the system for the inspection and certification of
the Maritime Labour Conditions are part of the quality management system of
the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit and are subject to periodical internal and
external evaluations.
Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of BG Verkehr
Revision 2/2013 VI
Content
Declaration of the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit on the implementation of the

Maritime Labour Convention in Germany
Legend
Abbreviations
1. Preamble 1
1.1 Purpose of this guideline and instructions for use 1

1.2 Scope of the Maritime Labour Act 1
1.3 Definitions provided in the Maritime Labour Act 4
2. Inspection and certification of the maritime labour conditions 5
2.1 Fundamental Principles 5

2.2 Maritime Labour Certificate and
Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance 7
2.3 Inspections 10
2.4 Inspection process 13
2.5 Documentation 16
2.6 Treatment of complaints 18
3. The individual requirements 19
3.1 Minimum age (Regulation 1.1) 21

3.2 Medical certificate (Regulation 1.2) 24
3.3 Training and qualification (Regulation 1.3) 26
3.4 Recruitment and placement (Regulation 1.4) 27
3.5 Seafarer’s employment agreements (Regulation 2.1) 29
3.6 Wages (Regulation 2.2) 37
3.7 Hours of work and hours of rest (Regulation 2.3) 39
3.8 Entitlement to leave (Regulation 2.4) 45
3.9 Repatriation (Regulation 2.5) 47
3.10 Manning levels (Regulation 2.7) 49
3.11 Accommodation and recreational facilities (Regulation 3.1) 50
3.12 Food and catering (Regulation 3.2) 52
3.13 Medical care on board ship and ashore (Regulation 4.1) 56
3.14 Shipowners’ liability (Regulation 4.2) 59
3.15 Health and safety protection and accident prevention
(Regulation 4.3) 61
3.16 Social Security (Regulation 4.5) 66
3.17 On-board complaint procedures (Regulation 5.1.5) 68
4. Annex 71
Revision 2/2013 VII

Legend
Important note
Model
Documents to review
Revision 2/2013 VIII

List of abbreviations
ArbSchG Labour Protection Act

ASiG Occupational Safety Act
BetrSichV Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health
BGB German Civil Code
Berufsgenossenschaft für Transport und
BG Verkehr
Verkehrswirtschaft
EntgFG Act on Continued Remuneration During Illness
LärmVibrationsArbSchV Noise and Vibration at Work Regulations
FlRG German Flag Act
GefStoffV Ordinance on Hazardous Substances
Offshore-ArbZV Offshore-Working Hours Ordinance
MLC Maritime Labour Convention
PSC Port State Control
SchBesV Safe Manning Regulations
SeeArbG Maritime Labour Act
Ordinance on the working organization and working time
See-ArbZNV
records in maritime shipping
SeeUnterkunftsV Ordinance on Accommodation in Maritime Shipping
SeeArbÜV Ordinance on Maritime Labour Inspections
TzBfG Act on Part-time and Fixed-Term Employment
TrinkwV Drinking Water Ordinance
Revision 2/2013 IX
Revision 2/2013 X
MLC-Guideline Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
-Preamble- BG Verkehr
1. Preamble
1.1 Purpose of this guideline and instructions for use
1
This guideline contains further information concerning the implementation and en-
forcement of the Maritime Labour Convention by the German Flag State for ships,
except fishing vessels, flying the German flag. Content and structure follows the ILO-
Guidelines for Flag State Inspections under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
The guideline, conceived to provide practical help, offers information especially to:
Inspectors verifying the Maritime Labour Conditions on board,
Companies implementing the Maritime Labour Convention on their ships, es-

pecially when issuing Part II of the Maritime Labour Convention.
Chapter 2 „Inspection and certification of the Maritime Labour Conditions“ clarifies

how the inspection and certification of the ships concerned is carried out in Germany.
Chapter 3 „The particular requirements“ specifies the individual requirements which

are subject of every inspection. Models of documents can be found in the Annex to
this guideline.
The explanations of the requirements are only extracts of legal

norms which are applicable, for example the Seearbeitsgesetz.
Therefore, it shall be emphasized that only the respective laws and
regulations in complete version are binding.
1.2 Scope of the Maritime Labour Act
In Germany the Maritime Labour Act lays down the scope of the Maritime Labour
Convention.
Ships
The Maritime Labour Act applies to all merchant vessels (ships) flying the German
flag according to the German Flag Act. Merchant vessels in this context are commer-
cially operated ships whose owners are German or nationals of an EU member state.
[cf. § 1 (1) SeeArbG; §§ 1,2 FlRG]
Commercial used pleasure crafts with a length of less than 24 metres with not more
than 2 persons employed on board, traditional vessels and ships, which does not
leave or does not intend to leave waterways of Zone 1 and 2 under Annex I of the
Inland Waterway Vessels Investigation Act, are excluded from the application of the
Maritime Labour Act.
Revision 2/2013 1
Seafarers
Seafarer means any person working on board a ship regardless whether they are
employed by the shipowner or another person or if they are self-employed persons,
including persons employed for their vocational training (crew members). [cf. § 3 (1)
SeeArbG]
The following persons are not crew members:
1. Pilots and persons authorized by the Federal Republic of Germany, by a

federal state or by another public corporation to carry out inspections on
board,
2. persons of a shipyard or equipment manufacturer carrying out guarantee

work or other necessary work or for introducing the crew, work on board
ship as a rule not more than 96 hours,
3. persons carrying out repair work which may not be postponed and mainte-
nance work which may not be carried out or is not permitted to be carried
out by crew members themselves, performing work on board as a rule not
more than 96 hours,
4. company inspectors and cargo inspectors, on the basis of voyage plan-

ning, being on board not longer than 72,
5. artists for entertaining passengers carrying out work on board not more
than 72 hours,
6. scientists, temporarily carrying out work on board ships,
7. persons, staying on board the ship for carrying out from it specific works for
construction, modification and operation of structures, artificial islands and
other offshore installations,
8. students attending an educational institution under federal state legislative

provisions, who need practical training and seagoing service on a ship,
9. school students completing a practical training on board according to fed-

eral state legislative provisions,
10. school students receiving insight into the seafarer's job but not working on
board arranged by German Shipowner Federation (Verband Deutscher
Reeder) based on a contract during their holidays,
11. helmsmen on the Kiel Canal, and
12. personnel of private security companies approved in accordance with the

trade regulations (Gewerbeordnung).
Revision 2/2013 2
Despite the exemption from the term crew member the provisions of the Seearbeits-
gesetz apply to the above mentioned groups of persons as follows:
[cf. § 3 (4) SeeArbG]
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Minimum age
1
X X X X X X X X X X X X
(§ 10 SeeArbG)
Organization on board
X X X X X X X X X X X X
(§§ 120 -126 SeeArbG)
Medical fitness
X X X X X
(§§ 11 - 20 SeeArbG)
Work and rest hours
X X X
(§§ 42 -55 SeeArbG)
Repatriation
X X X
(§§ 73 - 80 SeeArbG)
Accomodation and rec-
reational facilities X X X
(§§ 93 - 96 SeeArbG)
Food and catering
X X X
(§§ 97, 98 SeeArbG)
Medical and social care
X X X
(§§ 99 - 113 SeeArbG)
Special protection of
young seafarers X X X
(§§ 117,118 SeeArbG)
Right of complaint and
complaint procedure X X X
(§§ 127, 128 SeeArbG)
Instruction about occu-
pational safety and he-
X X X X X X
alth regulations
(§ 3 (4) SeeArbG)
Safety familiarization
X X X X X X
training (§23 SeeArbG)
Service obligation
X
(§ 32 SeeArbG)
Prevention of hazards
to the ships X
(§36 SeeArbG)
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit may give permission that persons mentioned under
number 2 and 3 may work on board longer than 96 hours without being a crew mem-
ber. The permission is bound to the following conditions: [cf. § 3 (3) SeeArbG]
The permission applies to a designated person only
The work takes place on a specified voyage
The work is necessary for a certain task which is not part of the normal ships
routine and cannot be carried out by the crew itself
The intended assignment takes no longer than 3 weeks
Revision 2/2013 3
A copy of the permission must be provided on board.
School students stated in number 10 have to be insured against accidents by the

shipowner.
The name of the persons which are not crew members or passengers, the purpose
as well as the beginning and end of their stay on board have to be recorded in the
ship's log book immediately. [cf. § 3 (5) SeeArbG]
1.3 Definitions provided in the Maritime Labour Act
Young crew members are crew members under the age of eighteen. [cf. § 7 SeeArbG]
Shipowner is the owner of the ship or the person or organization, who has assumed
the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the owner and who takes over the
duties of the shipowner according to the Maritime Labour Act/Maritime Labour Con-
vention. [cf. § 4 (1) SeeArbG]
Other employer; If the shipowner is not the employer of the seafarer the duties ac-
cording to the Maritime Labour Act/Maritime Labour Convention apply to the other
employer, too. The shipowner retains overall responsibility especially in cases when
the other employer offends his obligations. [cf. § 4 (2) SeeArbG]
Hours of work means time during which the crew member is required to do work.
Hours of rest means time outside hours of work, this term does not include short
breaks (rest periods) according to § 45 (2) and § 53 (5) SeeArbG. [cf. § 2 No.7 SeeArbG]
Holidays are in Germany the public holidays at the place where the ship is moored
or at anchor, abroad and at sea the public holidays of the ships' port of registry.
[cf. § 2 No. 8 SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 4
-Inspection and certification of the maritime labour conditions- BG Verkehr
2. Inspection and certification of the maritime

labour conditions
2.1 Fundamental principles
According to the Maritime Labour Convention all ships have to be inspected regularly
by the Flag State to verify compliance of the working and living conditions as laid
down in national rules and regulations. The inspection and certification process de-
scribed in the following ensures that the requirements of the Maritime Labour Con-
vention are fulfilled and enforced.
2
On board of ships especially the following working and living conditions have to be
inspected:
[cf. § 129 (1) SeeArbG]
1. Minimum age
2. Medical fitness
3. Manning levels of the ship, crew list, qualifications
4. Recruitment service
5. Conditions of employment including hours of work and hours of rest
6. Accommodation and recreational facilities
7. Food and Catering
8. Safety and health at work, medical and social care
9. Organization on board and complaint procedure
These items are part of every inspection. The inspections are not limited to the above
mentioned items; compliance of all working and living conditions will be inspected on
board.
Who will be inspected and certified?
All ships covered by the Maritime Labour Act are subject to inspections by the Di-
enststelle Schiffssicherheit. It is differentiated between certified and non-certified
ships.
Certified ships
Certified ships are all ships of 500 gross tonnage or over, engaged in international
voyage or operating from a port or between ports in another country. They have to
carry and maintain the following documents on board: [cf. §§ 130, § 132 SeeArbG]
1. the Maritime Labour Certificate
2. the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.
Revision 2/2013 5
Non-certified ships
Non-certified ships neither need a Maritime Labour Certificate nor a Declaration of

Maritime Labour Compliance. On board of these ships the working and living condi-
tions have to be fulfilled in the same way as on certified ships. Compliance with the
requirements on board of non-certified ships will be inspected minimum every 3
years and will be documented by an inspection report. [cf. § 134 SeeArbG]
The timeframe of 3 years starts on the day of the first inspection after the Maritime
Labour Act came into force in Germany.
The following data have to be transmitted with the initial application and in case of
their changes (Declaration of shipowner´s responsibility):
Name of the shipowner according to § 4 (1) SeeArbG

Address of the shipowner
Name and contact details (phone, e-mail, telefax) of the contact person for
MLC-matters
The procedure for newbuildings is analogous to the procedure for certified ships. Be-
fore carrying out the initial inspection a plan approval of accommodation and recrea-
tional facilities has to be made. During the inspection on board it will be verified
weather the details in the plan are corresponding with the local conditions.
A Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance may

be issued for non-certified ships at the shipowner´s request. [cf. § 130 (8) SeeArbG]
A model of the Declaration of shipowner´s responsibility is attached in an-

nex 1 of this guideline.
Recognized organisations (RO)
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit is responsible for the inspection of the working and
living conditions on board of German flagged ships. However, the shipowner may
assign a RO to carry out inspections on certified ships under the following prerequi-
sites:
The RO is recognized by the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit and authorised to

carry out inspections. A list of the organisations coming in question will be
published at the webpage of the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit.
A written agreement is concluded between the shipowner and RO regulating

at minimum the authority of the RO to demand the rectification of deficiencies
and to inform the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit about raised deficiencies.
The shipowner has to inform the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit if he has engaged a

RO to perform an inspection and to issue an inspection report.
[cf. § 130 (4) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 6
2.2 Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime La-

bour Compliance
The Flag State attests with the Maritime Labour Certificate that the working and living
conditions of seafarers on board of the respective ship comply with the requirements
of national legislation and other measures implementing the Maritime Labour Con-
vention.
Maritime Labour Certificate

The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit issues the Maritime Labour Certificate with a valid-
ity of five (5) years after an inspection indicated that the working and living conditions
2
are in compliance with the requirements. An intermediate inspection shall be carried
out between the second and third anniversary date of the certificate to maintain the
validity of the Maritime Labour Certificate. [cf. § 129 (2); § 130 (2), (5) SeeArbG]
Interim Maritime Labour Certificate
An Interim Maritime Labour Certificate can be issued with a maximum validity of six
(6) months, when [cf. § 131 (1), (4) SeeArbG]
a newbuilding enters into service,
a ship changes its flag, or
the shipowner assumes responsibility for a type of ship that is new to this shi-
powner.
An extension or a re-issue of the Interim Maritime Labour Certificate is not permissi-

ble.
Short Term Certificate
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit may issue a Short Term Certificate with a validity of
not longer than six (6) months, if an inspection of the working and living conditions
has taken place and a full term Maritime Labour Certificate can not be issued in time
prior to the expiry of the existing certificate.[cf. § 131 (2) SeeArbG]
Models of the Maritime Labour Certificate and of the Interim Maritime La-
bour Certificate are attached in annex 1 and 2 of this guideline.
Revision 2/2013 7
Officially recognized Maritime Labour Certificate
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit may permit a shipowner that an Interim Maritime

Labour Certificate or a Short Term Certificate will be substituted by an officially rec-
ognized Maritime Labour Certificate issued for not more than six (6) months by a RO
after a successfully completed verification of the working and living conditions.
The RO shall only issue an officially recognized Maritime Labour Certificate if it con-
siders the conditions for the issuance of an Interim Maritime Labour Certificate or
Short Term Certificate as fulfilled. [cf. § 131 (3) SeeArbG]
The RO shall immediately notify the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit about the issuance
of an officially recognized Maritime Labour Certificate and shall submit a copy of the
certificate. The certificate shall be drawn up in the form corresponding to the models
given in Appendix A5-II of the Maritime Labour Convention.
Loss of validity of the Maritime Labour Certificate
The Maritime Labour Certificate, the Interim Maritime Labour Certificate, the Short
Term Certificate and the officially recognized Maritime Labour Certificate become
invalid, when [cf. § 130 (6) SeeArbG]
the intermediate inspection was not endorsed or carried out in the time al-
lowed,
a ship changes flag,
a shipowner or manager ceases to assume the responsibility for the operation

of the ship,
substantial changes to structure or equipment of the accommodations and

recreational facilities are made,
they are withdrawn or revoked.
Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC)
The Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) has to be attached to the

Maritime Labour Certificate and consists of two parts.
DMLC Part I is to be completed by the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit. It identifies the

national regulations on the implementation of the requirements for living and working
conditions as demanded by the Maritime Labour Convention. Furthermore, all sub-
stantial equivalences and granted exemptions are included therein.
DMLC Part II is to be completed by the shipowner and must identify the measures
adopted to comply with the national requirements set out in Part I between inspec-
tions, and the measures proposed to ensure continuous improvement. Thereby it has
to be specified
Revision 2/2013 8
when the ongoing compliance with the requirements has to be verified,
persons, who are responsible for the verification,
records, that have to be made,
procedures to be followed where deviations from the requirements are noted
Within the scope of measures the shipowner and the master should inform them-
selves about the current technical progress and scientific findings regarding work-
place design to ensure safe working and living conditions.
The measures taken may be described directly in DMLC Part II. It is also
2
possible to make a reference to other documentations of the shipowner
that contain a comprehensive description of the stipulated measures, e.g.
procedures in the Safety Management System.
Issuance of the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance
The shipowner requests the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit to issue a Maritime Labour

Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. The application should
be made in due time to avoid a delay of the initial certification of the ship concerned.
The following data have to be transmitted with the initial application and in case of
changes (Declaration of shipowner´s responsibility):
Name of the shipowner according to § 4 (1) SeeArbG,
Address of the shipowner,
Name and contact details (phone, email, telefax) of the contact person for
MLC-matters,
Extract of the certificate of registry.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit reviews and issues the Declaration of Maritime La-
bour Compliance. The following steps should be attended to:
The shipowner submits an application for a ship-specific DMLC Part I to the

Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit (mlc@bg-verkehr.de). When applying for DMLC
Part I granted exemptions of the requirements concerning accommodation
and recreational facilities and other substantial equivalences have to be de-
clared.
The shipowner has to develop the required measures to comply with national
regulations on the basis of DMLC Part I. These measures have to be de-
scribed in DMLC Part II. Form Verification list DMLC II may be used for the
preparation of DMLC Part II.
Revision 2/2013 9
DMLC Part II and all applicable attachments have to be submitted in English

language to the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit by sending it by mail.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit verifies whether the measures determined

by the ship owner in DMLC Part II are sufficient and appropriate to ensure the
implementation of the requirements.
Following this the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit certifies DMLC Part II.
The certified DMLC will be handed out by the inspector immediately if the in-
spection on board gives evidence about the compliance with the requirements
of the Maritime Labour Convention.
A model of DMLC Part I is attached in annex 4 to this guideline.

A model of the Verification List DMLC II can be found under: ww.seearbeit.de
2.3 Inspections
The on-going compliance with the requirements of working and living conditions on
board will be ensured by a system of different inspections appropriate to the situa-
tion. These inspections have to be carried out on board the ship, which needs to be
inspected.
A distinction must be made between
inspections to issue an Interim Maritime Labour Certificate (Interim),
initial inspections,
intermediate inspections,
renewal inspections and
additional inspections.
Fundamental measures before carrying out the initial inspection of a ship
For ships constructed after effective date of the Maritime Labour Act all rele-
vant drawings about arrangement and furnishing of the accommodation and
recreational facilities must be reviewed by the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit or
a RO. (Documentary proof by Checklist Accommodation and recreational fa-
cilities)
For ships constructed before the effective date of the Maritime Labour Act evi-
dence shall be presented that the accommodation and recreational facilities
comply with the Ordinance on Crew Accommodation on board Merchant Ships
Revision 2/2013 10
dated 08. February 1973. (documentary proof by report "Fa-Ship" or other

equivalent evidence)
During the inspection it will be verified whether the information obtained by the
document review of the accommodation comply with the conditions on board.
This process need not be repeated in case of the following inspections except
significant alterations of accommodation spaces have been made.
Inspection to issue an Interim Maritime Labour Certificate (Interim)
An interim certificate may only be issued if:
the shipowner has submitted a draft for a DMLC Part II to the Dienststelle
2
Schiffssicherheit that contains measures and procedures to be implemented
on board,
the measures and procedures stated in the draft DMLC Part II are appropriate
to comply with the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention,
an inspection on board of the ship was carried out with respect to Appendix
A5-I of the Maritime Labour Convention, if it is appropriate and practical,
it is verified, that the master is familiar with the requirements of the convention
and his responsibility for the implementation.
A certified Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance is not required for the period
of validity of the Interim Maritime Labour Certificate.
A full inspection (Initial) of the working and living conditions according to DMLC Part I
is to be carried out before the expiration of the Interim Maritime Labour Certificate
and before the issue of the Maritime Labour Certificate.
First full Inspection (Initial)
An inspection for the issuance of an Interim Maritime Labour Certificate

should be carried out if a complete inspection is not realizable, e.g. the
crew is not completely on board yet or DMLC Part II has not been ap-
proved yet. Basic requirement is that the requirements for issuing an In-
terim Maritime Labour Certificate are fulfilled.
The following points have to be considered before carrying out the initial inspection:
DMLC Part II must be prepared by the shipowner. It must be submitted in time

to the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit reviews if the measures drawn up are ap-

propriate to ensure the ongoing compliance with the national requirements be-
tween the inspections.
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The measures drawn up in DMLC Part II should be implemented on board in

time. This ensures that at the time of inspection sufficient evidence about the
compliance with the requirements will be provided.
The Maritime Labour Certificate and the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance
will be issued after a complete inspection of the working and living conditions men-
tioned in DMLC Part I and the implementation of the measures described in DMLC
Part II have been carried out.
Intermediate Inspection (Intermediate)
An intermediate inspection must be carried out in order to ensure the ongoing com-
pliance with the national requirements for the implementation of the Maritime Labour
Convention. Furthermore, it will be verified if the measures according to DMLC Part II
are duly implemented. The intermediate inspection must be carried out between the
2nd and 3rd anniversary date of the certificate. The scope and depth of the interme-
diate inspection corresponds with the scope and depth of the renewal inspection of
the Maritime Labour Certificate. The certificate is to be endorsed after having com-
pleted the inspection satisfactorily
Renewal Inspection (Renewal)
During a Maritime Labour Certificate renewal inspection all requirements listed in

DMLC Part II need to be entirely considered. When the renewal inspection is com-
pleted within three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new
certificate will be valid from the date of completion of the renewal inspection for a pe-
riod of five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate.
If the renewal inspection is completed more than three months before the expiry
date of the existing Maritime Labour Certificate, the new Certificate will be valid for a
period not exceeding five years starting from the date of completion of the renewal
inspection.
If the renewal inspection is completed after the expiry date of the existing Maritime
Labour Certificate, the new certificate will be valid from the day of completion of the
renewal inspection to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the
existing Maritime Labour Certificate.
Additional inspection (Additional)
If evidence exists that a ship does not comply with the requirements of the Maritime
Labour Convention or if there are serious lacks concerning the implementation of
measures drawn up in DMLC Part II, the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit will initiate an
additional inspection. This inspection serves to ensure the ongoing compliance with
the national legislations for the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention.
In case of certified ships an endorsement about the additional verification will be

made in the Maritime Labour Certificate.
Revision 2/2013 12
Inspection in special cases
A Maritime Labour Certificate ceases to be valid when substantial changes are made
to accommodation spaces. Following measures need to be completed before the is-
suance of a new Maritime Labour Certificate:
• New document review of accommodation spaces and recreational facilities
• Inspection on board to verify if the results of the document review correspond

to the conditions on board.
A new Maritime Labour Certificate will be issued with the period of validity of the ex-
isting certificate if the inspection reveals that accommodation spaces and recrea-
tional facilities comply with the requirements.
Inspections in case of amendments of the Declaration of Maritime Labour

Compliance
Amendment of DMLC Part I

The Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance has to be reissued by the Di-
enststelle Schiffssicherheit. A review of DMLC Part II shows if an adaptation to
DMLC Part II and an additional inspection is necessary. Since all requirements are
2
fulfilled and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance is issued a new Maritime
Labour Certificate will be issued with the period of validity of the existing certificate
including the new date of issuance of the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compli-
ance.
Amendment of DMLC Part II:

If the shipowner changes the measures drawn up in DMLC Part II, a new DMLC Part
II and the correlating documents need to be submitted to the Dienststelle Schiffssi-
cherheit. The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit reviews the alterations in DMLC Part II. If
an additional inspection on board is necessary, this must be carried out before reis-
suing the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. After all requirements have
been fulfilled a new Maritime Labour Certificate will be issued with the period of valid-
ity of the existing certificate and including the new date of issuance of the Declaration
of Maritime Labour Compliance.
2.4 Inspection process

Definitions
Observation: means a statement of fact made during an inspection and substantiated

by objective evidence.
Deficiency: means an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-
fulfillment of a specified requirement.
Revision 2/2013 13
Serious deficiency: means a deficiency that constitutes a serious violation of national

regulations on the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention or a threat for
the safety, health or protection of the crew that requires immediate corrective action.
Objective evidence: means quantitative or qualitative information, records or state-

ments of facts pertaining to the implementation of national regulations on the imple-
mentation of the Maritime Labour Convention; objective evidence is based on obser-
vation, measurement or test which can be verified.
Preparation
In preparing the inspection various sources of information should be utilized by the

competent inspector to get an overview about the history of the ship. Information
could be obtained from the individual ship-files, previous MLC-records, PSC-reports
or other survey records. Further, it should be ascertained whether there are any out-
standing deficiencies which have not been rectified by the shipowner. If this is the
case, the inspector should initiate appropriate action to ensure that the deficiencies
will be rectified by the shipowner in a timely manner before the inspection will be car-
ried out.
In addition the following items shall be included in the preparation:
DMLC part I and II (Certified ships)
Model DMLC part I (Non-certified ships)
Information about accommodation and recreational facilities (e.g. verification

list)
To support the inspection the inspector may prepare an inspection plan and coordi-
nate it with the ship's command.
Opening meeting
Apart from introducing himself the inspector should address and coordinate following
topics with the ship's master and officers before starting the inspection:
Scope and schedule of the inspection
Summary of inspection methods
Confidential treatment of all personal information obtained during the inspec-

tion
Availability of the crewmembers, records and facilities
Revision 2/2013 14
Performing the inspection
Due to the scope and complexity the inspection of the working and living conditions
can only be carried out on a random check basis. Every inspector has to use his pro-
fessional judgment on-site to determine the depth and scope of Inspecting the vari-
ous requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention. Principally, the inspection must
be planned and carried out on the basis of the checklist "Maritime Labour Act".
A model of the checklist "Maritime Labour Act" can be found on:

www.maritime-labour.de
If inspections are carried out and appropriate measures for the rectification of defi-
ciencies are adopted, all appropriate efforts must be made to avoid the detention or
2
undue delay of the ship.
Essentially, the inspection of working and living conditions on board must be carried
out by:
1. reviewing documents and records concerning manning of the ship, certificates

of the crew, medical certificates, crew lists, seafarers´ employment agree-
ments, payroll records, repatriation, leave entitlement, records of work or rest,
complaint-procedure.
2. reviewing documents about the organisation of occupational health and safety

protection (e.g. risk assessment), records about accidents and near-miss ac-
cidents, working procedures, records about safety instructions, reports of the
ship safety committee,
3. inspecting accommodation and recreational facilities, provision rooms, galley,

medical spaces and equipment including records about internal checks of ac-
commodations and equipment,
4. inspecting occupational health and safety measures, e.g. personal protective

equipment, fall preventer devices and other technical protective equipment
5. performing interviews, in privacy, with crewmembers.
At the end of the inspection the inspector shall evaluate the findings and determine,
which observations are to be recorded as a deficiency.
In case of serious deficiencies the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit may prohibit the ship
to sail or to continue its voyage until appropriate measures are taken or the deficien-
cies are rectified. [cf. § 143 (3) SeeArbG]
Final meeting
Before issuing the required documents a final meeting must be carried out with the
master and senior officers of the ship. During the meeting the general inspection re-
sults as well as the identified deficiencies in the implementation of national require-
ments for the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention must be presented.
Revision 2/2013 15
Further it needs to be ensured that the master and officers understand the basis of
the identified deficiencies.
2.5 Documentation
Inspection report
After the final meeting the inspector needs to provide an inspection report and hand it
out to the master. The inspection report is intended to offer traceability and transpar-
ency of the inspection as well as to document the effective rectification of deficien-
cies. In case of ships carrying a Maritime Labour Certificate and depending on the
scope of the inspection the Maritime Labour Certificate is to be endorsed or an In-
terim- or Short Term Maritime Labour Certificate is to be issued.
Two copies of the inspection report are to be given to the master. One copy is to be
attached to the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (on certified ships) and
the second copy is to be posted on the notice board of the ship.
Another copy of the inspection report is to be retained by the inspector. He must for-
ward the report to the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit within 1 week.
A model of the inspection report can be found on: www.maritime-labour.de
Documentation and rectification of deficiencies
Determined deficiencies, corrective action and period of time for their rectification
have to be reported in a clear and understandable way in the inspection report by
referring to the national regulations applied.
If it is evidently not possible to rectify the deficiencies before departure, the shi-
powner or the master has to submit an action plan which names appropriate correc-
tive action. The inspector reviews the proposed corrective action. If it is appropriate,
he may accept it and determine an appropriate period of time for its implementation.
In the case of serious deficiencies appropriate measures need to be implemented

stringently before departure of the ship.
The period for rectification is to be determined by the inspector with due regard to the
single deficiencies. Following dates for rectification are to be considered:
• Before departure
• Within 14 days
• Until next port
• Before issue of a Maritime Labour Certificate
Revision 2/2013 16
• Other date
• Ground for Detention/serious deficiency
When determining appropriate corrective action, basically the following factors may
be taken into consideration:
• Opportunity for rectification in the port of inspection
• nature and number of deficiencies identified
• Length and nature of the intended voyage
• Size and type of ship and equipment provided
2
• Nature of cargo
• Adherence to the hours of rest of the crew members
• Prior history of similar deficiencies and rectification
• Safe manning requirements
Inspection reports of recognized organizations (RO)
If inspections are carried out by a RO, the inspector may use the inspection report
template of the RO. It has to be ensured that the report contains at least the following
information:
• Name and IMO-number of the ship
• Date of completion and place of inspection
• Name of the inspector
• Scope of inspection
• Inspection results
• Deficiencies found and statement if the deficiencies were rectified before de-
parture
• Corrective action plan for rectification of deficiencies, if applicable
• Notice about the issuance of an officially recognized Maritime Labour Certifi-

cate, the endorsement of a Maritime Labour Certificate or if the issue of a
Maritime Labour Certificate is recommended
Revision 2/2013 17
2.6 Treatment of complaints
The identity of complainants is to be treated confidentially. It is to be en-

sured that the shipowner is not able to make any conclusion to the identity
of the complainant.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit investigates incoming complaints and ensures that

measures are taken to remedy any deficiencies found. Furthermore, the Dienststelle
Schiffssicherheit has to ensure that the shipowner and the master will be informed
immediately about the subject of any complaint received. In order to investigate and
remedy a complaint, the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit may be assisted by a RO and
other experts. The shipowner is liable to defray the expense of the verification.
[cf. § 128 (6), (7), (8) SeeArbG]
If an inspector in the course of an inspection will be faced with a seafarers' complaint,

the crewmember should be directed to the existing on-board complaint procedure at
first. If the crewmember refuses to use this procedure and he still insist to complain
directly to the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit, the inspector should then inform the
Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit immediately about the subject of the complaint. The
further steps for the treatment and investigation of the complaint will be decided by
the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit.
Revision 2/2013 18
-The individual requirements- BG Verkehr
3 . T he ind ivi d ua l re qu ir e me nts
Deviating Agreements
Basically, German law applies to all German flagged ships. Under certain conditions
the application of foreign law may be agreed between the shipowner and foreign
crew members. These agreements underlie compelling limits. [cf. § 9 SeeArbG]
1. The minimum standards of the Maritime Labour Convention are always appli-
cable. Under no circumstances it is acceptable to fall below this standard,
2. A violation of fundamental German rights is not acceptable.
3. Foreign law must not be agreed for law sectors, on which a special public in-
terest exists (so called mandatory overriding rules with the right and duty of in-
tervention). German law is mandatory for the following sectors:
• Paid sick leave
• Accommodation, food and catering
3
• Medical and social care
• Technical occupational health and safety, accident prevention
• Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest
• Repatriation
• Protection of women and youth
• Dismissal protection legislation for employee representatives on board
• Organization on board
Revision 2/2013 19
Foreign law may be agreed for following provisions if the agreements comply with the
minimum standards of the Maritime Labour Convention:
German law Maritime Labour Convention (minimum)
Notice period
Ordinary termination:
Notice periods in accordance with § 66 SeeArbG
At minimum 7 days notice period, but less is ac-
Extraordinary termination (only for important ceptable according to national law.
cause and because of urgent family reason):
without notice (= no observance of notice period )
employment protection
Notice of termination must be given in writing no mandatory regulations
Amount of wages
The amount of crew members´ wages may be
freely agreed. There should be no significant
disproportion between the amount of wages and
the employee's service (no violation of morality).
Benchmarks for the amount of wages are the
no mandatory regulations
achievable wages in international comparison.
If the crew member or the shipowner is bound to

a collective bargaining agreement, the wage
according to this agreement must be paid.
Paid leave
Wages are to be paid during leave.
Paid annual leave for crew members shall be at no mandatory regulations (only guideline B 2.4.1)
minimum 30 calendar days; in case of crew Minimum leave: 2,5 calendar days per month of
members under 18 years 32 days of leave, and employment
in case of crew members under 17 years 34 days
of leave have to be granted.
If the application of foreign law has been agreed, this should be mentioned in the
employment agreement in particular to provide legal certainty.
Data protection
The shipowner and the master have to ensure that crew members´ employment
agreements, accounts of payment, certificates of medical fitness, medical files as
well as all other documents with personal data are kept on board in a way that no
unauthorized third party may gain knowledge of it. [cf. § 8 (1) SeeArbG]
The transmission of personal data, especially copies of crew members´ employment

agreements, to the master is permitted. The shipowner has to ensure that personal
data are only transmitted to parties, to whom these data are dedicated for business
or private matters. [cf. § 8 (2) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 20
3.1 Minimum age (Regulation 1.1)
Requirements
Minimum Age
Persons below the age of 16 as well as persons, for whom a full time school
attendance is compulsory, shall not work on a ship as a crew member.
th
Note: The mandatory full time school attendance generally lasts until the completion of the 9
th
year of school attendance, in some Federal states until the end of the 10 year of attendance
at school.
Persons below the age of 18 shall not be employed as a ship's cook.

Prohibition of night work of young crew members
At night time during 20:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. work of young crew members is
prohibited. [cf. § 53 (6) SeeArbG]
3
Exceptions: [vgl. § 53 (4), (6); § 54 (1) No. 4 SeeArbG]
During watch duty at sea young crew members may be employed from
5:00 a.m.
The beginning of watch duty at sea may be put forward at 4:00 a.m. if
otherwise the effective training of the crew member would be impaired.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit may accept other exemptions from

prohibition of night work.
Based on a collective bargaining agreement young crew members may

be employed from 20:00 p.m. to 24:00 p.m. once in a week.
Restrictions of work of young crew members
The employment, engagement or work of young crew members is prohibited

where the work is likely to jeopardize their health or safety.
[vgl. § 117 (1) SeeArbG]
Young crew members are not allowed to be occupied with:

[cf. § 117 (2) SeeArbG]
1. works exceeding their physical or psychic capability,
2. works exposing them to moral hazards,
Revision 2/2013 21
3. works connected with accident risk if there is good reason that

young crew members are not able to identify or to avoid them be-
cause of their lack of safety awareness or experience,
4. works jeopardizing the health by extreme heat or coldness or in-

tense wetness,
5. works exposing them to harmful noise, vibration or radiation,
6. works exposing them to harmful effects of hazardous substances

according to Ordinance on Hazardous Substances.
7. works exposing them to harmful effects of biological agents accord-

ing to Ordinance on Biological Agents,
8. engine service if they have not already passed the examination of

the recognized vocational training occupation for engine service.
Number 3 and 8 are not applicable to the employment of young crew members
if it is necessary to achieve their education targets and if there is a guarantee
that there is supervision by a knowledgeable person and the air threshold limit
for hazardous substances is not exceeded (No. 6).
The master has to verify particularly in case of the following tasks, whether
young crew members are excluded from such work, considering the above
mentioned restrictions: [vgl. § 117 (3) SeeArbG]
lifting, carrying or moving of heavy load or objects,

entering into boilers, tanks and cofferdams,
operation of lifting appliances and other power-driven equipment and
tools, or providing signals for communication for operators of this
equipment,
handling of mooring and towing cables or anchor gear,
rigging,
working aloft or on deck in heavy weather,
watch keeping duties at night time,
maintenance of electrical facilities or equipment,
cleaning of catering equipment,
handling of tenders or taking responsibility of them.
Revision 2/2013 22
How to check the requirements on board
- Crew list
- Passports
- Records of hours of work
- Table of shipboard working arrangements
- Recent accident reports and reports of the ship's safety committee
- Risk assessment of hazards connected with work of young crew
members
- Exceptions concerning the prohibition of work during night time
- Conducting private Interviews
- Measures DMLC Part II
Does the crew members´ minimum age comply with requirements?
Is compliance provided with respect to the prohibition of night work?
Have types of hazardous works been identified and young crew members are
informed about the prohibition of these works?
3
Were young crew members involved in accidents?
Is this information confirmed by carrying out private interviews with young

crew members?
Revision 2/2013 23
3.2 Medical certificate (Regulation 1.2)
Requirements
Certificate of medical fitness
Crew members shall not work on a ship unless they are certified as medically
fit to perform their duties. [cf. § 11 SeeArbG]
The crew member must hold a Certificate of Medical Fitness attesting that he
is medically fit to perform his duties. [cf. § 12 (1) SeeArbG]
The form of the Certificate of Medical Fitness must comply with the muster
published in the Verkehrsblatt or Bundesanzeiger.
A model of the Certificate of Medical Fitness is attached in Annex 6 of this

guideline.
Authorized medical practitioner
The Certificate of Medical Fitness must be issued by an authorized medical

practitioner. [cf. § 12 (1) SeeArbG]
List of authorized medical practitioners:
http://www.bg-verkehr.de/ship-safety-division/maritime-medical-
service/medical-fitness-seafarers
Validity of Certificate of Medical Fitness
The maximum period of validity of the Certificate of Medical Fitness is deter-

mined as follows: [vgl § 12 (5) SeeArbG]
Validity in principle: 2 years
Young crew members: 1 year
If the period of validity of a certificate of medical fitness expires in the course

of a voyage, the certificate continues to be in force until the next port of call
where the crew member can obtain a medical certificate from a qualified
medical practitioner, provided that the period shall not exceed three months.
Revision 2/2013 24
Recognition of foreign medical certificates
A medical certificate issued by another state or due to a regulation of another

state is to be considered as equivalent to the German medical certificate if it is
in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention. [cf. § 12 (7)
SeeArbG]
Note: Requirements for medical certificates are regulated in section A-I/9 of the STCW-Code.
- Crew list
- Certificate of Medical Fitness
- Ship´s log books
- Conducting private interviews
Are the crew members medically fit to perform their duties?
Do entries in log books and private interviews confirm that seafarers are only
performing works they are medically fit for?
3
Is the maximum period of extension of 3 months kept in cases where a certifi-
cate has expired?
Are Certificates of Medical Fitness issued by an authorized medical practitio-

ner?
Do the foreign medical certificates comply with the requirements of the STCW-
Convention?
Are Certificates of Medical Fitness on ships in international voyage issued in

English language?
Revision 2/2013 25
3.3 Training and qualification (Regulation 1.3)
Requirements
Certificate of Competence
Crew members shall not work on a ship unless they are trained or certified as
competent or otherwise qualified to perform their duties. [cf. § 23 SeeArbG]
Certificates of Competence according to STCW
Certificate of Ship Mechanic
Before being assigned to shipboard duties, all seafarers shall receive safety
familiarization training according to Section A-VI/1 paragraph 1 of the STCW-
Code. [cf. § 23 SeeArbG]
The requirements according to section A-VI/1 paragraph 1 no. 1-7 of

the STCW-Code are to be considered
Documentary evidence shall be provided about safety familiarization

trainings carried out (e.g. documentation in the ship's log book).
− Certificates of competence according to STCW / Certificate of

Ship Mechanic
− Minimum Safe Manning Document / Crew list
− Ship´s log book
− Documented evidence about safety familiarization trainings
− Training manuals
− Conducting private Interviews
− Measures according to DMLC Part II
Which qualifications of the seafarers are required according to the Minimum

Safe Manning Document?
Are the seafarers according to the certificate of competence sufficiently quali-

fied?
Did all seafarers receive a safety familiarization training on board?
Check of appropriate training material that is provided to the crew (SOLAS

Reg. II-2/15 and III/35, e.g. Manual for Ship Safety Service)
Is training and qualification of the seafarers confirmed by private interviews?
Revision 2/2013 26
3.4 Recruitment and Placement (Regulation 1.4)
Requirements
General notes
A company may only make use of a private seafarer recruitment and place-
ment service (placement provider) based in Germany if the placement pro-
vider is able to submit a written attestation of the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
that it is compliant with the requirements according to § 25 SeeArbG.
If a company makes use of a private seafarer recruitment and placement ser-

vice based in a country that has not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention
this service needs to declare in writing (Statement of Compliance) to the com-
pany that it complies with the requirements for recruitment and replacement
according to regulation 1.4 of the Maritime Labour Convention. [cf. § 24 (3)
SeeArbG]
A model of a Statement of Compliance is attached in Annex 7 to this guide-

line.
3
Note: In addition, the company may also ensure by auditing that private recruitment and
placement services based in countries that have not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention
are compliant with the requirements of regulation 1.4 of the Maritime Labour Convention.
- Certificate for private seafarer recruitment and placement ser-

vices, issued by Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
- Statement of Compliance of the placement provider
- Audit documentation by the shipowner
- Attestation that private recruitment and placement services in
MLC-countries are subject to a certification system according to
MLC
If crew members are directly recruited by the company or the Federal Em-
ployment Centre, this must be noted. In this case, no further measures are
necessary.
If crew members are placed by a private recruitment and placement service, it

must be checked whether an attestation of the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit is
available.
If recruitment is made by a public or private recruitment or placement service

located in a member state of the Maritime Labour Convention, this must be
noted. Generally, no further measures are necessary. (In case of a private
Revision 2/2013 27
placement provider an attestation should be available which confirms that the

placement provider is operated in compliance with MLC.)
If the shipowner makes use of a recruitment and placement service which is

not based in a Non-MLC-Country it must be verified if the following documents
are available:
Statement of Compliance according to § 24 (3) SeeArbG (specimen of

Statement of Compliance for private recruitment and placement ser-
vice);
If applicable: evidence about audits carried out by the shipowner.
Do private interviews with some crew members confirm that they did not pay a
fee or other charge to a recruitment or placement service and that the recruit-
ment and placement service does not operate a "black list"?
Revision 2/2013 28
3.5 Seafarers´ employment agreements (Regulation 2.1)
Requirements
Written employment agreement
Crew members must have a written employment agreement signed by both

the Crew member and the shipowner. [cf. § 28 (1) SeeArbG]
The shipowner must hand out or provide a draft agreement to the crew mem-
ber including applicable collective bargaining agreements and company or
shipboard agreements in due time before signing the agreement.
The shipowner must not be conclusively the employer of all crew members. If
the employer of the crew member is other than the shipowner the shipowner
still has to sign the employment agreement for acknowledging his obligations
according to public law. [cf. § 29 (1) SeeArbG]
If employment agreements are signed by a representative of the

shipowner instead of the shipowner himself, the representation should be
demonstrated by a written authorization. (§ 164 ff BGB) It is recommended
3
to give a copy of the authorization together with the copies of the
employment agreements on board the ship.
Minimum particulars of an employment agreement
Every seafarers´ employment agreement shall in all cases contain the follow-
ing particulars:
1. the shipowner´s full name and address; in case of another employer than
the shipowner the full name and address of both the employer and the shi-
powner
2. the crew member's full name, date of birth, place of birth and full address
3. the description of the duties, the crew member has to perform; if applica-
ble, any limitations of jobs to special ships or trade areas
4. the date of the commencement of employment engagement, the place and
date of beginning service on board under specification of the ship
5. in case of a fixed-term employment agreement the intended period of the
employment agreement
6. the composition and the amount of the wages including the surcharges,
bonuses, awards and special payments or the formula used for calculating
the wages, as well as the due date of the wages
7. the agreed hours of work and hours of rest
8. the duration of paid annual leave
Revision 2/2013 29
9. in case of a unlimited employment agreement or if the termination of a

fixed-term employment agreement is agreed: the conditions, notice periods
and dates for termination
10. the crew member's entitlement to repatriation
11. reference to collective bargaining agreements, company- or shipboard
agreements, which are applicable to the employment agreement
12. the health and social security protection benefits provided or to be pro-
vided to the crew member by the shipowner or other employer
13. the place and date of conclusion of the crew members' employment
agreement
The particulars according to No. 6 to 10 and 12 may be replaced by details of
collective bargaining agreements, company or shipboard agreements applica-
ble to the employment engagement.
A model of a non-commital employment agreement is attached in Annex 8

of this guideline.
Written agreement about apprenticeship on board
Trainees on board must have a written agreement about their apprenticeship

on board signed by both the shipowner (trainer) and trainee and his legal rep-
resentative. [cf. § 81 und 82 (1) SeeArbG]
The shipowner must provide the trainee and his legal representative with a
draft agreement including applicable collective bargaining agreements, com-
pany and shipboard agreements well in time before the intended signing.
Minimum particulars of an agreement about apprenticeship on board
Each agreement about apprenticeship shall contain the following particulars:

1. the shipowner´s (trainer's) full name and address; in case of a different

trainer the full name and address of the trainer as well as the name and
address of the shipowner
2. the trainee's full name, date of birth, place of birth and full address
3. the date of the commencement of the agreement about apprenticeship
4. the nature, objective and timely structure and objectives of the training,
especially the profession, the training is stipulated for
5. the period of apprenticeship
6. the training measures outside the training centre
7. the period of time of the regular daily hours of training and hours of rest
Revision 2/2013 30
8. the probationary period

9. due date and amount of remuneration
10. the duration of annual leave
11. the prerequisites under which the agreement about the apprenticeship
on board may be terminated
12. reference to collective bargaining agreements, company- or shipboard
agreements, if applicable to the agreement about apprenticeship
13. the health and social security protection benefits to be provided to the
trainee by the shipowner (trainer) or different trainer
14. the trainees' entitlement to repatriation
15. the date when and the place where the agreement about apprentice-
ship has been concluded
The particulars according to No.7, 9 to 11, 13 and 14 may be replaced by de-
tails of collective bargaining agreements, company or shipboard agreements
applicable to the agreement about apprenticeship.
Information about terms of the agreement
3
It must be ensured that crew members easily receive clear information about
agreement conditions. For this purpose a copy of the Maritime Labour Act and
the Maritime Labour Convention must be provided on board at a suitable loca-
tion, as well as a copy of each single employment agreement and agreement
about apprenticeship shall be carried on board. [cf. § 29 (1) SeeArbG]
If the crew members' employment agreement or agreement about apprentice-

ship refers to a collective bargaining agreement, company or shipboard
agreements, these documents need to be laid out on board at a suitable loca-
tion. [cf. § 29 (2) SeeArbG]
On ships engaged in international voyages the following documents shall be

provided on board in English translation: [cf. § 29 (3) SeeArbG]
− a copy of a standard employment agreement and, if applicable, agree-

ment about apprenticeship
− the applicable collective bargaining agreements, company and ship
board agreements referred to in the employment agreements
− a copy of the Maritime Labour Act und the Maritime Labour Convention
Termination of the employment engagement
The employment engagement can be terminated by the shipowner or the crew

member by ordinary or extraordinary termination. In the case of an ordinary
termination (normal case) specific notice periods are applicable. Specific no-
tice periods do not apply to extraordinary termination. [cf. § 65 SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 31
The ordinary termination towards a master or a ship officer can only be given
by the ship owner. [cf. § 65 (3) SeeArbG]
A fixed-term employment agreement can only be ordinarily terminated if it has

been agreed in the employment agreement. [cf. § 15 (3) TzBfG]
A termination shall always be given in writing. [cf. § 65 (2) SeeArbG]
Unless otherwise agreed, the employment agreement continues beyond the

notice period until arrival at a port where the repatriation of the crew member
and his replacement by a substitute is safe and possible with accessible public
transportation. [cf. § 66 (5) SeeArbG]
Ordinary termination - Basics
In case of an ordinary termination of the agreement by the crew member or

shipowner both of them have to observe the notice periods as follows:
1. one week within the first 3 months of the agreement (legal probation
period)
2. if the first voyage takes longer than three months, during the first six
months the termination may be declared within three days after the end
of the voyage with a notice period of one week (extended legal proba-
tion period)
3. four weeks to the 15th day or to the end of the calendar month if the pe-
riods mentioned in number 1 and 2 are expired
4. two months to the end of the calendar month if the employment en-
gagement has existed for at least two years
Ordinary termination-Particularities master
For the master applies from the beginning of the employment engagement a
notice period of 4 weeks to the 15th day or to the end of the calendar month.
[cf. § 66 Abs. 1 SeeArbG]
Ordinary termination in case of long-standing employment engagements
In case of long-standing employment agreements (minimum 8 years), the no-

tice periods rises for the shipowner only step-by-step from 3 months up to 7
months (if the contract has lasted for 20 years) to the end of the calendar
months. [cf. § 66 Abs. 3 SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 32
Extraordinary termination - Basics
The crew member or the shipowner on their own may terminate the contract
for compelling reason without observing the period of notice (extraordinary
termination). Furthermore, the crew member may terminate the contract for
important family reasons without a notice period. [cf. §§ 67, 68, 69 SeeArbG]
Extraordinary termination by the crew member
A compelling reason for an extraordinary termination by the crew member is

especially provided, if:
1. the shipowner or master is in serious default of his obligations towards

the crew member,
2. the master significantly offends the honor of the crew member or ill-
treats him or tolerates his ill-treatment by other persons,
3. the ship changes its flag,
4. annual leave is not granted contrary to the regulation § 58 (1) SeeArbG,
3
5. the ship calls a contaminated port or does not immediately leave the
port after the outbreak of the contamination and this may lead to severe
health hazard to the crew member,
6. the ship shall pass a risk area where it is exposed to hazards by armed
conflicts, or if the ship does not immediately leave this area
7. the ship is not seaworthy,
8. the accommodations are harmful to health,
9. supplies of food and drinking water are insufficient or spoiled or
10. the manning of the ship is inadequate
In case of number 7 to 10 the crew member is only entitled to terminate the

agreement extraordinarily if the deficiencies are not rectified within an appro-
priate period after the complaint. The right of termination under number 5 and
6 lapses if the reasons that lead to the termination were known to the crew
member prior to departure. [cf. § 68 (1) SeeArbG]
A crew member may extraordinarily terminate the agreement without observ-

ing the notice period if it is necessary for an urgent family matter or another
urgent personal matter. These are in particular: [cf. § 69 SeeArbG]
1. Childbirth of the wife or the life partner
2. Death of the wife or the husband, a child, a parent or the life partner
3. Serious illness of the wife or the husband, a child, a parent or the life
partner
Revision 2/2013 33
Extraordinary termination by the shipowner
In case of an extraordinary termination by the shipowner a compelling reason

may be, especially, if the crew member: [cf. § 67 SeeArbG]
1. is incapable to perform his duties for reasons existing before the com-
mencement of the employment engagement, unless the reasons were
known to the shipowner at that time
2. conceals an infectious disease by which others may be jeopardized, or

if he does not notify the shipowner that he is a chronic carrier of typhoid
or paratyphoid fever agents,
3. persistently neglects his duties arising from employment engagement

or neglects them in a particularly rough way,
4. commits a criminal act making it unacceptable that he stays on board

any further,
5. is unfit for work due to a criminal act committed by him.
The master is obliged to make immediately an entry in the ships' log book
about the extraordinary termination and the reason for it. A copy of the entry
signed by the master has to be handed over to the crew member.
Particularities concerning period of notice for apprentices
During the probation period the agreement about apprenticeship may be ter-
minated with a notice period of one week. [cf. § 88 (1) SeeArbG]
If the period of probation is finished, the agreement about apprenticeship may

only be terminated : [cf. § 88 (2) SeeArbG]
by important reason (§§ 67 (1) and 68 (1) SeeArbG) from both sides
without observation of any notice periods,
by the trainee with a notice period of 4 weeks if he gives up the ap-

prenticeship.
Revision 2/2013 34
Record of employment
The crew member is entitled to get a record of employment for his service on
board the ship. The document shall not contain any evaluation about the
performance and conduct of the crew member or any reference on
wages. It must at least contain: [cf. § 33 (1), (2), (4) SeeArbG]
1. the crew members' full name, date of birth, place of birth and address
2. the shipowners' full name and address; in case of a different employer
the full name and address of the employer and the shipowner,
3. the ships' name, the ship type, the IMO identification number, gross
tonnage, engine capacity and trade area
4. the date of the beginning and end of the duties on board,
5. type and duration of the service provide
The record of employment has to be handed out or has to be submitted to the
crew member in German and English language latest at the end of service on
board. On board of ships on which the crew changes at short intervals or on
ships calling regular at the same ports (e.g. ferries and tugs) the record of em-
ployment needs to be handed out or to be submitted only at the request of the
crew member and on termination of the employment engagement. [cf. § 33 (1)
3
SeeArbG]
A record of employment may be issued in electronic form with the crew mem-
ber's consent.
The record of employment need not be necessarily signed.
Copies of the records of employment have to be retained by the shipowner for
at least five years. [cf. § 33 (5) SeeArbG]
A model of a record of employment is attached in Annex 9 of this guideline.
Revision 2/2013 35
- Employment agreements, agreements about apprenticeship on

board
- Records of employment
- Muster agreements, collective bargaining agreements, company
or shipboard agreements
- Maritime Labour Act and Maritime Labour Convention
Are there copies of signed employment agreements of the crew members on

board and do these agreements contain the required minimum details?
Are copies of the collective bargaining agreement and the company and ship-
board agreements on board the ship when the employment agreement refers
to them?
Are copies of the Seearbeitsgesetz and the Maritime Labour Convention

available on board?
Ships in international voyages: Are specimen employment agreements, collec-

tive bargaining agreements, company and shipboard agreements, the Mari-
time Labour Act and the Maritime Labour Convention provided on board in
English translation?
Get the crew members on the day of the end of service on board a record of
employment?
Do the records of employment not contain any statements about the quality of
their work or reference on wages?
Do private interviews with some crew members confirm that, on signing the
employment agreement, they were given an opportunity to examine their
agreements and seek advice before signing?
Revision 2/2013 36
3.6 Wages (Regulation 2.2)
Requirements
Maturity, amount and payment of wages
The crew member is entitled to payment of the agreed wages for the duration
of employment engagement. [cf. § 37 (1) SeeArbG]
The crew member has an entitlement to payment of wages for the period of
travel to the place of taking up service. [cf. § 37 (2) SeeArbG]
Normally, wages shall be calculated and paid in EURO unless another legal
currency is agreed in the employment agreement. If there is a mutual agree-
ment between the shipowner and the crew member that payment shall be
made in a different legal currency than stipulated in the employment agree-
ment, the rate of currency exchange shall be at the rate as published by the
European Central Bank and shall not be unfavourable to the crew member. [cf.
§ 39 (1) SeeArbG]
The agreed wages are due at the end of each calendar month or at the end of
the employment engagement. Variable components of wages are due to the
3
end of the calendar month in which course they are available (generally at the
end of the next calendar month) [cf. § 38 (2) SeeArbG]
No deductions shall be made from the crew members' wages in respect of ob-
taining or retaining employment. [vgl. § 39 (4) SeeArbG]
The crew member is entitled to require the shipowner to remit all or part of his
wages cashless directly to the crew member or to a person nominated by the
crew member. The shipowner cannot demand from the crew member any re-
imbursement of the costs resulting from the cashless transfer.
[cf. § 39 Abs. 2 and 3 SeeArbG]
• Regarding maturity, payment and calculation the remuneration for apprentices

underlies the same requirements as those for wages. [cf. § 3 (2) SeeArbG]
Monthly account of payment
At the end of each calendar month and at the end of the employment en-
gagement the shipowner has to draw up a monthly account in text form that is
to be handed out to the crew member without delay. [cf. § 40 (1) SeeArbG]
The account of payment must contain the respective accounting period and
the full details regarding the composition of payment, e.g. kind and amount of
supplements, bonuses, premiums, special payments and payments on ac-
count. If the wages will be paid in a legal currency, other than EURO, the ex-
change rate applied has to be mentioned in the account. [cf. § 40 (2) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 37
Payment for extra work
If crew members work longer than provided by § 43 (sea working time) and §
44 (port working time) a corresponding remuneration for the overtime work is
to be paid by the shipowner. He don't have to pay for working time extensions
to avoid immediate risk for ship, persons and cargo ( § 47 (1)) or to carry out
safety drills (§ 47 (2)). [cf. § 51 SeeArbG]
Sale of goods (canteen) and provision of services
If the shipowner sales goods to a crew member or he provides services to

him, he can only demand the average prime costs [cf. § 41 SeeArbG]
- Seafarers´ employment agreement

- Account of payment (access on a voluntary basis)
- Conducting privat interviews
Do crew members get their wages stipulated in the employment agreement at

the end of the calendar month and at the end of the employment?
Do the crew members get a wage account at the end of the month and at the
end of the employment engagement?
The crew members must not reimburse any costs for the transfer of wages?
Does the rate of currency exchange correspond to the rate published by the
European Central Bank (www.ecb.int/stats/exchange)?
Do private interviews with some crew members confirm compliance with the
requirements for payment?
Revision 2/2013 38
3.7 Hours of work and hours of rest (Regulation 2.3)
Requirements
Normal daily working hours
The sea working time and the port working time regulated by §§ 43, 44 SeeArbG is
the normal working time, from which a deviation
by collective bargaining agreement, company or shipboard agreement and
by order of the master
is possible.
Sea working time (from the time of leaving the berth in port or the place on the roads
for the purpose of starting or continuing the voyage)
The sea working time of crew members on watch must not exceed eight hours
a day. [cf. § 43 (1) SeeArbG]
The sea working time of crew members without watch duty must not exceed
eight hours per working day (from Monday to Saturday). [cf. § 43 (2) SeeArbG]
The sea working time of service personnel must not exceed eight hours a day.
3

The work time may be extended by up to one hour if periods of stand-by duty
accumulate regularly and significantly during work time.
Port working time (from the time of mooring at a berth or anchoring in a roadstead)
The port working time of crew members normally must not exceed eight hours
per day from Monday to Friday. [cf. § 44 (1) SeeArbG]
On Saturday the port working hours must not exceed five hours and eight
hours in case of watch duties. [cf. § 44 (1) SeeArbG]
The port working hours of service personnel must not exceed eight hours per
day. The working hours may be extended up to one hour provided the working
time regularly comprises stand-by duty to a considerable extent.
Compensation for Sundays and public holidays
The crew members shall have a compensation of one day without work for
each Sunday or public holiday they have to work and for every day the ship
was in port for less than twelve hours. Catering personnel is entitled to get two
non-working days per month at minimum. [cf. § 52 (1) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 39
Extension of working time in exceptional circumstances
The master may order an extension of the sea working time or port working
time in any other exceptional circumstances (e.g. watch duty in port, arrival or
departure of the ship, works to maintain the ship operation). [cf. § 47 Abs. 4
SeeArbG]
The master may suspend the schedule of hours of work and hours of rest
temporarily and require the crew members to perform any hours of work nec-
essary for the immediate safety of the ship, persons on board, or cargo, or for
the purpose of giving assistance to other ships or persons in distress at sea.
Safety drills shall be carried out in such a manner that a disturbance of the pe-
riod of rest is limited to a minimum to avoid fatigue. [cf. § 47 (2) SeeArbG]
Statutory regulations on maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest
The Maritime Labour Act contains statutory regulations on maximum hours of work
and minimum hours of rest.
On ships calling at several ports in short sequence (less than 36 hours be-
tween the seaward positions for pilot transfer for restricted waters) the follow-
ing minimum hours of rest apply: [cf. § 48 (2) SeeArbG]
- 10 hours in any 24 hour period and

- 77 hours in any 7-day period
After the ship has left the area with short sequences of port calls and if a col-
lective bargaining agreement or company or shipboard agreement does not
apply following maximum hours of work besides the minimum hours of rest
shall not be exceeded: [cf. § 48 (1) SeeArbG]
- 14 hours in any 24 hour period

- 72 hours in any 7-day period
These provisions may only be deviated from by collective bargaining agreement,

shipboard or company agreement (see below).
In the case of exceptional circumstances according to § 47 (1) SeeArbG

(immediate hazards) as well as in case of performing safety drills the re-
quirements on sea working time, port working time, maximum hours of
work and minimum hours of rest are not applicable. [cf. § 47(3) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 40
Rest hours
Minimum Hours of rest may not be divided into more than two periods, one of
which shall be at least six hours and the other shall be at least one hour in
length. The interval between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14
hours. [cf. § 45 (3) SeeArbG]
The master has to ensure that any crew member who performed work in an
emergency situation during a scheduled rest period or participated in a safety
drill is provided with an adequate period of rest. The compensatory rest period
must cover at least the duration of the interruption of the rest period. [cf. § 47 (3)
SeeArbG]
If a crew member has to be on call and the period of rest is disturbed by a call-
out for work, an adequate period of rest as compensation shall be provided.
The compensatory rest period must cover at least the duration of the interrup-
tion of the rest period. [cf. § 45 (4) SeeArbG]
Deviating arrangements on working time by collective bargaining agreement or

shipboard agreement
3
The statutory provisions on hours of work and hours of rest may be deviated from by
collective bargaining agreement or shipboard agreement as follows: [cf. § 49 (1)
no. 2 and 3 SeeArbG]
1. Increase of the daily normal working time limited by the minimum

hours of rest.
2. A minimum of 70 hours of rest in any 7-day period; this deviation

may be exercised at most for two consecutive weeks; between two
periods, for which the deviation applies, a period shall be observed
which is at least double in length as the period of deviation.
3. The minimum hours of rest may be divided in three periods, of which

one shall have a minimum length of six hours and the two remaining
a minimum length of one hour each. This exceptional regulation may
be exercised for maximum two 24-hour-periods in each 7-days pe-
riod.
These deviations are in compliance with Part A-VIII/1 of the STCW-Code.
Deviating arrangements for certain types of ships
On ships of up to 2.500 gross tonnage, salvage vessels, sea- and salvage

tugs in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the working hours at sea for the watch
keeping personnel may be extended up to 12 hours daily organized in a two-
watch system. [cf. § 46 (1) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 41
The sea working time on ships from which offshore-activities are carried out
may be extended up to 12 hours a day. The requirements on minimum hours
of rest have to be observed. [cf. § 11 Offshore-ArbZV]
Remark: Offshore activities are specific activities which are carried out for the construction,
modification or for operation of structures, artificial islands or other installations at sea.
Provisions on working time for masters and self-employed persons
Masters not going watches still have to keep the minimum rest hours.
The provisions of minimum hours of rest apply to crew members who are self-
employed. [cf. § 148 (2) SeeArbG]
Deviations from hours of work and hours of rest shall be noted in the re-
cord of hours of work and hours of rest. [cf. § 2 (2) See-ArbZNV]
Table of shipboard working arrangements, records of hours of work and hours

of rest
On every ship a table of shipboard working arrangements in German and Eng-

lish language (according to the model See-ArbZNV) shall be posted in an eas-
ily accessible place. The table shall include at minimum the following issues:
the schedule of service at sea and service in port for every crew mem-
ber,
the maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest,
agreed exceptions due to a collective bargaining agreement
On every ship records of hours of work and rest shall be maintained in Ger-
man and English language (according to the model See-ArbZNV) showing
separately the daily hours of work and hours of rest for every crew member.
The records of hours of work and hours of rest may be provided in an elec-
tronic form. [cf. § 3 (1) See-ArbZNV]
The records of hours of work and hours of rest shall be signed by the master,
or a person authorized by the master and by the crew member at the end of
the calendar month. [cf. § 2 (2) See-ArbZNV]
The crew member shall receive at the end of the month a copy of his record of
hours of work and hours of rest [cf. § 2 (4) See-ArbZNV]
Revision 2/2013 42
A model of a record of hours of work and hours of rest as well as the table
of shipboard working arrangements is attached in annex 10 and 11 to this
guideline.
Working time arrangements for young crew members
In port young crew members are allowed to work on not more than five days in
a week up to eight hours daily and up to 40 hours weekly. [cf. § 53 (2) SeeArbG]
At sea young crew members are allowed to work at six days in a week up to
eight hours daily and up to 48 hours weekly. [cf. § 53 (3) SeeArbG]
During watch duty at sea young crew members are allowed to work at every
day in a week up to 8 hours daily [cf. § 53 (4) SeeArbG]
If work has been done at more than five days in a week another day off work
shall be provided for the work at the sixth and seventh day. [cf. § 53 (8) SeeArbG]
Overtime work for young crew members is only permited in cases referred to
3
in § 47 (1), (2) SeeArbG. This only applies, if no adult crew members are
available to perform these works. These exceptional circumstances shall be
recorded by the master. [cf. § 53 (7) SeeArbG]
Rest periods (interruptions of minimum 15 minutes) shall be provided to young

crew members in total as follows: [cf. § 53 (5) SeeArbG]
- at least 30 minutes in case of 4,5 to 6 hours of work,
- at least 60 minutes in case of more than 6 hours of work.
- Young crew members are not permitted to work continuously more than
4,5 hours without rest periods.
- Records of work and rest

- seafarers´ employment agreements
- Collective bargaining agreements
- Table of shipboard working arrangements
- Ship´s log book
Is a table of shipboard working arrangements posted in an easily accessible

place and does it include the required information?
Are there any up-to-date and signed records of hours of work and rest?
Revision 2/2013 43
Do the crew members get copies of their records of hours of work and rest?
Do applicable collective bargaining agreements permit exceptions from the

provisions regarding maximum hours of work?
Do records of hours of work and rest and ship's log books (ship´s log book and
engine log book) confirm that the requirements regarding hours of work and
hours of rest are fulfilled?
When inspecting the minimum hours of rest within any 24-hours period, the
following is to be observed: In general, the period has to be observed from the
beginning of a working time period backwards to 24 hours before the begin-
ning of this period.
In case of suspected fatigue: Check limit cases, e.g. crew members, who work
constantly at the upper limit of maximum hours of work, or cases in which ab-
normal interruptions of rest periods are noticed. When signs of concentration
deficits, yawning or slow response time are observed, further investigation
might be carried out.
Revision 2/2013 44
3.8 Entitlement to leave (Regulation 2.4)
Requirements
Entitlement to leave
Crew members have an entitlement to paid leave for every year of employ-
ment. [cf. § 56 (1) SeeArbG]
The annual leave accounts at minimum 30 calendar days for each year of em-
ployment. [cf. § 57 (1) SeeArbG]
Exceptions: [cf. § 57 (2) SeeArbG]
Crew members under the age of 18 shall be granted 32 days of an-

nual leave.
Crew members under the age of 17 shall be granted 34 days of an-

nual leave.
The following items are not to be counted against the leave:

3
Public holidays recognized as such at the port of registry
Periods of incapacity for work resulting from illness or injury as

well as absence from work due to maternity protection
Shore leave according to § 35 SeeArbG
Compensatory recreation according to § 52 SeeArbG (Compen-

sation for Sundays and public holidays)
Leave may only be forgone with pay as far as this can not be granted due to
the termination of the employment engagement. [cf. 64 (1) and (3) SeeArbG]
If possible, leave shall be granted after six months of service but latest until
the end of the employment relationship. Leave shall be granted to young crew
members latest after six months of service. [cf. § 58 (1) SeeArbG]
Terms of leave
The wishes of the crew member shall be taken into consideration when de-
termining the time at which leave shall be given. [cf. § 58 (1) SeeArbG]
A continuous leave shall be given unless a division is necessary due to seri-

ous operational reasons. [cf. § 58 (2) SeeArbG]
The travel expenses to the place of leave and from the place of leave to the
place of resumption of the service on board have to be born by the shipowner.
[cf. § 60 SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 45
Payment for leave has to be made according to § 37 SeeArbG.

Shore leave
Crew members in their off-duty time are entitled to shore leave so far as the
ship's safety and time of departure permits it. [cf. § 35 SeeArbG]
- Seafarers´ employment agreements

Do documents (e.g. employment agreement) confirm that there is an entitle-

ment to paid annual leave and that at minimum 30 days of leave per year of
employment are ensured?
Is paid leave granted at the latest by the end of the employment and in case of
young crew members after six months of duty on board?
Do private interviews with some seafarers confirm that they receive paid leave
and that shore leave is granted?
Revision 2/2013 46
3.9 Repatriation (Regulation 2.5)
Requirements
Repatriation free of charge
Crew members are entitled to be repatriated free of charge.

[cf. §§ 73, 76 SeeArbG]
The entitlement to repatriation exists in the following cases: [cf. § 73 SeeArbG]
1. in the event of illness or injury according to the provisions of § 105

SeeArbG,
2. in the event of the termination of the employment engagement; in
the case of an ordinary termination when the notice period according
to § 66 SeeArbG ended,
3. in the event of the shipowner not being able to continue to fulfil his
legal or contractual obligations by reason of insolvency, sale of ship,
change of ship's registration or any other similar reason,
4. if a ship is bound for an area of serious harm by armed conflicts to
3
which the seafarer does not consent to sail to, or, when the ship
does not immediately leave such an area.
The shipowner shall make all necessary precautions to carry out repatriation.
The normal mode of transport shall normally be by air. [cf. § 76 Abs. 1 SeeArbG]
Evidence of financial security
The shipowner is obliged to provide for the protection of the crew members on
board for cases of repatriation a cost assumption declaration which is covered
by a security or a guarantee issued by a shipowner association or any other
financial security. [cf. § 76 (8) SeeArbG]
Note: Evidence about the financial security should be given through a bank guarantee or a
confirmation of insurance of a P&I insurance. The financial security declaration or the confir-
mation of insurance shall provide information about the purpose.
Copy of provisions regarding repatriation
The shipowner has to ensure that the crew members on board are provided
with a copy of the applicable provisions regarding repatriation written in an ap-
propriate language. [cf. § 78 SeeArbG]
Note: This requirement is fulfilled when a copy of the Maritime Labour Act is provided on
board.
Repatriation of young crew members

Revision 2/2013 47
When a young crew member has served on a ship for at least four months
during his first foreign-going voyage and it becomes apparent that he is un-
suited to life at sea, he is entitled to repatriate from a port of call from which a
repatriation is possible with safe and public means of transport.
[cf. § 74 SeeArbG]
- Seafarers´ employment agreements

- Copy of applicable provisions for repatriation in an appropriate
language
- Cost assumption declaration for repatriation costs
Is a copy of applicable provisions for repatriation available on board in an ap-

propriate language?
Are appropriate documents available to confirm financial security?
Do employment agreements confirm that repatriation at no costs to the sea-

farer is granted and that the extent of repatriation complies with the legal re-
quirements?
Revision 2/2013 48
3.10 Manning levels (Regulation 2.7)
Requirements
The shipowner and the master have to ensure that a sufficient number of
qualified and competent crew members are on board to guarantee that the
ship is operated safely, efficiently and with due regard to security under all
conditions. [cf. § 21 SeeArbG]
The ship is to be manned in accordance with the Minimum Safe Manning Cer-
tificate which has to be carried on board of every ship. [cf. §§ 2, 3 und 8 SchBesV]
The master is obliged to maintain a crew list which at any time reflects the to-
tal composition of the crew. The crew list shall follow the model published by
the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit. [cf. § 22 (1) SeeArbG]
If the ship is engaged exclusively on domestic voyage the master may docu-
ment the composition of the ship's crew in the ship's log book.
A model of a crew list is attached in Annex 12 of this guideline.
-
-
-
-
Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
Table of shipboard working arrangements
Conducting private interviews
Measures DMLC Part II
3
Do the number and qualification of crew members listed in the crew list meet
the requirements as set out by the Minimum Safe Manning Document?
Does the table of shipboard working arrangements confirm that the manning
requirements have been implemented?
Do private interviews with some crew members confirm that the requirements
are met?
Revision 2/2013 49
3.11 Accommodation and recreational facilities (Regulation 3.1)
Requirements
Each crew member has an entitlement to safe, healthy and decent accommo-
dation and facilities for the period of the employment engagement. Hereby it is
to ensure that the social, cultural and religious needs of the crew members are
duly considered. [cf. § 93 SeeArbG]
The Ordinance on Accommodation in Maritime Shipping in the respective cur-

rent version contains the requirements for accommodation of crew members
and exemptions for specific ships.
On ships which are keel-laid before the Maritime Labour Act comes into force
the Ordinance on Crew Accommodation on board Merchant Ships dated 08.
February 1973 (LogisVO) is applicable.
During the operation of the ship the shipowner especially has to ensure, that
the accommodation is maintained and properly lighted
air conducive to good health and sufficient ventilation are pro-

vided by heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installations
adequate heat through a heating installation is conducive to good

health
hot and cold running drinking water are available in all

washbasins
every fourteen days clean bedding and weekly at least two fresh
towels are provided to the crew members
mattress, blanket and pillow are being thoroughly cleaned, when

the user of the berth changes
separate sleeping rooms and sanitary facilities are provided for

men and for women
no accommodation and recreational spaces on deck are ex-

posed to noise and vibration that are not conducive to good
health
Note: In establishing noise and vibration limits for accommodation spaces and
recreational spaces on deck, the protection standards recommended in the
guidelines of the ILO and IMO as well as in relevant ISO standards are to be
considered. (E.G. Resolution A.468(XII) Code on noise levels on board ships;
ISO 6954:2000 Guidelines for the measurement, reporting and evaluation of
vibration with regard to habitability on passenger and merchant ships)
Revision 2/2013 50
Accommodation and recreational facilities shall be inspected monthly by the

master or a ship's officer nominated by the master. When an inspection of day
and sleeping rooms shall be carried out consent of the respective crew mem-
ber is required. The results of the inspection and the implemented measures
are to be recorded in the ship's log book. [cf. § 93 (3) SeeArbG]
If substantial changes are made to the accommodation on board the ship a

new document review with follow-up inspection on board is to be carried out
by the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit. This applies to certified and non-certified
ships.
- Crew list
- Records of inspections of accommodation and recreational facili-
ties by the master in the ship´s log book
- Verification list „Accommodation and recreational facilities“
- Records of sound pressure level and vibration measurements in
accommodation spaces
3
Does the number of persons on the crew list correspond with the number of
available sleeping rooms?
Inspect accommodation and recreational facilities at random on the basis of

the inspection list „ Accommodation and recreational facilities”.
Are the requirements regarding lighting, climate, heating and prevention of

noise and vibration met?
Do records confirm that inspections of accommodation spaces are carried out

monthly?
Revision 2/2013 51
3.12 Food and Catering (Regulation 3.2)
Requirements
Entitlement to food and catering
Crew members are entitled to get food and drinking water free of charge and
in appropriate quality and quantity during the period of engagement.
Food is adequate when it ensures an appropriate and balanced nutrition con-

cerning nutrition value, quality and variation. At this the number of crew mem-
bers on board, their religious practices and cultural peculiarities as well as the
duration and nature of the voyage shall be observed. [cf. § 97 (1) SeeArbG]
Qualification of the ship's cook and catering personnel
Crew members who are engaged as a ship's cook have to be trained and
qualified in preparing food and must be at minimum 18 years of age. Crew
members may work as a ship's cook when they are in possession of:
[cf. § 7 (1) SchBesV]
a certificate of final examination in an apprenticeship as a cook or

another relevant apprenticeship according to national law, or
a certificate of participation in an instruction in catering according to

§ 4 (1) no. 4 Gaststättengesetz, issued by a Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, or
Note: Instructions in catering are no longer provided in all federal states of Ger-
many (e.g. not in Niedersachsen and Bremen). When applying the instruction for
foreign crew members the competent Chambers of Commerce and Industry ask
shipowners to clarify in which language the instruction shall be carried out.
a certificate of proficiency as a ship's cook issued by a member state

of the Maritime Labour Convention or
an equivalent certificate of another state
The requirement of a qualified ship's cook may be omitted by the shipowner

on ships with a manning of less than ten crew members when the crew mem-
ber who prepares food in the galley is trained or instructed in areas including
food and personal hygiene as well as handling and storage of food on board
ship. [cf. § 7 (2) SchBesV]
In circumstances of exceptional necessity the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit

may give an exemption permitting another crew member to carry out the du-
ties of the cook for a specified limited period until the next convenient port of
call or for a period not exceeding one month, provided that the crew member,
who takes over the duties, is trained or instructed in areas including food and
Revision 2/2013 52
personal hygiene as well as handling and storage of food on board the ship.
[cf. § 10 (6) SchBesV]
Instruction of catering personnel
The shipowner has to ensure that the drinking water, the drinking water supply
plant and its operation as well as the food complies with the applicable regula-
tions relating to drinking water and food. He has to ensure that the catering
staff receives appropriate instructions in this. [cf. § 97 (2) SeeArbG]
Especially, the catering personnel is to be instructed before commencing duty

on board and subsequently every two years about prohibitions of activity and
reporting obligations in accordance with §§ 42, 43 Infection Protection Act. In-
structions need to be recorded in the ship´s log book. [cf. § 97 (2) SeeArbG]
The catering personnel underlie a large number of food hygiene rules. The Di-
enststelle Schiffssicherheit developed food hygiene guidelines which gives an over-
view about the legislation applicable to the food sector as well as recommendations
for food hygiene. The content of the guideline intends to carry out well-targeted train-
ing and instruction of personnel on board.
3
The Food Hygiene Guidelines can be found on: www.maritime-labour.de
Inspections
The master or another person designated by him has to ensure that monthly
inspection of
1. the supplies of food and drinking water,
2. the provision rooms and equipment used for storage of food and
drinking water,
3. the galley and other equipment used for preparing and serving
food
will be carried out. The inspections must be recorded in the ship's log book.
[cf. § 98 SeeArbG]
Drinking water
The drinking water needs to comply with the requirements according to the
Drinking Water Ordinance. The drinking water shall not exceed the limits for
microbiological and chemical parameters according to the annex of the Drink-
ing Water Ordinance. Furthermore the determined limits for indicator parame-
Revision 2/2013 53
ters according to the Drinking Water Ordinance are to be complied with.

[cf. § 4 (1) Drinking Water Ordinance]
For the treatment of water only conditioning matters and disinfectant proc-
esses are permitted, which are mentioned in a list of approved conditioning
matters and disinfectant processes issued by the German federal ministry of
health. [cf. § 11 (1) Drinking Water Ordinance]
The list of approved conditioning matters and disinfectant processes can be found on:
http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/wasser/themen/trinkwasser/trinkwasseraufbereitung-
stoffliste.htm
If drinking water on ships is available for payment (e.g. ships with paying pas-
sengers on board) the federal health authority determines the interval in which
the company has to analyse internally the drinking water.
[cf. § 14 (2) Drinking Water Ordinance]
On ships which do not carry paying passengers the company has to determine
within its duty of care which analysis of the drinking water shall be carried out
to ensure compliance with the general requirements to the quality of drinking
water. Annex 4 of the TrinkwV contains requirements regarding the scope
and frequency of the analyses. [cf. § 14 (2) and (3) Drinking Water Ordinance]
- Crew list
- Certification of qualification of the cook
- Documentation of drinking water analyses
- Documents about inspection of catering, provision rooms and gal-
ley
- Documents about training of persons preparing food instead of
the ship's cook.
- Evidence of training and instruction of galley and catering person-
nel
- Food Hygiene-Guideline
Do crew lists and certificates confirm that the ship's cooks are 18 years of age
or older and that they are trained and qualified accordingly?
Is the galley and catering personnel trained and instructed accordingly?
Have inspections of provision and drinking water, provision rooms, galleys and
equipment been carried out monthly?
Random checks of galley, pantry and provision rooms.
Are food and drinking water of appropriate quality and quantity?
Revision 2/2013 54
Are food supplies varied in nature according to menu plans and by visual ob-
servation of provisions?
Is the drinking water of good quality? How is the water quality monitored?
Are drinking water analyses carried out periodically?
Do private interviews with some crew members confirm that the requirements
of providing food and catering in an appropriate quality and quantity and free
of charge are adhered to?
Revision 2/2013 55
3.13 Medical care on board ship and ashore (Regulation 4.1)
Requirements
Provision of medical care free of charge
In the event of illness or injury the crew member is entitled for the period of the
employment engagement to receive prompt and adequate medical care at the
cost of the shipowner. [cf. § 99 (1) SeeArbG]
The entitlement to medical care covers all appropriate measures for protecting
health and medical treatment that includes: [cf. § 99 (3) SeeArbG]
necessary dental treatment
food and accommodation for an ill or injured seafarer
supply with necessary pharmaceuticals and other aids for care
access to medical equipment and facilities for diagnosis and treat-

ment
access to medical information and expertise advice
The crew member has the right to consult a qualified medical doctor or dentist
without delay in ports of call. [cf. § 99 (4) SeeArbG]
Standard medical report form
For the documentation of medical care a standard medical report form (pub-
lished specimen) is to be used. Its content is to be kept confidential and shall
only be used to facilitate the treatment of the crew member.
[cf. § 109 (4) SeeArbG]
A model of the medical report form is attached as annex 13 to this guideline.
Medical equipment on board
The ship, lifeboats and rescue boats belonging to the ship have to be fitted
with medical equipment appropriate to the requirements for the ship type, the
number of persons on board and the trading area. [cf. § 107 (2) SeeArbG]
Revision 2/2013 56
The medical equipment especially includes: [cf. § 107 (2) SeeArbG]

the pharmaceuticals, medicines, medical aids and other medical
equipment stored in the ship´s pharmacy, medical chest or first aid
kit
the necessary documentation of daily or actually necessary medical
treatment and the use of the ship´s pharmacy and other medical
equipment, especially log books and medical report forms
necessary medical guides.
The medical equipment must be appropriate regarding its content, its storage,
its labeling and its application, including facilities for documentation to ensure
the protection of health of persons on board and to ensure an immediate and
appropriate treatment on board. The medical equipment meets the require-
ments when it complies with the medical standard as published in the Trans-
port Gazette or in the Official Federal Gazette (state of the medical findings) in
the current version. [cf. § 107 (2) SeeArbG]
Internal verifications on board
The shipowner has to ensure by internal checks at least every twelve months
that the medical accommodations and equipment are always in proper condi-
3
tion. The shipowner shall involve a public pharmacy in carrying out the inspec-
tion and the necessary completion of the medical equipment with medicines
and medical devices. Records of these internal checks and services of the
pharmacy shall be properly maintained and have to be kept on board for
minimum five years from the date of issuance. [cf. § 109 Abs. 3 SeeArbG]
Qualification of persons responsible for medical care on board
All ships, excluding ships engaged in national voyages, with a voyage of more
than three days duration and with 100 persons or more on board need to have
a qualified medical doctor according to the provisions of the ordinance of mari-
time medicine, who is responsible for medical care on board. If there are more
than 800 persons on board, a second medical doctor needs to be available.
[cf. § 6 (1), (2) SchBesV]
Ships with a ship´s doctor have to carry personnel for health and nursery as
follows: [cf. § 6 (3) SchBesV]
ships carrying 100 persons or more: one person
ships carrying more than 500 persons: two persons
ships carrying more than 800 persons: three persons
ships carrying more than 1200 persons: four persons
On a ship without a doctor the master is responsible for carrying out the
medical treatment. But he may delegate this task to a ship´s officer. The mas-
Revision 2/2013 57
ter and the ship's officers who are responsible for carrying out medical treat-
ment shall have to attend every five (5) years an authorized medical refresher
course in this area. [cf. § 109 (1) SeeArbG]
A medical refresher course shall be authorized by the Dienststelle Schiffssi-
cherheit. [cf. § 109 (1) SeeArbG]
- Crew members´ employment agreements

- Standard medical report form
- Documentation about internal verification of the medical accom-
modations and medical equipment
- If any, document of a refreshing course of the person in charge
for medical care on board
Is it ensured that medical care is provided to the crew member free of charge
for the period of employment engagement?
Is the ship equipped with appropriate medical equipment and are the equip-
ment and medical accommodation subject to an internal verification every 12
months?
Ships that are not required to carry a medical doctor: Is the master or a ship's
officer in charge of medical care, and are these persons in possession of the
necessary qualification?
Is the standard medical report form on board handled confidentially?
Do private interviews with some crew members confirm that they have access
to medical treatment on board that is free of charge, and that they have the
opportunity to visit a qualified medical doctor or dentist without delay in ports
of call?
Does the medical treatment room provide facilities to direct medical advice by
radio or satellite communication system and is the officer in charge familiar-
ized with the operation of it?
Revision 2/2013 58
3.14 Shipowners´ liability (Regulation 4.2)
Requirements
Medical care at the cost of the shipowner
For the duration of the seafarer’s employment engagement in the event of an

illness or injury the crew member is entitled at the cost of the shipowner to
prompt and adequate medical care until the illness or inability to work has
been declared as permanent. [cf. § 99 (1) SeeArbG]
Medical care at the cost of the shipowner lapses for each crew member latest
at the end of the 26th week after crew member has left the ship. In the event
of an injury caused by an occupational accident, medical care ends when the
competent accident liability insurance begins with its payments.
[cf. § 103 (2) SeeArbG]
Continued payment of wages and sick pay
A crew member who is unfit for work because of illness or injury is entitled to
continuation of payment of wages from the beginning of the inability to work at
3
least until the day on which crew member leaves the ship. [cf. § 104 (1) SeeArbG]
When leaving the ship the entitlement to continuation of payment lasts for a
period of up to six weeks from the beginning of the incapacity for work.
[cf. § 3 (1) EntgFG]
Following the entitlement to continuation payment of wages the shipowner has

to pay the crew member for the period of inability to work or hospital treatment
an amount at the level of the illness pay by a public health insurance - at
maximum further 10 weeks. This entitlement ends 16 weeks after the begin-
ning of the inability to work. If the crew member is insured in public health in-
surance these further 10 weeks of illness pay are covered by the public health
insurance. [cf. § 104 (2) SeeArbG]
For seafarers insured in the public health insurance the gross sickness pay is
70 % of the average payment for seafarers, but 90 % of the last net remunera-
tion at maximum. The average payment of crew members is only considered
up to the contribution assessment ceiling.
Decease of a crew member
The shipowner bears the costs of the funeral where a crew member has de-
ceased in connection with his or her employment or as a result of it.
Revision 2/2013 59
Care for belongings and wage account of a deceased or missing crew member
The shipowner has to ensure, that the possessions are soonest forwarded to
the heirs of the deceased or the relatives of the missing crew member. The
shipowner shall transfer the wage account to the heirs or the relatives.
[cf. § 80 SeeArbG]
Care for belongings and wage account of an ill or injured crew member
When a crew member due to illness or injury has to be left behind ashore, the
master shall entrust the belongings of the crew member to the local represen-
tative of the shipowner. The crew member needs to consent to the hand-over.
The master shall ensure that a list of the effects and the wage account of the
crew member is set up with giving the location of the deposit. The list shall be
signed by the master and by another crew member. One list shall be handed
over to the crew member that is left behind. [cf. § 106 SeeArbG]
- Crew members' employment agreement

Do the seafarers´ employment agreements and/or collective bargaining

agreements include any coverage of health protection?
Revision 2/2013 60
3.15 Health and safety protection and accident prevention

(Regulation 4.3)
Requirements
Occupational health protection system on board of ships
The following list only names the basic requirements to occupational health and
safety protection. The laws and ordinances referred to in the following text include
further requirements compliance has to be ensured with. In addition to the statutory
occupational health and safety law the respective accident prevention regulations
(e.g. BGV A1) have to be considered.
Shipowners' basic obligations
The shipowner is obliged to adopt appropriate measures for occupational

safety and health protection considering all aspects affecting the employees´
safety and health at work. He has to monitor the measures for their efficiency
and, if needed, adjust them to changing conditions. In doing this, he has to
seek for improvement of safety and health protection of his employees.
[cf. § 3 (1) ArbSchG]
3
The shipowner is obliged to arrange and maintain the entire ship operation
and all equipment, appliances and installations on board, as well as to organ-
ize employment and workflow that the crew members are protected against
the dangers of sea and fire, occupational hazards to health, as well as other
hazards for life, health and morality, insofar as the type of ship operation per-
mits. [cf. § 114 (1) SeeArbG]
The shipowner has to appoint occupational physicians and occupational safety

experts who shall support the shipowner in occupational health and safety pro-
tection and accident prevention. [cf. § 1 ASiG]
Management of occupational health protection
The shipowner has to provide an appropriate organisation for the planning and
implementation of appropriate occupational safety and health protection
measures, considering the nature of activity and number of employees. He
has to provide the necessary resources. He also has to ensure that the appro-
priate measures are considered, if necessary, when carrying out any activities
and that this process is integrated in the company's management structure,
and that the employees fulfil their participation obligations.
[cf. § 3 (2) ArbSchG]
Revision 2/2013 61
Ships that are subject to the ISM-Code ( SOLAS Chapter IX and Regulation
336/2006 (EC)): The company has to implement and maintain a safety man-
agement system, pursuing following objectives, among others:
provide for safe practices in ship operation and a safe working envi-
ronment;
assess all identified risks to its ships, personnel and the environment
and establish appropriate safeguards; and
continuously improve safety management skills of personnel ashore

and aboard ships, including preparing for emergencies related both
to safety and environmental protection.
Within the safety management system the shipowner shall take into consid-
eration the Guidelines on the basic elements of a shipboard occupational
health and safety programme (IMO Circular MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.3, VKBl. 2010
S. 401). [cf. Annex C.I.6 SchSG]
Risk assessment
The shipowner has to determine appropriate measures for occupational safety

by assessing occupational risks. [cf. § 5 ArbSchG]
The process of risk assessment should contain following steps:

1. Definition of work areas and activities
2. Identification of hazards
3. Assessment of the hazards
4. Determination and implementation of safety measures
5. Verification of the effectiveness of the measures and adaptation to
changed circumstances
The shipowner must have a documentation of risk assessment, measures

taken and verification of the effectiveness of these measures. [cf. § 6 ArbSchG]
Personal protective equipment
The shipowner has to provide appropriate personal protective equipment

(PPE) to the crew members. The proper use and periodical inspection of the
PPE must be guaranteed. The crew members have to be familiarized with the
use of the PPE. [PSA-Benutzungsverordnung]
Occupational safety and health protection familiarisation
The crew members have to get a proper and appropriate familiarisation in oc-
cupational safety and health protection. [cf. § 12 ArbSchG]
Revision 2/2013 62
Safety representatives and ship's safety committee
On ships with five or more crew members minimum one safety representative
is to be appointed. The safety representative shall participate in the meetings
of the ship's safety committee. Such a committee shall be established on ships
with five or more crew members and shall meet minimum every three months.
The committee's task is to discuss concerns of occupational safety and acci-
dent prevention. [cf. §§ 115, 116 SeeArbG]
Recording and reporting of accidents
All accidents have to be recorded when a seafarer is killed or so severely in-

jured that he dies or becomes wholly or partially incapable of work for more
than three days. At the same time these accidents have to be reported to the
relevant accident insurance. [cf. § 6 (2) ArbSchG, § 193 SGB VII]
Special protection of young crew members
Young crew members have to be instructed about accident and health haz-
ards before starting work and in cases of significant changes of the working
conditions. The instructions have to be repeated at appropriate intervals, how-
ever, at least half-yearly. The master has to assess the hazards related to the
3
work of young crew members before starting work and in cases of significant
changes of the working conditions.
Reference is made to the restrictions of work listed in No. 3.1 of this guideline.
[cf. § 117 (4), (5) SeeArbG]
Noise and vibration protection
When assessing the working conditions the shipowner has to determine

whether the crew members are or may be exposed to noise and vibration. If
this is the case, the shipowner has to assess all health and safety hazards to
the crew members resulting thereof. To do this, he has to identify and assess
the expositions occurring at the workplace. If compliance with the limit values
cannot be determined safely, then the scope of the exposure should be de-
termined by measures. [cf. § 3 LärmVibrationsArbSchV]
Protection against hazardous substances
The shipowner may permit work with hazardous substances only after per-
forming a risk assessment and implementing appropriate protective measures.
[cf. § 7 (1) GefStoffV]
Protection against hazards in operation and use of work equipment (tools, appli-
ances, machinery and plants)
According to the basic requirements of § 4 Labour Protection Act (ArbSchG)

the shipowner has to take appropriate measures to provide work equipment to
the crew members that is appropriate to the work place conditions, and that
ensures safety and health protection when it is used according to the intended
purpose. [cf. § 3 (1) BetrSichV]
Revision 2/2013 63
Duties of the Master and support duties of the crew members
The duties of maintenance and safe operation of the ship and work stations,
plants and appliances on board, as well as the organisation of work and work
processes also apply to the master. [cf. § 114 (1) SeeArbG]
The crew members shall comply with the applicable occupational safety and
health measures. [cf. § 114 (2) SeeArbG]
- Safety management system (SMS) of the company

- Accident prevention regulations – Basic principles of prevention
(BGV A1) and Handbuch See of the BG Verkehr
- Risk assessment documentation
- Minutes of meeting of the ship´s safety committee
- Evidence of familiarisation which was carried out
- Accident reports
- Postings of workplace hazards
- Work procedures
Are the basic requirements of the occupational safety and health system im-
plemented on board and are the crew members familiar with them?
Are accidents recorded, reported and verified?
Is a documentation of risk assessment available, that includes at minimum
the identification of hazards,
initiated protection measures,
control of effectiveness?
Has a safety representative been appointed?
Review of minutes of meeting of the ship's safety committee.
Have technical and organisational occupational protection measures been im-

plemented? (e.g. fall protection, safety devices on machines or posted work
procedures)
Is an appropriate PPE provided, used correctly and inspected periodically?
Revision 2/2013 64
Are the seafarers instructed in accident and health hazards periodically and
especially before starting work and in case of significant changes of working
conditions?
Do private interviews of crew members confirm occupational safety and health

protection practices on board?
Revision 2/2013 65
3.16 Social security (Regulation 4.5)
Requirements
Statutory social security insurance
In Addition to the entitlement to medical care and continuation of payment for

the period of inability to work the crew members employed on German flagged
ships are subject to different branches of the compulsory statutory social in-
surance when their legal domicile is Germany.
Social insurance for non-German seafarers
On German flagged ships, which are registered in the International Register of

Shipping, non-German seafarers are mostly exempted from the requirements
of the statutory social insurance. The different requirements, applying to indi-
vidual branches of the social insurance, are presented in the table below:
Accident insurance: All crew members are insured against accidents by

law.
Pension insurance: Basically, all crew members are compulsorily insured

in the pension insurance. Non-German crew members
with a foreign residence may be exempted from the
compulsory pension insurance upon application. Na-
tionals of EC- and EEA-Member States, and eventu-
ally nationals of countries, with which a social security
treaty exists, are excluded from exemption.
Health and long-term care German crew members have to be covered by a pub-
insurance: lic or private health insurance. A compulsory insurance
does not apply to non-German crew members with a
foreign residence and crew members, who are cov-
ered by a sickness insurance scheme of the EC. Dif-
ferent requirements apply to crew members, who are
nationals of countries, with which a social security
treaty exists.
Unemployment insurance: German crew members and crew members who are
nationals of an EC-member state have to be covered
by public unemployment insurance. A compulsory in-
surance does not apply to third country nationals with
a foreign residence. Different requirements apply to
crew members, who are nationals of countries with
which a social security treaty exists.
Revision 2/2013 66
Minimum branches of social security
Each crew member on a German flagged ship is at least protected by the

statutory accident insurance (SGB VII) in the following fields of social security:
Benefits in case of accidents at work and occupational diseases (in-

clusive invalidity and surviving dependants´ benefits)
Medical care
Continuation of payment for the period of inability to work
- Crew members´ employment agreements

Do employment agreements contain any information about social security, and
3
is this information in compliance with the requirements?
Do the employment agreements contain information to the minimum branches

of social security to be provided?
Revision 2/2013 67
3.17 On-board complaint procedures (Regulation 5.1.5)
Requirements
Right of complaint [cf. § 127 SeeArbG]
Every crew member has the right to lodge a complaint against a breach of the
Seearbeitsgesetz and the ordinances based on that law or against discrimina-
tion and victimization. The crew member has the right to complain to the fol-
lowing persons or authorities:
1. the direct superior
2. the master
3. the shipowner
4. the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
5. German missions abroad
6. other appropriate external authorities
Minimum one person shall be nominated on board the ship by the shipowner
or master, which can provide, on a confidential basis, the crew member with
impartial advice on his complaint and otherwise assist him in exercising his
right of complaint.
The crew member has the right to be accompanied and to be represented by

a confidant of his choice during the complaint proceedings.
The crew member and the confidants shall not face any disadvantage in con-
sequence of filing a complaint.
The shipowner has to inform the crew member in addition to the delivery of the
employment agreement in writing about the on-board complaint procedure ap-
plicable to the ship. This information (on-board complaint procedure) has to
include, among others, the name(s) of the confidant(s), the address and
phone number of the shipowner, the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit and the
competent body responsible for complaints in the country of domicile of the
crew member.
The shipowner has to maintain the complaint procedure on a current status.

This may be made by posting it in a commonly accessible place.
Complaint procedures [cf. § 128 SeeArbG]
The aim of the on-board complaint procedure is to settle complaints preferably

on the lowest level.
At first, the complaint should be addressed to the direct superior of the crew
member. If the superior does not resolve the matter within an appropriate time
limit (usually within two weeks) he has to inform the master on demand of the
complainant. The master has to decide on the complaint.
Revision 2/2013 68
If the complaint is caused by the behaviour of crew members the master shall
try to settle it amicably.
If the master is not able to resolve the complaint, he has to forward it to the
shipowner on demand of the complainant.
The master has to record the complaint and his decision on this with a de-
scription of the facts in the ship's log book. A copy of the record shall be pro-
vided to the crew member.
Nevertheless, the crew member has the right to file his complaint at any time
directly to any of the following bodies:
1. master,
2. shipowner,
3. Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit,
4. German missions abroad,
6. any other appropriate external body.
The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit has to ensure that complaints filed by sea-

farers are, at any time, received, investigated and, wherever possible, re-
solved.
3
A model of a complaint procedure is attached in annex 14 of this guideline.
- Copy of the on-board complaint procedure

- Ship´s log book (if applicable)
- Measures according to DMLC Part I
Were all crew members given a copy of the on-board complaint procedure ap-
plicable on the ship in an appropriate language?
Does the complaint procedure on board comply with the requirements of the
Seearbeitsgesetz?
Is the confidant nominated by the master or the shipowner, who may provide
impartial advice on the complaint, known to the crew members?
Do interviews of some crew members indicate victimization caused by filing a

complaint?
Revision 2/2013 69
Revision 2/2013 70
-Annex- BG Verkehr
4 . A nne x
1. Declaration of shipowner´s responsibility
2. Maritime Labour Certificate
3. Interim Maritime Labour Certificate
4. Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Part I
5. Inspection report
6. Certificate of medical fitness
7. Statement of Compliance (private recruitment and placement service)
8. Model of a crew member's employment agreement
9. Model of a record of employment
10. Record of hours of work and hours of rest
11. Table of shipboard working arrangements
12. Crew list
13. Standard medical report form
14. Complaint procedure
Revision 2/2013 71
-Annex- BG Verkehr
Revision 2/2013 72
Annex 1
Erklärung der Verantwortlichkeit des Reeders

nach § 3 Absatz 2 der Seearbeitsüberprüfungs-Verordnung (SeeArbÜV)
Declaration of shipowner's responsibility
according to section 3 para. 2 of the Seearbeitsüberprüfungs-Verordnung (SeeArbÜV)
Das folgende Unternehmen

The following Company
Name
Name
Adresse
Address
Kontaktperson
Contact person
Telefonnummer
Phone
E-Mail / email
hat die Verantwortung als Reeder für das folgende Schiff übernommen und hat sich mit der
Übernahme dieser Verantwortung verpflichtet, die Aufgaben und Pflichten zu erfüllen, die
dem Reeder nach dem Seearbeitsgesetz und den anderen Rechtsvorschriften zur
Umsetzung des Seearbeitsübereinkommens auferlegt werden.
has assumed as shipowner the responsibility for the operation of the following ship and, on assuming
such responsibility, has agreed to fulfil the duties and responsibilities imposed on the shipowner in
accordance with the German Maritime Labour Act and other legal provisions implementing the
Maritime Labour Convention.
Schiffsname
Name of ship
IMO Nummer
IMO number
Rufzeichen
Call sign
Datum der Registrierung
Date of registry
________________________________ ______________________________
Name und Unterschrift Reeder Ort und Datum
Name and signature of the shipowner Place and date
Annex 1
Anlage 2
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Federal Republic of Germany
SEEARBEITSZEUGNIS
Maritime Labour Certificate
(Anmerkung: Diesem Zeugnis muss eine Seearbeits-Konformitätserklärung beigefügt sein)
(Note: This Certificate shall have a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance attached)
Ausgestellt im Namen der Regierung der

BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND durch die
BERUFSGENOSSENSCHAFT FÜR TRANSPORT UND VERKEHRSWIRTSCHAFT
nach den Bestimmungen von Artikel V und Titel 5 des Seearbeitsübereinkommens, 2006
(im Folgenden als „das Übereinkommen“ bezeichnet)
Issued under the provision of the Government of the

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY by
under the provisions of Article V and Title 5 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
(referred to below as “the Convention”)
Angaben zum Schiff

Particulars of the ship
Name des Schiffes ...............................................................

Name of ship
Unterscheidungssignal .......................................................
Distinctive number or letters
Heimathafen .......................................................................
Port of registry
Datum der Registrierung....................................................

Date of registry
Bruttoraumzahl ..................................................................
Gross tonnage
IMO-Nummer .....................................................................
IMO Number
Schiffstyp ............................................................................. /
Type of ship
Name und Anschrift des Reeders ......................................

Name and address of the shipowner
Maritime Labour Certificate 11/2012

Anlage 2
Hiermit wird bescheinigt,
This is to certify:
1 dass dieses Schiff überprüft und seine Einhaltung der Anforderungen des Übereinkommens und der
Bestimmungen der beigefügten Seearbeits-Konformitätserklärung nachgeprüft worden ist.
that this ship has been inspected and verified to be in compliance with the requirements of the Convention, and
the provisions of the attached Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.
2 dass die in Anhang A5-I des Übereinkommens aufgeführten Arbeits- und Lebensbedingungen der See-
leute den innerstaatlichen Vorschriften des vorstehend erwähnten Landes zur Durchführung des Über-
einkommens entsprechen. Diese innerstaatlichen Vorschriften sind in der beigefügten Seearbeits-
Konformitätserklärung, Teil I, zusammengefasst.
that the seafarers' working and living conditions specified in Appendix A5-I of the Convention were found to
correspond to the abovementioned country’s national requirements implementing the Convention. These na-
tional requirements are summarized in the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance, Part I.
Dieses Zeugnis gilt bis , vorbehaltlich der Überprüfungen in Übereinstimmung mit den
Normen A5.1.3 und A5.1.4 des Übereinkommens.
This certificate is valid until subject to inspections in accordance with Standards A5.1.3 and A5.1.4 of the
Convention.
Dieses Zeugnis gilt nur, wenn die in Hamburg

am ausgestellte Seearbeits-Konformitätserklärung beigefügt ist.
This certificate is valid only when the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance issued at Hamburg on is
attached.
Die Überprüfung, auf der dieses Zeugnis beruht, wurde abgeschlossen am:
Completion date of the inspection on which this certificate is based was:
Ausgestellt in Hamburg am
Issued at (Ort der Ausstellung) on (Datum der Ausstellung)
(Place of issue of certificate) (Date of issue)
(Siegel) BERUFSGENOSSENSCHAFT FÜR TRANSPORT

(Seal) UND VERKEHRSWIRTSCHAFT
- Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit -
___________________________
2
Anlage 2
Vermerke
für die obligatorische Zwischenüberprüfung und (falls erforderlich) etwaige zusätzliche Überprüfungen
Endorsements for mandatory intermediate inspection and, if required, any additional inspection
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass das Schiff in Übereinstimmung mit den Normen A5.1.3 und A5.1.4 des Über-
einkommens überprüft worden ist und dass die in Anhang A5-I des Übereinkommens aufgeführten Arbeits-
und Lebensbedingungen den innerstaatlichen Vorschriften des vorstehend erwähnten Landes zur Durch-
führung des Übereinkommens entsprechen.
This is to certify that the ship was inspected in accordance with Standards A5.1.3 and A5.1.4 of the Convention
and that the seafarers' working and living conditions specified in Appendix A5-I of the Convention were found to
correspond to the abovementioned country’s national requirements implementing the Convention.
Zwischenüberprüfung: unterzeichnet:
(zwischen dem 2. und 3. Jahrestag abzuschließen) Signed: (Unterschrift des ermächtigten
Intermediate inspection: Bediensteten)
(to be completed between the (Signature of authorized official)
2nd and 3rd anniversary dates)
Ort:
Place:
(Siegel)
(Seal) Datum:
Date:
Weitere Vermerke (falls erforderlich)

Additional endorsements (if required)
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass das Schiff zwecks Nachprüfung, dass es die innerstaatlichen Vorschriften zur
Durchführung des Übereinkommens weiterhin erfüllte, wie durch die Norm A3.1 Absatz 3 des Überein-
kommens (erneute Eintragung im Schiffsregister oder wesentliche Veränderungen der Unterkünfte) vorge-
schrieben, oder aus anderen Gründen Gegenstand einer zusätzlichen Überprüfung war.
This is to certify that the ship was the subject of an additional inspection for the purpose of verifying that the ship
continued to be in compliance with the national requirements implementing the Convention, as required by Stan-
dard A3.1, paragraph 3, of the Convention (re-registration or substantial alteration of accommodation) or for
other reasons.
Zusätzliche Überprüfung (falls erforderlich): unterzeichnet:

Additional inspection (if required): Signed: (Unterschrift des ermächtigten
Bediensteten)
(Signature of authorized official)
Ort:
Place:
(Siegel)
(Seal) Datum:
Date:

Bediensteten)
Ort:
Place:
(Siegel)
(Seal) Datum:
Date:
3
Anlage 2

Bediensteten)
Ort:
Place:
(Siegel)
(Seal) Datum:
Date:
4
Annex 3
VORLÄUFIGES SEEARBEITSZEUGNIS
Interim Maritime Labour Certificate
BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND durch die
nach den Bestimmungen von Artikel V und Titel 5 des Seearbeitsübereinkommens, 2006
(im Folgenden als „das Übereinkommen“ bezeichnet)
Issued under the provision of the Government of the

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY by
under the provisions of Article V and Title 5 of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
(referred to below as “the Convention”)
Angaben zum Schiff

Particulars of the ship
Name des Schiffes ...............................................................

Name of ship
Unterscheidungssignal .......................................................
Distinctive number or letters
Heimathafen .......................................................................
Port of registry
Datum der Registrierung....................................................

Date of registry
Bruttoraumzahl ..................................................................
Gross tonnage
IMO-Nummer .....................................................................
IMO Number
Schiffstyp .............................................................................
Type of ship
Name und Anschrift des Reeders ......................................

Name and address of the shipowner
Interim Maritime Labour Certificate 11/2012

-2-
Annex 3
Hiermit wird für die Zwecke der Norm A5.1.3 Absatz 7 des Übereinkommens bescheinigt, dass
This is to certify, for the purposes of Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 7, of the Convention, that
a) das Schiff, soweit angemessen und praktisch möglich, in Bezug auf die in Anhang A5-I des Übereinkom-
mens genannten Angelegenheiten überprüft worden ist, unter Berücksichtigung einer Überprüfung der
nachfolgend unter Buchstabe b), c) und d) aufgeführten Punkte;
this ship has been inspected, as far as reasonable and practicable, for the matters listed in Appendix A5-I to
the Convention, taking into account verification of items under( b),( c) and (d) below;
b) der Reeder der zuständigen Stelle oder anerkannten Organisation nachgewiesen hat, dass das Schiff
über angemessene Verfahren verfügt, um das Übereinkommen einzuhalten;
the shipowner has demonstrated to the competent authority or recognized organization that the ship has ade-
quate procedures to comply with the Convention;
c) der Kapitän mit den Anforderungen des Übereinkommens und den Verantwortlichkeiten für die Durch-
führung vertraut ist; und
the master is familiar with the requirements of the Convention and the responsibilities for implementation; and
d) der zuständigen Stelle oder anerkannten Organisation einschlägige Informationen zur Erstellung einer
Seearbeits-Konformitätserklärung vorgelegt worden sind.
relevant information has been submitted to the competent authority or recognized organization to produce a
Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.
Dieses Zeugnis ist gültig bis , vorbehaltlich der Überprüfungen in Übereinstimmung mit den
Normen A5.1.3 und A5.1.4.
This certificate is valid until ..... subject to inspections in accordance with Standards A5.1.3 and A5.1.4.
Die unter a) genannte Überprüfung wurde abgeschlossen am:

Completion date of the inspection referred to under (a) above was:
Ausgestellt in Hamburg am
Issued at (Ort der Ausstellung) on (Datum der Ausstellung)
(Place of issue of certificate) (Date of issue)
(Siegel) BERUFSGENOSSENSCHAFT FÜR TRANSPORT

(Seal) UND VERKEHRSWIRTSCHAFT
- Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit -
___________________________
Annex 4
Seearbeitsübereinkommen, 2006
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
Seearbeits-Konformitätserklärung - Teil I
Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance - Part I
(Diese Erklärung muss dem Seearbeitszeugnis des Schiffes beigefügt werden)

(Note: This Declaration must be attached to the ship's Maritime Labour Certificate)

BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
durch die BERUFSGENOSSENSCHAFT FÜR TRANSPORT UND VERKEHRSWIRTSCHAFT
Issued under the authority of the Government of the

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
by BERUFSGENOSSENSCHAFT FÜR TRANSPORT
UND VERKEHRSWIRTSCHAFT
In Bezug auf die Bestimmungen des Seearbeitsübereinkommens, 2006, wird das nachstehend bezeichnete Schiff:
With respect to the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, the following referenced ship:
Name des Schiffes IMO-Nummer Bruttoraumzahl

Name of ship IMO Number Gross tonnage
in Übereinstimmung mit der Norm A5.1.3 des Übereinkommens unterhalten.

is maintained in accordance with Standard A5.1.3 of the Convention.
Der Unterzeichner erklärt im Namen der genannten zuständigen Stelle, dass

The undersigned declares, on behalf of the above mentioned competent authority, that:
a) die Bestimmungen des Seearbeitsübereinkommens vollständig in die nachfolgend genannten innerstaatlichen Anfor-
derungen übertragen worden sind;
the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention are fully embodied in the national requirements referred to below;
b) diese innerstaatlichen Anforderungen in den nachfolgend angegebenen Bestimmungen enthalten sind; zum Inhalt
dieser Bestimmungen werden Erläuterungen gegeben, sofern es erforderlich ist;
these national requirements are contained in the national provisions referenced below; explanations concerning the con-
tent of those provisions are provided where necessary;
c) die Einzelheiten von im Wesentlichen gleichwertigen Regelungen gemäß Artikel VI Absatz 3 und 4 in dem für diesen
Zweck bestimmten Absatz aufgeführt sind;
the details of any substantial equivalencies under Article VI, paragraphs 3 and 4, are provided in the section provided for
this purpose below;
d) von der zuständigen Stelle gemäß Titel 3 gewährte Ausnahmen in dem für diesen Zweck bestimmten Abschnitt klar
angegeben sind;
any exemptions granted by the competent authority in accordance with Title 3 are clearly indicated in the section provided
for this purpose below; and
e) auf spezifische Anforderungen der innerstaatlichen Gesetzgebung zu Schiffsarten ebenfalls unter den entsprechen-
den Anforderungen hingewiesen wird.
any ship-type specific requirements under national legislation are also referenced under the requirements concerned.
Annex 4
1. Mindestalter (Regel 1.1)
Minimum age (Regulation 1.1)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 10, 53, 54, 117
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 10, 53, 54, 117
Personen unter 16 Jahren sowie Personen, die der Vollzeitschulpflicht unterliegen, dürfen auf Schiffen nicht als Seeleute (Besat-
zungsmitglieder) beschäftigt werden.
Unter 18jährige Besatzungsmitglieder (jugendliche Besatzungsmitglieder) dürfen in der Zeit zwischen 20 Uhr und 6 Uhr nicht
arbeiten. Im Rahmen der Ausbildung und des Wachdienstes sind Ausnahmen vom Verbot der Nachtarbeit möglich, siehe §§ 53
und 54 des Seearbeitsgesetzes.
Die Beschäftigung von jugendlichen Besatzungsmitgliedern ist verboten, wenn diese Arbeiten ihre Gesundheit oder Sicherheit
gefährden können. § 117 Absatz 2 des Seearbeitsgesetzes beinhaltet grundlegende Beschäftigungsverbote. Der Kapitän hat bei
bestimmten Tätigkeiten nach § 117 Absatz 3 des Seearbeitsgesetzes zu prüfen, ob eine Arbeit jugendlicher Besatzungsmitglieder
auszuschließen ist.
Persons under the age of 16 as well as persons, for whom a full time school attendance is compulsory, shall not work on a ship
as a seafarer (crew member).
Crew members under the age 18 (young crew members) shall not work in any period between 20:00 hrs and 06:00 hrs. Excep-
tions from the night work restriction can be made in the course of a training programme or for watch duties. §§ 53 and 54 of the
maritime Labour Act provide for possible exceptions.
The employment of young crew members is prohibited where the work is likely to jeopardize their health or safety. § 117 (2) of
the Maritime Labour Act contains fundamental employment restrictions. The master has to verify for certain types of work ac-
cording to § 117 (3) of the Maritime Labour Act whether a work of young crew members is excluded.
2. Ärztliches Zeugnis (Regel 1.2)

Medical certification (Regulation 1.2)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 11 bis 20; Maritime-Medizin-Verordnung
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 11 to 20; Ordinance on Maritime Medicine
Besatzungsmitglieder dürfen nur beschäftigt werden, wenn sie ein gültiges ärztliches Zeugnis (Seediensttauglichkeitszeugnis)
besitzen, das durch einen zugelassenen Arzt oder in Ausnahmefällen durch die Berufsgenossenschaft für Transport und Ver-
kehrswirtschaft (BG Verkehr) ausgestellt worden ist.
Eine Liste der zugelassenen Ärzte wird von der BG Verkehr veröffentlicht.
Das ärztliche Zeugnis ist längstens 2 Jahre gültig. Bei jugendlichen Besatzungsmitgliedern beträgt die Gültigkeit längstens 1
Jahr.
Läuft die Gültigkeitsdauer eines Seediensttauglichkeitszeugnisses während einer Reise des Schiffs ab, bleibt es gültig, bis der
nächste Hafen angelaufen wird, in dem das Besatzungsmitglied ein ärztliches Zeugnis von einem qualifizierten Arzt erhalten
kann, mit der Maßgabe, dass dieser Zeitraum drei Monate nicht überschreiten darf.
Ein durch einen anderen Staat oder auf Grund einer Vorschrift eines anderen Staates ausgestelltes Seediensttauglichkeitszeugnis,
das den Anforderungen des STCW-Übereinkommens genügt, ist einem deutschen ärztlichen Zeugnis gleichwertig.
Crew members shall only be employed if they hold a valid medical certificate issued by an approved medical practitioner or in
exceptional cases by the Berufsgenossenschaft für Transport und Verkehrswirtschaft (BG Verkehr).
A list of approved medical practitioners is published by the BG Verkehr.
The medical certificate is valid for a maximum period of 2 years. In case of youth crew members the validity is maximum 1 year.
If the period of validity of a certificate expires in the course of a voyage, the certificate shall continue to be in force until the next
port of call where the crew member can obtain a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner, provided that this
period shall not exceed three months.
A medical certificate issued by another state or due to a regulation of another state is to be considered as equivalent if it is in
accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention.
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Annex 4
3. Befähigungen der Seeleute (Regel 1.3)
Qualifications of seafarers (Regulation 1.3)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: § 23; Seeleute-Befähigungsverordnung; Verordnung über die Berufsausbildung
in der Seeschifffahrt
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: § 23; Ordinance on Seafarers' Competency; Ordinance on Vocational Training
in Maritime Shipping
Die Besatzungsmitglieder müssen den Anforderungen des STCW-Übereinkommens in Bezug auf Ausbildung und Befähigung
entsprechen und die vorgeschriebenen Befähigungszeugnisse, Befähigungsnachweise oder Qualifikationsbescheinigungen besit-
zen.
Alle Besatzungsmitglieder müssen, bevor sie eine Beschäftigung an Bord eines Schiffes aufnehmen, eine Sicherheitsunterwei-
sung nach Abschnitt A-VI/1 Absatz 1 des STCW-Codes erhalten.
Crew members shall comply with the provisions of the STCW Convention with respect to training and competency and shall hold
relevant certificates of competency, certificates of proficiency or documentary evidence.
Before being employed on board of a ship, all crew members shall receive safety familiarization training according to section A-
VI/1 paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.
4. Beschäftigungsverträge der Seeleute (Regel 2.1)

Seafarers' employment agreements (Regulation 2.1)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 28 bis 33, §§ 65 bis 69, §§ 81 bis 89
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 28 to 33, §§ 65 to 69, §§ 81 to 89
Jedes Besatzungsmitglied muss im Besitz eines schriftlichen Heuervertrags sein. Handelt es sich bei dem Besatzungsmitglied um
einen Auszubildenden, muss ein schriftlicher Vertrag über die Berufsausbildung an Bord vorhanden sein. Die §§ 28 und 82 des
Seearbeitsgesetzes beinhalten die Mindestinhalte, die in den Heuervertrag oder in den Vertrag über die Berufsausbildung an
Bord aufzunehmen sind.
Dem Besatzungsmitglied ist der Vertragsentwurf, einschließlich anzuwendender Tarifverträge, Betriebs- oder Bordvereinbarun-
gen, rechtzeitig vor dem beabsichtigten Vertragsabschluss auszuhändigen oder zu übermitteln. Der Reeder und das Besatzungs-
mitglied erhalten je eine Ausfertigung des von ihnen unterzeichneten Vertrags. Kopien der einzelnen Heuerverträge sind an Bord
mitzuführen.
§ 33 des Seearbeitsgesetzes regelt die Inhalte der Dienstbescheinigung. Die Bescheinigung ist dem Besatzungsmitglied spätes-
tens zum Dienstende auszuhändigen. Bei Schiffen, auf denen in kurzen Abständen die Besatzungen wechseln oder regelmäßig
dieselben Häfen angelaufen werden, insbesondere in der Fähr- und Schleppschifffahrt, muss die Dienstbescheinigung nur auf
Antrag des Besatzungsmitglieds sowie bei Beendigung des Heuerverhältnisses ausgehändigt oder übermittelt werden.
Das Heuerverhältnis kann durch den Reeder oder das Besatzungsmitglied ordentlich oder außerordentlich gekündigt werden. Die
Kündigung bedarf der Schriftform. Ein befristetes Heuerverhältnis kann nur ordentlich gekündigt werden, wenn dies einzelver-
traglich oder tarifvertraglich vereinbart ist. § 66 des Seearbeitsgesetzes regelt die Kündigungsfristen für eine ordentliche Kündi-
gung.
Der Reeder oder das Besatzungsmitglied kann das Heuerverhältnis aus wichtigem Grund ohne Einhaltung einer Frist außeror-
dentlich kündigen. Zusätzlich kann das Besatzungsmitglied das Heuerverhältnis wegen dringender Familienangelegenheiten
ohne Einhaltung einer Frist kündigen.
Each crew member shall be in possession of a written employment agreement. If the crew member is a trainee, a written agree-
ment about the apprenticeship on board shall be available. §§ 28 and 82 of the Maritime Labour Act provide minimum particu-
lars that shall be recorded in the employment agreement or agreement about the apprenticeship on board.
The draft agreement including applicable collective bargaining agreements and company or shipboard agreements shall be
handed out or submitted to the crew member in due time before signing the agreement. The shipowner and the crew member
shall each receive an original of the agreement signed by both of them. Copies of the individual agreements shall be carried on
board the ship.
§ 33 of the Maritime Labour Act stipulates the contents of the record of employment. The record is to be handed over to the crew
member latest at the end of service on board. On board of ships on which the crew changes at short intervals or on ships calling
regularly at the same ports (e.g. ferries and tugs) the record of employment needs to be handed over or to be submitted only at
the request of the crew member and on termination of the employment agreement.
The employment engagement may be terminated by the shipowner or the crew member through ordinary or extraordinary termi-
nation. The termination requires the written form. A fixed-term employment engagement may only be terminated if it has been
agreed upon in the employment agreement. § 66 of the Maritime Labour Act stipulates notice periods for an ordinary termina-
tion.
The shipowner or the crew member may extraordinarily terminate the employment engagement for compelling reasons without
observing a notice period. In addition, the crew member may extraordinarily terminate the employment engagement without
observing any notice period due to urgent family matters.
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Annex 4
5. Inanspruchnahme eines bewilligten oder zugelassenen oder geregelten privaten Anwerbungs-

und Arbeitsvermittlungsdienstes (Regel 1.4)
Use of any licensed or certified or regulated private recruitment and placement service (Regulation 1.4)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 24 bis 27
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 24 to 27
Der Reeder darf einen privaten Arbeitsvermittlungsdienst für Seeleute (Vermittler) mit Sitz in Deutschland nur dann in Anspruch
nehmen, wenn ihm vom Vermittler eine schriftliche Bescheinigung der BG Verkehr vorgelegt worden ist.
Der Reeder darf einen Vermittler mit Sitz in Staaten, die das Seearbeitsübereinkommen nicht ratifiziert haben, nur dann in An-
spruch nehmen, wenn der Vermittler schriftlich versichert hat, dass er die Regelungen zur Anwerbung und Vermittlung nach
Regel 1.4 des Seearbeitsübereinkommens erfüllt.
The shipowner may only make use of a private seafarer recruitment and placement service based in Germany if the service is
able to provide a written approval of the BG Verkehr.
The shipowner may only make use of a private seafarer recruitment and placement service based in countries that have not
ratified MLC if the service has assured in writing that he complies with the requirements of Regulation 1.4 MLC.
6. Arbeits- oder Ruhezeiten (Regel 2.3)

Hours of work or rest (Regulation 2.3)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 42 bis 55; See-Arbeitszeitnachweisverordnung;
Offshore-Arbeitszeitverordnung
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 42 to 55; Ordinance on the working organization and working time records in
maritime shipping; Offshore-Working Hours Ordinance
Die Regelungen zur Normalarbeitszeit, zu den Ruhezeiten und zu den Beschränkungen der Höchstarbeitszeit und der Mindestru-
hezeit entsprechen den Vorgaben des Seearbeitsübereinkommens.
Auf Schiffen, die in kurzer Aufeinanderfolge mehrere Häfen anlaufen (weniger als 36 Stunden zwischen den seewärtigen Lots-
versetzpositionen der Revierzufahrten) gilt die vom Seearbeitsübereinkommen vorgegebene Mindestruhezeit von
a) 10 Stunden in jedem Zeitraum von 24 Stunden und
b) 77 Stunden in jedem Zeitraum von sieben Tagen.
Darüber hinaus kann in einem Tarifvertrag oder in einer Betriebs- oder Bordvereinbarung unter Beachtung des Abschnittes A-
VIII/1 des STCW-Code vereinbart werden, dass
1. nur eine Mindestruhezeit von 70 Stunden in jedem Zeitraum von sieben Tagen gilt und
2. die Mindestruhezeit in drei Abschnitte aufgeteilt wird, wobei ein Ruheabschnitt eine Mindestdauer von sechs Stunden und die
beiden anderen Ruheabschnitte jeweils eine Mindestdauer von einer Stunde haben muss.
Außerhalb der Fahrt mit kurzer Aufeinanderfolge mehrerer Häfen und wenn für Besatzungsmitglieder kein Tarifvertrag oder
keine Betriebs- oder Bordvereinbarung mit Arbeitszeitregelungen gilt, muss neben der Mindestruhezeit zusätzlich auch die
Höchstarbeitzeit von 14 Stunden in jedem Zeitraum von 24 Stunden und 72 Stunden in jedem Zeitraum von sieben Tagen ein-
gehalten werden.
Besatzungsmitglieder, die während einer planmäßigen Ruhezeit Arbeit geleistet oder an einer Übung teilgenommen haben, müs-
sen eine Ausgleichsruhezeit erhalten, die mindestens der Dauer der Ruhezeitunterbrechung entspricht.
Auf jedem Schiff ist eine Übersicht über die Arbeitsorganisation an Bord zu führen und an einem leicht zugänglichen Ort auszu-
hängen. Die Übersicht muss dem Muster in Anhang I der See-Arbeitszeitnachweisverordnung entsprechen.
Für jedes Besatzungsmitglied ist ein Arbeitszeitnachweis zu führen, aus dem die täglichen Arbeitszeiten und Ruhezeiten ersicht-
lich sind. Die Nachweise müssen dem Muster in Anhang II der See-Arbeitszeitnachweisverordnung entsprechen. Jedem Besat-
zungsmitglied ist am Ende eines jeden Kalendermonats eine Kopie des Arbeitszeitnachweises für diesen Monat auszuhändigen.
The provisions concerning normal working hours, hours of rest and restrictions to the maximum hours of work and the minimum
hours of rest comply with the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention.
On ships calling at several ports in short sequence (less than 36 hours between the seaward positions for pilot transfer for re-
stricted waters) the following minimum hours of rest according to the Maritime Labour Convention apply:
a) 10 hours in any 24-hour period and
b) 77 hours in any 7-day period.
In addition it may be agreed in a collective bargaining agreement or in a company or shipboard agreement in compliance with
Part A-VIII/1 of the STCW-Code that
1. only the minimum of 70 hours of rest in any 7-day period applies and
2. that the minimum hours of rest may be divided into three periods, one of which shall be at least six hours in length and the
other two periods of rest shall be each at least one hour in length.
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Annex 4
Beyond the period of frequent port calls and when no collective bargaining agreement or company or shipboard agreement
concerning hours of work applies to crew members the maximum hours of work of 14 hours in any 24-hour period and 72 hours
in any period of seven days have to be observed in addition to the minimum hours of rest.
Crew members who performed work or participated in a drill during a scheduled rest period shall be provided with an adequate
compensatory period of rest which must cover at least the duration of the interruption of the rest period.
A table with the shipboard working arrangements shall be maintained and posted in an easily accessible place on every ship.
The table shall comply with the model contained in Appendix 1 of the Ordinance on the working organization and working time
records in maritime shipping.
A record of hours of work and hours of rest shall be kept for every crew member showing the daily hours of work and hours of
rest. The records shall comply with the model contained in Appendix II of the Ordinance on the working organization and work-
ing time records in maritime shipping. Every crew member shall receive a copy of the record of hours of work and hours of rest
for the respective month at the end of each calendar month.
7. Besatzungsstärke des Schiffes (Regel 2.7)

Manning levels for the ship (Regulation 2.7)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 21, 22; Schiffsbesetzungsverordnung
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 21, 22; Safe Manning Regulations
Der Reeder und der Kapitän haben für eine nach Anzahl, Qualifikation und Eignung ausreichende Schiffsbesatzung zu sorgen,
um unter allen Betriebszuständen einen sicheren, effizienten und gefahrlosen Schiffsbetrieb zu gewährleisten. Dabei sind die
Vorgaben aus dem Schiffsbesatzungszeugnis, welches auf allen Schiffen mitzuführen ist, sicherzustellen.
Durch den Kapitän ist eine Besatzungsliste zu führen, die jederzeit den vollständigen Stand der Zusammensetzung der Besatzung
wiedergibt. Die Besatzungsliste muss dem von der BG Verkehr veröffentlichten Muster entsprechen.
The shipowner and the master have to ensure that a sufficient number of qualified and suitable crew members are on board to
guarantee that the ship is operated safely, efficiently and with due regard to security under all conditions. In this regard, the
requirements of the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, which shall be carried on every ship, have to be observed.
The master must keep a crew list which reflects the complete composition of the crew at any time. The crew list must comply with
the model published by the BG Verkehr.
8. Unterkünfte (Regel 3.1)

Accommodation (Regulation 3.1)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 93 bis 96; See-Unterkunftsverordnung
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 93 to 96; Ordinance on Accommodation in Maritime Shipping
Die See-Unterkunftsverordnung regelt die Unterkünfte der Besatzungsmitglieder und beinhaltet Ausnahmeregelungen für be-
stimmte Schiffe. Auf Schiffen, deren Kiel vor dem Inkrafttreten des Seearbeitsgesetzes gelegt wurde, gelten die bisherigen bauli-
chen Anforderungen an Unterkünfte (Verordnung über die Unterbringung der Besatzungsmitglieder an Bord von Kauffahrtei-
schiffen vom 8. Februar 1973).
Der Kapitän oder ein von ihm damit beauftragter Schiffsoffizier hat die Unterkunftsräume und Freizeiteinrichtungen mindestens
einmal monatlich zu besichtigen. Das Ergebnis jeder Besichtigung ist im Seetagebuch einzutragen.
The Ordinance on Accommodation in Maritime Shipping contains the regulations for accommodation of crew members and
includes exemptions for certain ships. The previous construction requirements for accommodation are applicable to ships with
keel-laying date before the Maritime Labour Act came into force (Ordinance on Crew Accommodation on board Merchant Ships
dated 08. February 1973).
The Master or a ship's officer nominated by him shall inspect the accommodation and recreational facilities at least monthly.
The results of each inspection shall be recorded in the ship's log book.
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9. Freizeiteinrichtungen an Bord (Regel 3.1)
On-board recreational facilities ( Regulation 3.1)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 93 bis 96; See-Unterkunftsverordnung
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 93 to 96; Ordinance on Accommodation in Maritime Shipping
Die See-Unterkunftsverordnung enthält Anforderungen für Freizeiteinrichtungen an Bord. Auf Schiffen, deren Kiel vor dem
Inkrafttreten des Seearbeitsgesetzes gelegt wurde, gelten die bisherigen baulichen Anforderungen an Freizeiteinrichtungen (Ver-
ordnung über die Unterbringung der Besatzungsmitglieder an Bord von Kauffahrteischiffen vom 8. Februar 1973).
The Ordinance on Accommodation in Maritime Shipping contains requirements for recreational facilities on board. The previ-
ous construction requirements for recreational facilities are applicable to ships with keel-laying date before the Maritime La-
bour Act came into force (Ordinance on Crew Accommodation on board Merchant Ships dated 08. February 1973).
10. Verpflegung einschließlich Bedienung (Regel 3.2)

Food and catering (Regulation 3.2)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: § 10, §§ 97, 98; Infektionsschutzgesetz; Schiffsbesetzungsverordnung; Trink-
wasserverordnung
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: § 10, §§ 97, 98; Infection Protection Act; Safe Manning Regulations; Drinking
Water Ordinance
Besatzungsmitglieder, die als Schiffskoch beschäftigt werden, müssen für die Zubereitung von Speisen ausgebildet und qualifi-
ziert sein und mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein und
1. im Besitz des Zeugnisses über die Abschlussprüfung im Ausbildungsberuf Koch/Köchin oder eines anderen ein-
schlägigen Ausbildungsberufes nach innerstaatlichem Recht sein oder
2. eine Bescheinigung einer Industrie- und Handelskammer über die Teilnahme an einer Gaststättenunterrichtung
nachweisen oder
3. einen Nachweis über die Befähigung zum Schiffskoch einer anderen Vertragspartei des Seearbeitsübereinkom-
mens besitzen oder
4. einen gleichwertigen Nachweis eines anderen als in Nummer 3 genannten Staates besitzen.
Schiffe mit weniger als zehn Besatzungsmitgliedern müssen keinen qualifizierten Schiffskoch mitführen; das für die Zubereitung
der Speisen verantwortliche Besatzungsmitglied muss eine Ausbildung oder Unterweisung in den Bereichen Nahrungsmittel- und
persönliche Hygiene sowie Handhabung und Lagerung von Verpflegung an Bord haben.
In außergewöhnlichen Notfällen kann die BG Verkehr eine Ausnahmegenehmigung erteilen, nach der ein anderes Besatzungs-
mitglied während einer bestimmten begrenzten Zeit bis zum nächsten leicht erreichbaren Anlaufhafen oder längstens in einem
Zeitraum von bis zu einem Monat die Aufgaben des Schiffskochs wahrnehmen darf. In diesen Fällen muss das für die Zuberei-
tung der Speisen verantwortliche Besatzungsmitglied in den Bereichen Nahrungsmittel- und persönlicher Hygiene sowie Hand-
habung und Lagerung von Verpflegung an Bord ausgebildet oder unterwiesen werden.
Das Küchen- und Bedienungspersonal ist über die geltenden lebensmittelrechtlichen und trinkwasserrechtlichen Vorschriften zu
unterweisen. Zusätzlich ist das Küchen- und Bedienungspersonal bei Dienstantritt an Bord und im Weiteren alle zwei Jahre über
die in den §§ 42 und 43 des Infektionsschutzgesetzes genannten Tätigkeitsverbote und Mitteilungspflichten zu belehren. Die
Belehrungen sind im Seetagebuch zu dokumentieren.
Durch den Kapitän oder eine von ihm beauftragte Person sind monatlich Überprüfungen der Verpflegungs- und Trinkwasservor-
räte, aller Räume und Ausrüstungsgegenstände, die der Lagerung von Verpflegung und Trinkwasser dienen, und der Küchen und
der anderen Ausrüstungen für die Zubereitung und das Servieren von Speisen durchzuführen. Das Ergebnis der Überprüfung ist
im Seetagebuch zu dokumentieren.
Crew members who are engaged as a ship's cook have to be trained and qualified in preparing food and must be at minimum 18
years of age and must be in possession of:
1. a certificate of final examination in an apprenticeship as a cook or another relevant apprenticeship according to
national law, or
2. a certificate of participation in an instruction in catering according to § 4 (1) no. 4 Gaststättengesetz, issued by
a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or
3. a certificate of proficiency as a ship's cook issued by a member state of the Maritime Labour Convention, or
4. an equivalent certificate of another state
Ships with a manning of less than ten crew members are not required to carry a qualified ship's cook; the crew member who
processes food in the galley must be trained or instructed in areas including food and personal hygiene as well as handling and
storage of food on board ship.
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In exceptional circumstances BG Verkehr may issue an exemption permitting another crew member to carry out the duties of the
ship's cook for a specified limited period until the next convenient port of call or for a period not exceeding one month. In these
cases the crew member who processes food in the galley must be trained or instructed in areas including food and personal
hygiene as well as handling and storage of food on board the ship.
The catering personnel must be familiarized with the applicable regulations related to food and drinking water. In addition, the
catering personnel is to be instructed when commencing duty on board and subsequently every two years about prohibitions of
activity and reporting obligations in accordance with §§ 42, 43 of Infection Protection Act. The instructions have to be recorded
in the ship's log book.
The master or another person designated by him must conduct monthly inspections of the supplies of food and drinking water,
the provision rooms and equipment used for the storage of food and drinking water and the galleys and other equipment used
for preparing and serving food. The results of the inspection shall be recorded in the ship's log book.
11. Gesundheit und Sicherheit und Unfallverhütung (Regel 4.3)

Health and safety and accident prevention (Regulation 4.3)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 114 bis 118; Arbeitsschutzgesetz; Arbeitssicherheitsgesetz; Betriebssicher-
heitsverordnung; Lärm- und Vibrations-Arbeitsschutzverordnung; PSA-Benutzungsverordnung; Gefahrstoffverordnung; Lasten-
handhabungsverordnung; Verordnung zur arbeitsmedizinischen Vorsorge; Siebtes Buch Sozialgesetzbuch; Unfallverhütungsvor-
schriften
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 114 to 118; Labour Protection Act; Occupational Safety Act; Ordinance on
Industrial Safety and Health; Noise and Vibration at Work Regulations; Ordinance on the Use of Personal Protective Equip-
ment; Ordinance on Hazardous Substances; Load Handling Regulations; Regulation concerning Occupational Health Care;
Volume VII of the Social Insurance Code; Accident Prevention Regulations
Der Reeder hat die erforderlichen Maßnahmen zur Verhütung von Arbeitsunfällen, Berufskrankheiten und arbeitsbedingten
Gesundheitsgefahren sowie für eine wirksame Erste Hilfe zu treffen. Die Maßnahmen sind auf ihre Wirksamkeit zu überprüfen
und erforderlichenfalls anzupassen.
Im Rahmen des Arbeitsschutzsystems hat der Reeder Gefährdungsbeurteilungen durchzuführen und zu dokumentieren.
Arbeitsunfälle von Besatzungsmitgliedern, die zum Tod oder zu einer Arbeitsunfähigkeit von mehr als drei Kalendertagen füh-
ren, sind zu dokumentieren und dem Unfallversicherungsträger zu melden.
§ 115 Abs. 1 des Seearbeitsgesetzes regelt die Zusammensetzung des Schiffssicherheitsausschusses, welcher auf Schiffen mit
fünf oder mehr Besatzungsmitgliedern einzurichten ist. Sitzungen des Ausschusses sind vierteljährlich durchzuführen.
Auf Schiffen mit fünf oder mehr Besatzungsmitgliedern ist mindestens ein Sicherheitsbeauftragter zu bestellen, der den Reeder
bei der Durchführung der Maßnahmen zur Verhütung von Arbeitsunfällen und Berufskrankheiten unterstützt.
The shipowner has to take all necessary measures to prevent occupational accidents, occupational diseases and work related
hazards as well as to provide an effective first aid. The measures shall be monitored for their effectivity and adjusted if needed.
The shipowner has to conduct and to document risk assessments within the occupational health protection system.
Accidents of crew members causing death or incapacity to work for more than three days have to be recorded and reported to
the relevant accident insurance.
§ 115 (1) of the Maritime Labour Act regulates the composition of the ship's safety committee which shall be established on
ships with five or more crew members. Meetings of the committee shall take place on a quarterly basis.
On ships with five or more crew members minimum one safety representative is to be appointed, who shall support the shi-
powner in implementing the measures to prevent occupational accidents and diseases.
12. Medizinische Betreuung an Bord (Regel 4.1)

On-board medical care (Regulation 4.1)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 99 bis 113; Schiffsbesetzungsverordnung; Maritime-Medizin-Verordnung;
Bekanntmachung des Standes der medizinischen Erkenntnisse
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 99 to 113; Safe Manning Regulations; Ordinance on Maritime Medicine;
Publication of the state of medical knowledge
Das Besatzungsmitglied hat für die Dauer des Heuerverhältnisses im Falle einer Erkrankung oder Verletzung Anspruch auf un-
verzügliche und angemessene medizinische Betreuung auf Kosten des Reeders.
Jedes Schiff ist mit einer angemessenen medizinischen Ausstattung (Schiffsapotheke, ärztliche Berichtsformulare und Tagebü-
cher, medizinische Ausrüstung und medizinische Anleitungen) auszurüsten. Entspricht die medizinische Ausstattung dem im
Verkehrsblatt oder im Bundesanzeiger jeweils zuletzt bekanntgemachten Stand der medizinischen Anforderungen in der See-
schifffahrt (Stand der medizinischen Erkenntnisse), ist die medizinische Ausstattung als angemessen anzusehen.
Auf Schiffen mit einer Fahrtdauer von mehr als drei Tagen in der internationalen Fahrt und mit 100 oder mehr Personen an Bord
muss ein Schiffsarzt vorhanden sein.
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Auf Schiffen ohne Schiffsarzt ist der Kapitän für die Durchführung der medizinischen Betreuung an Bord zuständig. Er kann die
Durchführung dieser Aufgabe an einen anderen Schiffsoffizier übertragen. Der Kapitän und der mit der Durchführung der medi-
zinischen Betreuung an Bord beauftragte Schiffsoffizier müssen mindestens alle fünf Jahre an einem zugelassenen medizinischen
Wiederholungslehrgang teilnehmen.
Der Reeder hat sicherzustellen, dass die medizinische Ausstattung und die medizinischen Räumlichkeiten mindestens alle zwölf
Monate betriebsintern überprüft werden. Die interne Kontrolle der Ausstattung mit Arzneimitteln und Medizinprodukten ist
unter Mitwirkung einer Apotheke durchzuführen. Nachweise über die Überprüfung sind mindestens fünf Jahre an Bord aufzube-
wahren.
Die medizinische Betreuung eines erkrankten oder verletzten Besatzungsmitgliedes ist auf einem ärztlichen Berichtsformular zu
dokumentieren und an Bord aufzubewahren. Das Berichtsformular und die darin enthaltenen Angaben sind vertraulich zu behan-
deln. Die Form muss dem veröffentlichten Muster entsprechen.
In the event of illness or injury the crew member is for the period of the employment engagement entitled to receive prompt and
adequate medical care at the expense of the shipowner.
Each ship has to be fitted with appropriate medical equipment (ship's pharmacy, medical report forms and diaries, other medi-
cal equipment and medical guidance). The medical equipment meets the requirements if it complies with the medical standard in
shipping (state of medical knowledge) as published in the Verkehrsblatt or the Bundesanzeiger in their current versions.
Ships engaged in international voyages of more than three days duration and with 100 persons or more on board shall carry a
medical ship's doctor.
The master is in charge for carrying out medical care on ships which do not carry a ship's doctor. He may delegate this duty to
another ship's officer. The master and the ship's officer who is in charge of medical care on board are required to attend an
approved medical refresher course every five years.
The shipowner has to ensure that the medical accommodations and the medical equipment are internally verified at least every
twelve months. The internal verification of the supply with pharmaceuticals and medical products shall be carried out with the
participation of a pharmacy. Documented evidence of the verifications shall be kept on board for minimum five years.
The medical treatment of a sick or injured crew member shall be recorded in a medical report from and kept on board. The
medical report form and the information contained therein shall be kept confidential. The form must comply with the published
model.
13. Beschwerdeverfahren an Bord (Regel 5.1.5)

On-board complaint procedures (Regulation 5.1.5)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 127, 128
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 127, 128
Der Reeder hat das Besatzungsmitglied zusätzlich zur Aushändigung des Heuervertrages schriftlich über die an Bord gültigen
Beschwerderegelungen (Beschwerdeverfahren) zu informieren.
Der Reeder hat die Informationen zum Beschwerdeverfahren stets auf dem aktuellen Stand zu halten. Hierzu kann er das Besat-
zungsmitglied auf einen allgemein zugänglichen Aushang an Bord verweisen.
The shipowner has to inform the crew member in writing about the complaint procedure applicable on board the ship in addi-
tion to the delivery of the employment agreement.
The shipowner has to keep the complaint procedure up to date. For this purpose, he may refer the crew member to an easily
accessible notice on board the ship.
14. Zahlung der Heuern (Regel 2.2)

Payment of wages (Regulation 2.2)
Innerstaatliche Vorschriften: Seearbeitsgesetz: §§ 37 bis 41, §§ 51, 84, 85
National requirements: Maritime Labour Act: §§ 37 to 41, §§ 51, 84, 85
Die Heuer ist mit dem Ablauf eines jeden Kalendermonats und bei Beendigung des Heuerverhältnisses fällig.
Die Heuer ist in Euro zu berechnen und auszuzahlen, es sei denn, dass im Heuervertrag die Auszahlung in einer anderen gesetzli-
chen Währung vereinbart wird. Wird die Heuer in einer anderen Währung erbracht als im Vertrag vereinbart, muss der Wechsel-
kurs dem von der Europäischen Zentralbank zum Zeitpunkt der Zahlung veröffentlichten Kurs entsprechen.
Das Besatzungsmitglied kann vom Reeder verlangen, dass die Heuer oder ein Teil hiervon unbar an das Besatzungsmitglied oder
an einen vom Besatzungsmitglied benannten Empfänger geleistet wird. Der Reeder darf von dem Besatzungsmitglied keine
Erstattung der Kosten für die unbare Auszahlung verlangen.
Der Reeder hat dem Besatzungsmitglied mit dem Ablauf eines Kalendermonats und bei Beendigung des Heuerverhältnisses eine
Abrechnung in Textform zu erteilen und ihm unverzüglich auszuhändigen. Die Abrechnung muss den jeweiligen Abrechnungs-
zeitraum und vollständige Angaben über die Zusammensetzung der Heuer enthalten. Beanstandet das Besatzungsmitglied die
Abrechnung, ist der Grund der Beanstandung vom Reeder auf der Abrechnung zu vermerken.
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The wages are due at the end of each calendar month and at the end of the employment engagement.
The wages shall be calculated and paid in EURO unless the payment in a different legal currency has been agreed in the em-
ployment agreement. If the wages are paid in a different currency than that stated in the employment agreement, the rate of
currency exchange shall comply with the rate as published by the European Central Bank at the time of payment.
The crew member may request the shipowner to remit all or part of his wages cashless directly to the crew member or to a per-
son nominated by the crew member. The shipowner cannot demand from the crew member any reimbursement of the costs re-
sulting from the cashless transfer.
At the end of each calendar month and at the end of the employment engagement the shipowner has to draw up a monthly ac-
count in text form that is to be handed out to the crew member without delay. The account must contain the respective account-
ing period and the full details regarding the composition of the wages. If the crew member rejects the account, the reason for the
objection shall be noted on the account by the shipowner.
Name:
Name:
Titel: Head of Department ISM/ILO

Title:
(Siegel) Unterschrift:
(Seal) Signature: (Berufsgenossenschaft für Transport
und Verkehrswirtschaft)
Ort:
Place:
Datum:
Date:
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Annex 4
Im Wesentlichen gleichwertige Regelungen
Substantial equivalencies
Es ist keine gleichwertige Regelung anwendbar.

No equivalency has been granted.
Name:
Name:

Title:
Ort:
Place:
Datum:
Date:
Ausnahmen
Exemptions
Es ist keine Ausnahme gewährt worden.

No exemption has been granted.
Name:
Name:

Title:
Ort:
Place:
Datum:
Date:
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Annex 5
INSPECTION REPORT
-Maritime Labour Act- Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
BG Verkehr
(Maritime Labour Convention - MLC 2006)
A copy of this report shall be posted on the ship’s notice board for the information of the crew members.
I. DETAILS
Name of ship: Type of ship:

Call sign: GT: IMO: Port of registry:
Name of Shipowner:
Name of inspector: Place and date of inspection:
Type of inspection:
Interim Initial Intermediate Renewal Additional Non-certified ships
II. SUMMARY OF THE INSPECTION OF THE WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS:
Deficiency Deficiency
Working and living conditions Working and living conditions
(Yes/No) (Yes/No)
1 Minimum age 9 Repatriation
2 Medical certification 10 Manning levels for the ship and crew list
Accommodation and on-board recreational
3 Qualifications of seafarers 11
facilities
4 Recruitment and placement 12 Food and catering
5 Seafarers’ employment agreements 13 Medical care
6 Payment of wages 14 Safety and health protection at work
7 Hours of work and hours of rest 15 Social Security
8 Entitlement to leave 16 Order on board and complaint procedures
The issuance of the Maritime Labour Certificate is recommended: -please select-
The Maritime Labour Certificate has been endorsed: -please select-
The following number of deficiencies was found: Deficiency: Serious deficiency:

Stamp
Summary of deficiencies attached (Section III): -please select-
Additional verification required: -please select-
Place, Date Signature Inspector ( ) Signature Master ( )
Version 01/2013
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Annex 5
INSPECTION REPORT
-Maritime Labour Act- Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit
BG Verkehr
(Maritime Labour Convention - MLC 2006)
III. SUMMARY OF DEFICIENCIES
Dates for corrective action

A rectify deficiency before departure B rectify deficiency within 14 days
C rectify deficiency at next port D rectify deficiency before the issue of the Maritime Labour Certificate
E other (to be specified) F ground for detention
Name of ship: Place and date of inspection:
Deficiency
Date to
rectified
No Nature of Deficiency Reference be Agreed corrective action plan
(Date and
rectified
signature)
Version 01/2013
2/2
Annex 6
Annex 7
Statement of Compliance
Dienststelle
in accordance with § 24 paragraph 3 Seearbeitsgesetz Schiffssicherheit
(Private seafarer recruitment and placement services operating in BG Verkehr
countries which have not ratified MLC)
Private recruitment and placement

Shipowner
service (PRPS)
Name and

address
Hereby the a.m. PRPS confirms that it operates in conformity with Norm A1.4 paragraph 5 of the
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
It is ensured that:
• No means, mechanisms or lists intended to prevent or deter seafarers from gaining
employment for which they are qualified will be used;
• No fees or other charges for seafarer recruitment or placement or for providing employment to
1
seafarers are borne directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by the seafarer ;
• An up-to-date register of all seafarers recruited or placed by the PRS will be maintained and
kept available for inspection;
• Seafarers’ employment agreements are in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
and any collective bargaining agreement that forms part of the employment agreement;
• Seafarers are informed about their rights and duties under their employment agreements prior
to or in the process of engagement and proper arrangements are made for seafarers to
examine their employment agreements before and after they are signed and they will receive
a copy of the agreements;
• Seafarers recruited or placed by the PRPS are qualified and hold the documents necessary
for the job concerned;
• As far as practicable, the shipowner has means to protect seafarers from being stranded in a
foreign port;
• Complaints concerning their activities will be examined and responded and advise the
shipowner and the competent authority of any unresolved complaint;
• A system of protection is established, by way of insurance or an equivalent appropriate

measure, to compensate seafarers for monetary loss that they may incur as a result of the
failure of a PRPS or the relevant shipowner under the seafarers’ employment agreement.
____________
Place and Date
__________________________________________
Name and signature of person in charge of the PRPS
1
Except the costs for obtaining a national statutory medical certificate, the national seafarer’s book and a
passport or other similar personal travel documents, not including, however, the cost of visas, which shall be
borne by the shipowner
Annex 7
Annex 8
Stand 17. April 2013
Model for a crew member's employment agreement for ships

flying the German flag
Crew Member's Employment Agreement
Between
1. Name: ABC Reeder

Address: Schiffsstraße 1, 20000 Hamburg
(hereinafter referred to as "the Shipowner")
and
2. Mr/Ms: Max Mustermann

Date of birth:
Place of birth:
Address:
(hereinafter referred to as "the Crew Member")
The following Crew Member's Employment Agreement is hereby entered into:
3. The description of the duties the crew member has to perform, if applicable,
any limitations of duties to particular ships or trade areas
The Crew Member shall be employed as [insert rank] on ships flying the German flag
[Option: as well as under "Ausstrahlung" under foreign flag]
4. The date of the commencement of the crew member's employment

engagement, the place and date of the commencement of duties on board
under specification of the ship
The crew member's employment engagement shall commence on [insert date], at the
earliest, however, on the day of departure from the place of residence.
The (first) assignment is planned on the M/V [insert name of ship] on [insert date] in
[insert name of port]. In consideration of reasonable discretion, the shipowner re-
serves his/her right to employ the crew member also on other ships of the ship owner.
The shipowner will inform the crew member in writing about changes of the date and
place of commencing duties on board in due time.
5. In case of a fixed-term crew member's employment agreement, the

intended period of the crew member's employment engagement
The crew member's employment engagement shall end on [insert date] without re-
quiring a notice of termination.
1
Annex 8
If the fixed-term agreement ends while the crew member is on board the ship at sea,
the crew member's employment engagement shall continue beyond the expiry of the
fixed-term agreement until arrival of the ship in a port where the repatriation of the
crew member and his replacement by a substitute reliever is possible in a safe man-
ner and with generally accessible means of transport.
Option:
The crew member's employment engagement may be terminated within the first three
months by giving one week's notice. Furthermore, the notice periods of § 66 of the
Seearbeitsgesetz (Maritime Labour Act) are applicable.
The crew member's employment engagement may be terminated

1. mutually for compelling reason according to §§ 67, 68 of the Maritime Labour
Act; and
2. by the crew member due to urgent family matters according to § 69 of the
Maritime Labour Act
without observing a notice period.
The notice of termination shall be in written form.
6. The composition and the amount of the wages including the surcharges,
bonuses, awards and special payments or the formula used for
calculating the wages, as well as the due date of the wages
The payment and the due date of wages shall comply with the statutory provisions of
§§ 37 to 41 of the Maritime Labour Act.
[The amount and composition of the wages shall be indicated if no reference is made
to a collective bargaining agreement]
7. The agreed hours of work and hours of rest
The statutory provisions of §§ 42 to 55 of the Maritime Labour Act shall apply to hours
of work and hours of rest.
8. The duration of paid annual leave
The crew member shall be entitled to paid annual leave under the statutory provisions
of §§ 56 to 64 of the Maritime Labour Act.
9. In case of an unlimited crew member's employment agreement or if the

termination of a fixed-term crew member's employment engagement is agreed:
the conditions, notice periods and dates for termination
Possible addendum for existing agreements:
With this crew member's employment agreement, the existing crew member's em-
ployment engagement which has existed since [insert date] shall continue with the
same rights and obligations. The renewal of the crew member's employment agree-
ment was necessary, as the existing crew member's employment agreement of [in-
sert date] did not meet the minimum requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention.
The Contracting Parties agree that no new crew member's employment engagement
was established due to the adoption of this new agreement, but the existing crew
member's employment engagement shall continue unchanged.
The seafarer's employment agreement is concluded for an indefinite period.
2
Annex 8 Stand 17. April 2013
The crew member's employment engagement may be terminated within the first three
months by giving one week's notice. Furthermore, the notice periods of § 66 of the
Maritime Labour Act are applicable.
The crew member's employment engagement may be terminated

3. mutually for compelling reason according to §§ 67, 68 of the Maritime Labour
Act; and
4. by the crew member due to urgent family matters according to § 69 of the
Maritime Labour Act
without observing a notice period.
The notice of termination shall be in written form.
10. The crew member's entitlement to repatriation
The crew member shall be entitled to free repatriation under the statutory provisions
of §§ 73 to 78 of the Maritime Labour Act.
11. Reference to collective bargaining agreements, company- or shipboard agree-

ments, which are applicable to the crew member's employment engagement,
Option:
The collective provisions of the collective agreement and wage agreement for the
German maritime shipping (MTV-See and HTV-See), as amended, shall be applica-
ble to the crew member's employment engagement.
12. The health and social security protection benefits to be provided to the crew
member by the shipowner or another employer
The benefits of medical care and continued payment in case of sickness depend on
the statutory provisions of §§ 99 to 113 of the Maritime Labour Act.
The social security benefits shall comply with the Social Security Code (SGB).
13. The place and date of conclusion of the crew member's employment
agreement
(Place), (Date)
14. Signature of the shipowner or of his representative
15. Signature of the crew member
[see remarks on the next page]
3
Annex 8
Comments on the model of the crew member's employment agreement:
1. This model provides a non-binding proposal for a crew member's employment agreement
on ships flying the German flag. The model takes into account the requirements of the in-
ternational Maritime Labour Convention and the German Maritime Labour Act.
2. The agreement is structured in such a way that it enables flag state and port state inspec-
tors, in particular, to easily verify compliance with the requirements.
3. The model includes only the core requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention and
the Maritime Labour Act. The agreement may be supplemented by other elements of
content.
4. To investigate deeper into the topic, we recommend our "Guidelines on the implementa-
tion of the Maritime Labour Convention on board of German flagged ships".
5. For the permissible case that the crew member's employment agreement is not con-
cluded directly with the shipowner, but with another employer, we recommend the fol-
lowing representation of the parties involved:
Crew Member's employment agreement
1. Contracting parties of the crew member's employment agreement
ABC Crewing GmbH

Seestraße 1, 2000 Hamburg
(hereinafter referred to as "the Employer")
and
Mr/Ms: Max Mustermann

Date of birth:
Place of birth:
Address:
(hereinafter referred to as "the Crew Member")
2. Shipowner
ABC Reeder
Schiffsstraße 1, 20000 Hamburg
(hereinafter referred to as "the Shipowner")
The following crew member's employment agreement is concluded between the contracting
parties:
[continue with the shipowner as in the model employment agreement]
4
Annex 9

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Annex 10
Annex 10
Annex 11
Annex 12
IMO CREW LIST

(IMO FAL Form 5)
Page Number
Arrival Departure
1.1 Name of ship 1.2 IMO number
1.3 Call sign 1.4 Voyage number
2. Port of arrival/departure 3. Date of arrival/departure
4. Flag State of ship 5. Last port of call
10. Date and 11. Nature and number of

6. No. 7. Family name, given names 8. Rank or rating 9. Nationality place of birth identity document
12. Date and signature by master, authorized agent or officer

Annex 12
Annex 14
Version 8. April 2013
On-Board Complaint-Procedure
(in accordance with the Maritime Labour Act)
Any change to the complaint procedure will be published on the ship's notice
board!
I. Contact information
Name of ship: IMO number:
Contact information of the shipowner
Name:
Address:
Contact person:
Telephone:
Email:
Name of designated person/persons on board to provide crew members on a

confidential basis with impartial advice on their complaint and to assist them in the
course of the complaint procedure
Name(s):
Rank:
Contact information of the competent flag state authority

Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit der BG Verkehr
Referat ISM / ILO
Brandstwiete 1, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
Telephone during office hours: + 49 40 36 137-213
Telephone after office hours: + 49 40 36 137-100
Telefax: + 49 40 36 137-295 -204
Email: mlc-complaint@bg-verkehr.de
Homepage: www.dienststelle-schiffssicherheit.de
Contact information of the competent authority in the crew members' country of

residence (if available)
Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Annex 14 Version 8. April 2013
II. Procedure
1. The crew member has the right to complain to the persons or authorities mentioned in
number 4 and 8 below about a breach of the Maritime Labour Act and the ordinances
based on that Act or about discrimination and victimization.
2. The filing of a complaint will not result in disadvantages.
3. The crew member has the right to be accompanied and to be represented by a

person of his choice other than the person designated by the shipowner during the
complaint procedure on board the ship.
4. The complaint should be addressed at first to the immediate superior to resolve the
matter. If the superior cannot resolve the complaint within an appropriate period (as a
rule two weeks), the superior should at the complainant's request inform the master
about the complaint. The Master has to decide about the complaint.
5. If the complaint is about the behaviour of other crew members, then the master
initially has to try an amicable settlement.
6. If the complaint cannot be resolved by the master, he has to refer the matter at the
complainant's request to the shipowner.
7. The master has to enter the complaint and its decision with a summary of the facts
into the ships' logbook. The complainant shall receive a copy of the log book entry.
8. Nevertheless, the crew member has at all times the right to complain directly to:
- the master,
- the shipowner,
- the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of the BG Verkehr,
- German missions abroad,
- other appropriate external authorities
9. Legal references for the complaint procedure: §§ 127, 128 Maritime Labour Act

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Guidelines on the implementation of the

Maritime Labour Convention on board of

Revision 2/2013 III

Publisher Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit

Editorial board/content Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit - Referat ISM/ILO

Photo Frontpage Kirk Williams, Hamburg

The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit exercises no influence on the contents and layout

The implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention in national legislation was

According to § 129 Seearbeitsgesetz the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of the

The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of the BG Verkehr has established a documented

The system ensures that:

All verifications will be carried out according to the guidelines on the

The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit has a sufficient number of qualified

The inspectors have the necessary education, training and competence to

To maintain the qualification the inspectors will be regularly qualified and

Complaints will be handled confidentially and will be analysed immediately

Recognized Organisations (ROs) have to fulfil mandatory requirements

The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit operates a data-information system, which

The Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit keeps records about all inspections of the

Information about the inspection activity will be published in an annual report.

Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit of BG Verkehr

Declaration of the Dienststelle Schiffssicherheit on the implementation of the

1.1 Purpose of this guideline and instructions for use 1

2. Inspection and certification of the maritime labour conditions 5

2.1 Fundamental Principles 5

3. The individual requirements 19

3.1 Minimum age (Regulation 1.1) 21

Revision 2/2013 VII

Revision 2/2013 VIII

ArbSchG Labour Protection Act

1.1 Purpose of this guideline and instructions for use

Inspectors verifying the Maritime Labour Conditions on board,

Companies implementing the Maritime Labour Convention on their ships, es-

Chapter 2 „Inspection and certification of the Maritime Labour Conditions“ clarifies

Chapter 3 „The particular requirements“ specifies the individual requirements which

The explanations of the requirements are only extracts of legal

1.2 Scope of the Maritime Labour Act

The following persons are not crew members:

1. Pilots and persons authorized by the Federal Republic of Germany, by a

2. persons of a shipyard or equipment manufacturer carrying out guarantee

4. company inspectors and cargo inspectors, on the basis of voyage plan-

6. scientists, temporarily carrying out work on board ships,

8. students attending an educational institution under federal state legislative

9. school students completing a practical training on board according to fed-

11. helmsmen on the Kiel Canal, and

12. personnel of private security companies approved in accordance with the

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

A copy of the permission must be provided on board.

School students stated in number 10 have to be insured against accidents by the

1.3 Definitions provided in the Maritime Labour Act

2. Inspection and certification of the maritime

2.1 Fundamental principles

Who will be inspected and certified?

1. the Maritime Labour Certificate

2. the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance.

Non-certified ships neither need a Maritime Labour Certificate nor a Declaration of

Name of the shipowner according to § 4 (1) SeeArbG

A Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance may