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Pre Arrival:  Restrictions
Arrival:  Approaches | Pilotage | DS Pilots
Communications:  Pre-Arrival | VTS/Radar
Security:  Regs
Local Info:  Time | Holidays
Shore:  Customs
General Information for Germany
Geo-political:
Capital City: Berlin. 52° 31.00′ N, 013° 24.00′ E
Nationality: (noun) German(s), (adjective) German.
Population: 80,159,662 (July 2020).
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 49.
Number of Internal Airports: 539 (2013).
Major Languages Spoken: German (official).
Economy:
Currency: 1 Euro (EUR) of 100 Cents.
Exchange Rates:  (as of November 2020)
USD 1.00 = EUR 0.86
EUR 1.00 = USD 1.16
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Most technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, automobiles, food, beverages, shipbuilding and textiles.
Agricultural Products: Potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages, milk products, cattle, pigs and poultry.
Imports: Machinery, data processing equipment, vehicles, chemicals, oil, gas, metals, electric equipment, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and agricultural products.
Exports: Motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, computer, electronic products, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, metals, transport equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, rubber and plastic products.
Commodities: Crude: Production 41,000 bbl/d. Exports 6,569 bbl/d. Imports 1,836,000 bbl/d. Reserves 129,600,000 bbl. Products: Production 2,158,000 bbl/d. Exports 494,000 bbl/d. Imports 883,800 bbl/d. LNG: Production 7,900,000,000 cu.m.. Exports 34,610,000,000 cu.m.. Imports 119,500,000,000 cu.m.. Reserves 39,500,000,000 cu.m..
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Continental Shelf: Continental Shelf: 200 m. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 2,389 km.
Climate: Temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind.
Natural Resources: Coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber and arable land.
Natural Hazards: Flooding.
Terrain: Lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 3° C -2° C
June 23° C 10° C
September 20° C 10° C
RESTRICTIONS: 
1. Following categories of vessels shall not navigate on Rivers Jade, Weser, Hunte, Elbe and Trave, or in Kiel Canal or Kiel Fjord, nor in approaches to ports of Wismar, Rostock (including Lower River Warnow), Stralsund and Wolgast, except upon fulfilling the preconditions listed in paragraph 2. below:
a) tankers and composite units, whether pushed or towed, carrying:
i. gaseous substances in accordance with the IGC Code – nitrogen and refrigerants being excluded
ii. liquid chemicals in accordance with the IBC Code – for which the entry ``15.19'' in column ``O'' of tabulation in Chapter 17 of IBC Code is prescribed
iii. liquid goods in accordance with Annex I MARPOL agreement (i.e. crude oil and its products) in the version being effective.
b) empty tankers and composite units, whether pushed or towed, after discharging any one or more of the substances referred to above in  a) ii. and iii. in any case where the flashpoint of the cargo last carried was below 35°C and where the tanks have not been cleaned and gas-freed or completely inerted; however, this provision shall not apply when only such residual quantities are left as cannot be pumped off any more, although the vessel's discharging arrangements function properly
c) empty tankers and composite units, whether pushed or towed, as referred to in b) above, in any case where the flashpoint of the cargo last carried was 35°C or over, and where the tanks have not been cleaned and gas-freed or completely inerted
d) nuclear ships.
2. The preconditions to be fulfilled by any vessel wishing to navigate on the waterways referred to in paragraph 1. above shall be as follows:
a) at the point of the vessel entering the waterway, respectively leaving a mooring site, the prevailing range of visibility exceeds 1,000 m.
b) an effective radar is in operation and a person conversant with radar observation observes the radar image at all times as long as visibility is restricted
c) the vessel's automatic pilot may only be used upon fulfilling the preconditions defined by the Competent Shipping Police Authority
d) tank lids are kept closed.
3. The Competent Shipping Police Authority may impose upon vessels as referred to in paragraph 1. above, as well as upon other vessels, as it may specify, any preconditions to be fulfilled before being permitted to sail on a navigable waterway; such preconditions, in particular, concern the use of tugs.
4. Vessels of types or sizes designated by the Competent Shipping Police Authority may, in certain waters designated by the Competent Shipping Police Authority, navigate only upon prior reporting to such authority and upon compliance with such traffic control measures as may have been imposed.
5. Navigating shall be prohibited in certain waters within such periods of time, at such water levels, or in such weather conditions as may be specified by the Competent Shipping Police Authority. This provision shall not apply to such categories of vessels as may be specified by the Competent Shipping Authority.
The provisions of sub-paragraph (1.a) above shall not apply:
1. To vessels navigating on the Kiel Canal (except for vessels leaving berth in a port) nor to vessels directly entering or leaving the Kiel Canal.
2. To vessels as referred to in sub-paragraph (2.a) and (2.b) of paragraph 1. above navigating at a range of visibility exceeding 500 m. in waters designated by the Competent Shipping Police Authority, provided that such vessels − in addition to complying with the preconditions mentioned in sub-paragraph (2.b) to (2.d) above − are fitted with a gyro-compass or with a tested and calibrated magnetic compass and, in the case of a vessel of a deadweight capacity of 2,000 tonnes or more, the Competent Shipping Police Authority, acting on the merits of the particular case in question, and bearing in mind the interests of the safety and easy flow of traffic, has permitted such vessel to proceed.
All vessels specified exceeding 50 m. in length have to report to radio station ``Jade Traffic'' on VHF Channels 16/63/20 when passing the following positions:
  1. Lightbuoy 1B/Jade 1
  2. before entering and when leaving the waterway Jade inward Lightbuoy 1B/Jade 1
  3. on arrival or departure from anchorage or jetty and when entering or leaving a harbour area.
Reports must contain ship's name, position, speed and passing time.
APPROACHES:  TSS Elbe Approach:  The separation zone of the TSS in the approaches to River Elbe also constitutes a safety zone.
Masters are requested not to leave the traffic lane when embarking a pilot.
There is an anchorage 3 n.m. to the NE of the traffic separation scheme. Special care should be taken when approaching or leaving this anchorage.
Shore-based radar guidance can be requested through radar station ``Elbe Approach Radar'', on VHF Channel 19 during bad weather, i.e. when visibility drops below 2,000 m., when there are ice floes, when buoys have been removed from their positions or when pilot vessels are leaving their positions.
IMO Tanker Route:  The following vessels must not use the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off Texel, Vlieland and Terschelling – German Bight. Such vessels are obliged to use the mandatory route for tankers via TSS West Friesland, from Noord Hinder to the German Bight and vice versa:
  1. tankers of 10,000 g.t. and upwards carrying oil or liquefied gases
  2. chemical tankers of 10,000 g.t. and upwards carrying cargo according to MARPOL Annex II Categories C or D
  3. chemical tankers of 5,000 g.t. and upwards carrying cargo according to MARPOL Annex II Categories A or B.
A least depth of 27.0 m. (1995) was found in the deep-water routes near the southern end (around 52°N).
The least depth in the western routeing system via TSS off Botney Ground was 27.0 m. (1998), and in the eastern routeing system via TSS West Friesland 23.0 m. (1995).
Also see VTS/Radar.
PILOTAGE:  German Bight:  For vessels bound for ports on the rivers Ems, Jade, Weser and Elbe, pilotage is compulsory for the following:
a) in normal weather conditions:
i. tankers of LOA 150 m. and over or beam 23 m. and over, en route to or from the rivers Ems, Jade, Weser or Elbe, carrying gas/chemicals/petroleum/petroleum products in bulk
ii. unloaded tankers, if not cleaned, degassed or completely inerted after having carried petroleum, petroleum products or chemicals with a flashpoint below 35°C, en route to or from the rivers Ems, Jade, Weser or Elbe
iii. bulk carriers of LOA 220 m. and over or beam 32 m. and over, en route to or from the River Elbe
iv. bulk carriers of LOA 250 m. and over or beam 40 m. and over, or draft 13·5 m. and over, en route to or from the rivers Weser or Jade
v. other vessels of LOA 350 m. and over or beam 45 m. and over, en route to or from the rivers Jade, Weser or Elbe
b) in adverse weather conditions between normal position and sheltered position of pilot vessel for rivers Ems, Jade, Weser or Elbe:
i. tankers covered by compulsory pilotage as above
ii. car carriers and Ro-Ro vessels of LOA 140 m. or beam 23 m. or more on the River Ems
iii. other vessels of LOA 170 m. or beam 28 m. or more.
Notification:  Pilots must be requested 24 hours before arrival at the appropriate pilot boarding position or on departure from the last port of call. Requests for pilots should include the following information:
  1. vessel's name, LOA, beam and g.t.
  2. pilot boarding position
  3. ETA/ETD at/from pilot boarding position
  4. destination of pilotage required
  5. actual draft on arrival/departure (in decimetres)
  6. indication whether transfer by pilot vessel or helicopter
  7. port of destination
  8. port of departure
  9. freeboard and distance from pilot door to the waterline.
Further ETA messages must be sent as follows:
  1. River Elbe: 6 and 2 hours in advance addressed to the pilot station for the River Elbe
  2. rivers Ems, Jade and Weser: 3 hours in advance addressed to the appropriate pilot station for the rivers Ems, Jade or Weser.
Boarding:  Pilots will preferably be boarded by pilot vessel, unless they cannot be used owing to adverse weather conditions, a pilot vessel is not available, or boarding by a pilot vessel is unsuitable for the vessel being served. In exceptional cases transfer of pilot may be carried out by helicopter. This service can only be performed if a helicopter area is available on board the vessel which complies with the requirements for landing or winching areas. Such transfers can be done at wind speeds of up to 55 knots (Force 10) relative to vessel.
Boarding Positions: 
a) vessels en route to the River Ems:
i. inward-bound: 53° 59.20′ N, 006° 21.30′ E
ii. inward-bound: 53° 39.30′ N, 006° 16.30′ E
b) vessels en route to and from the rivers Jade and Weser:
i. inward-bound: 54° 07.00′ N, 007° 28.40′ E
ii. inward-bound: 53° 53.00′ N, 007° 25.00′ E
iii. inward-bound: 53° 52.80′ N, 007° 46.50′ E
iv. outward-bound: 54° 02.80′ N, 007° 37.40′ E
v. outward-bound: 53° 59.00′ N, 007° 30.00′ E
c) vessels en route to the River Elbe:
i. 54° 04.40′ N, 007° 51.50′ E
ii. 53° 59.60′ N, 008° 08.90′ E.
Vessels having requested a pilot to be transferred by helicopter must maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 (working Channel 09 or 72), from 30 minutes before arrival at the pilot boarding position so that the helicopter can contact the vessel.
Contact: 
  1. Ems inbound: Emden Pilot T: +49 (4922) 9235 8936. F: +49 (4922) 9235 8937. [email protected] www.emspilot.de
  2. Ems outbound: Emden Pilot T: +49 (4921) 24000. F: +49 (4921) 32919. [email protected] www.emspilot.de
  3. Jade inbound and outbound: Jade Pilot T: +49 (4421) 994697. F: +49 (4421) 994699. [email protected] www.weserjadepilot.de
  4. Weser inbound and outbound: Bremerhaven Pilot T: +49 (471) 944242. F: +49 (471) 944 2439. [email protected] www.weserjadepilot.de
  5. Elbe inbound (all ports): Brunsbuttel Pilot T: +49 (4852) 87295. [email protected] www.elbe-pilot.de
  6. Elbe outbound (Hamburg): Hamburg Pilot T: +49 (40) 828592. F: +49 (40) 803425. [email protected] www.elbe-pilot.de
  7. Elbe outbound (Brunsbuttel): Brunsbuttel Pilot T: +49 (4852) 87295. [email protected] www.elbe-pilot.de
  8. Elbe outbund (Cuxhaven): Cuxhaven Pilot T: +49 (4721) 36062. F: +49 (4721) 52608. [email protected]
  9. German Bight Heliport and Ems Heliport on VHF Channels 16, 09 and 72.
DEEP SEA PILOTAGE:  Masters are referred to IMO Resolution A.486(xii) concerning recommendations on the use of adequately qualified Deep Sea Pilots in the North Sea, English Channel and Skagerrak.
Vessels requiring a licensed Deep Sea Pilot for the North Sea, English Channel or Skagerrak should send their request to one of the Deep Sea Pilot organisations available. As Deep Sea Pilots may have to travel considerable distances to the point of embarkation, as much notice as possible should be given.
Vessels bound to a German port, especially container vessels, wishing to proceed inwards without delay, caused by bad weather or reducing speed to embark the District Pilot, can request the German District Pilot to board before sailing from their previous port.
In such cases, the German District Pilot should be requested as follows:
Continental North Sea ports: 24 hours before ETD
UK North Sea and Channel ports: 48 hours before ETD
Also see Baltic Deep Sea Pilotage, Brixham and Cherbourg.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  Reporting Formalities:  As of 12.05.2015, European Union Directive 2010/65 EU ((not reproduced) single window reporting formalities) came into force. www.emsa.europa.eu/nsw.html/
Directive 2010/65/EU  states that a single window shall be in place where all information is reported once, and made available to various competent authorities and EU countries. EU countries must ensure that information received in accordance with reporting formalities is made available in their national SafeSeaNet systems and make available parts of such information to other EU countries via the SafeSeaNet system.
Access to the German single window system (National Single Window Germany) is for registered users at www.national-single-window.de Informaton about the system is available at www.national-single-window.de/public/info
SeaSafeNet:  The European Community Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System (SafeSeaNet (SSN)) (European Parliament Directive 2002/59/EC) aims to enhance the safety of maritime traffic by improving the response of authorities to incidents, accidents and potentially dangerous situations at sea, and thus contribute to a better prevention and detection of pollution by ships.
The Federal Government of Germany and the German coastal states has jointly established the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) in Cuxhaven, whose task is to develop and implement a jointly operated marine casualty management system for the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The CCME with the Maritime Emergency Reporting and Assessment Centre (MERAC) deals with complex marine casualties off the German coast and is responsible for planning, preparing and implementing measures to save injured persons, combat pollution, fight fires, provide technical assistance, and carry out salvage operations in order to combat hazards. MERAC operates the central reporting system of the Federal Republic of Germany for hazardous and noxious goods carried on sea and shipping (ZMGS) in connection with SafeSeaNet, and provides for electronic notification of:
  1. ship arrival and departure notifications
  2. dangerous or polluting goods (DPG) notifications
  3. ISPS notifications
  4. waste notifications
  5. reporting requirements in an event of accident or incident.
The Directive applies to ships of 300 g.t. and over, unless stated otherwise.
It shall not apply to:
  1. warships, naval auxiliaries and other ships owned or operated by a Member State and used for non-commercial public service
  2. fishing vessels, traditional ships and recreational craft LOA less than 45 m.
  3. bunkers less than 5,000 tons, ships' stores and equipment for use on board ships.
To streamline and accelerate the transmission and utilisation of what may be huge amounts of information on cargo, such information shall be sent, whenever practicable, electronically to the competent authority or port authority concerned. For the same reasons, exchanges of information between the competent authorities of the Member States should take place electronically.
Notification Prior to Entry:  Vessel shall obtain a unique identifier for a port call (Visit ID) and issued by the National Single Window (NSW) Germany. The Visit ID is a reference to a vessel call of a specific ship in a specific port for those vessels which intend to call at a German port. A vessel call includes the phases of arrival, stay and movement(s) in the specific port, as well as the departure. In order to receive a Visit ID, the reporting party (registered user) shall submit the following details to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. IMO number
  2. port of call
  3. ETA at port of call
  4. details of reporting party.
Kiel Canal Transit:  Vessel transiting the Kiel Canal shall obtain a unique identifier (Transit ID) and issued by the National Single Window (NSW) Germany. The Transit ID is a reference to a canal transit of a specific ship, coming from a specific port outside Germany and intending to pass the Kiel Canal on its way to another specific port outside Germany. In order to receive a Transit ID, the reporting party (registered user) shall submit the following details to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. IMO number
  2. ETA at Kiel Canal Lock
  3. details of reporting party.
Arrival Notification:  A notification which contains the details of the vessel voyage approaching a port of call or a Kiel Canal Lock for passing through in transit. The following shall be submitted to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. ETA/ETA Kiel Canal as applicable
  2. ETD/ETD Kiel Canal as applicable
  3. last port
  4. ETD last port
  5. next port
  6. ETA next port
  7. purpose of call
  8. draft on arrival
  9. number of persons on board upon arrival
  10. number of crew on arrival
  11. number of passengers on arrival
  12. number of stowaways on arrival
  13. type of bunkers on arrival
  14. quantity of bunkers per type on arrival
  15. MMSI number
  16. ship name
  17. ship type
  18. call sign
  19. flag state of vessel
  20. port of registry
  21. LOA
  22. beam
  23. Inmarsat call number
  24. g.t.
  25. IMO company identification number (ISM Code)
  26. contact details (address, postcode, country)
  27. name of the towed vessel on arrival
  28. name of towed vessel’s company
  29. contact details of the towed vessel’s company (address, postcode, country)
  30. telephone number
  31. fax number
  32. email
  33. LOA of the towed vessel
  34. beam of the towed vessel
  35. g.t. of the towed vessel
  36. purpose of call of the towed vessel
  37. draft of the towed vessel on arrival
  38. actual time of arrival at the first port facility in the port of call
  39. reporting party details.
Port Notification:  The following shall be submitted to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. name of Master
  2. trading area of vessel (i.e. North/Baltic, Europe, overseas)
  3. position of vessel in the port of call (e.g. berth name)
  4. special requirements of vessel (e.g. for approaching or berthing)
  5. special construction characteristics of vessel (if any)
  6. fumigated bulk cargo (y/n)
  7. S.d.w.t.
  8. cargo handling type (i.e. loading or discharging)
  9. type of cargo on board
  10. amount each cargo type
  11. gross quantity of cargo
  12. service to be invoiced
  13. invoice recipient
  14. beneficiary
  15. reporting party details.
Departure Notification:  The following shall be submitted to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. ship name
  2. flag state of vessel
  3. draft on departure
  4. number of persons on board upon departure
  5. number of crew on board upon departure
  6. number of passengers on board upon departure
  7. number of stowaways on board upon departure
  8. next port
  9. ETA next port
  10. type of bunkers on departure
  11. quantity of bunkers per type on departure
  12. name of towed vessel on departure
  13. flag of the towed vessel on departure
  14. name of the towed vessel’s company
  15. contact details of the towed vessel’s company
  16. telephone number
  17. fax number
  18. email
  19. LOA of towed vessel
  20. beam of towed vessel
  21. draft of towed vessel on departure
  22. comments on the towed vessel (e.g. if dangerous goods on board)
  23. actual time of departure from the last port facility in the port of call
  24. reporting party details.
Security Notification:  The following shall be submitted to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. name of CSO
  2. contact details of CSO
  3. valid ISSC on board (y/n)
  4. ISSC type
  5. ISSC issuer type
  6. ISSC issuer name
  7. ISSC expiration date
  8. approved security plan on board (y/n)
  9. current ship security level
  10. general description of cargo
  11. last ten ports of call (including port name, country, LOCODE, arrival and departure dates, ship security level at port facility, any security matter to report, GISIS code of port facility).
Port State Control Notification:  (for extended inspections). The following shall be submitted to the National Single Window Germany:
  1. tanker (y/n)
  2. tanker hull configuration
  3. condition of cargo and ballast tanks
  4. nature of cargo
  5. quantity of cargo
  6. planned operations
  7. planned inspection/works
  8. date of last expanded inspection
  9. reporting party details.
Other Notifications:  Details for the submission of Dangerous Goods Notification on arrival and departure, Waste Notification and Maritime Declaration of Health can be made through the National Single Window Germany.
River Information System:  All European inland navigation countries are working on the development of an integrated shipping guidance and monitoring system. The main objective of the RIS is to improve safety, efficiency and environmental friendliness of inland navigation by means of harmonised, interoperable and freely accessible aids and information systems for the interior waterways.
Inland ECDIS:  Making available reliable and up-to-date electronic charts which meet European standards. ECDIS contributes to the safety and efficiency of inland navigation and therefore the protection of the environment. Moreover it reduces the work load of the skipper compared to traditional navigation and information methods.
Electronic Ships Reports:  Vessel traffic services in Europe are linked to information gathering via various systems. To relieve the fairway-user as much as possible, a system of an electronic once-only report is being worked on. The skipper can then use one type of report that is valid for the whole of Europe.
Notices to Skippers:  To enable an automatic translation of the most important contents of messages in all languages of the participating countries, with a harmonised structure of data to enable integration of messages in the voyage planning systems. Also a standard for height of tide information will be made available. This information will be made available to the inland barge community, among other things by use of web applications.
Tracking/Tracing:  Tracking and tracing will form the basis for both Vessel Traffic Services and future RIS-services.
Details of national systems can be found at the following websites:
Country Website  
Austria nts.doris.bmvit.gv.at  
Belgium nts.flaris.be  
voies-hydrauliques.wallonie.be  
www.vts-scheldt.net  
Bulgaria www.bulris.bg  
Croatia vodniputovi.hr  
Czech Republic www.lavdis.cz  
France www.vnf.fr  
Germany www.elwis.de  
Hungary www.pannonris.hu  
Netherlands www.vaarweginformatie.nl  
Poland www.rzgw.szczecin.pl  
Romania www.roris.ro  
Serbia nts.risserbia.rs  
Slovakia nts.slovris.sk  
Switzerland www.port-of-switzerland.ch  
www.elwis.de  
Also see Duisburg-Ruhrort.
VTS/RADAR:  German Bight:  Compulsory for all vessels over LOA 50 m. including pushing, towing and composite units. Reporting is also compulsory for all vessels carrying dangerous goods in bulk including gas, chemicals, petroleum or petroleum products. The VTS area is divided into two areas, eastern and western.
Reporting:  It is mandatory for vessels to send the following reports:
SP:  German Bight Traffic on VHF Channel 79 or 80 as follows:
  1. when approaching German Bight through Western Approach TSS or Terschelling-German Bight TSS
  2. on passing Lightbuoy GW/B (54° 10.42′ N, 006° 54.00′ E) for vessels using Western Approach TSS
  3. crossing 006° 22.8′ E for vessels using Terschelling-German Bight TSS
  4. crossing 54° 15.0′ N for vessels approaching from the north or west
  5. east of Helgoland crossing line between Helgoland-O Lightbuoy and Ausenelbe-Reede 2 Lightbuoy
  6. crossing 006° 54.0′ E (Lightbuoy GW/B) for vessels approaching from the north or west
  7. before leaving a port within the VTS area.
In addition, when approaching VTS Ems from the north or east, vessels should report SP to VTS Centre Ems Traffic on VHF Channel 18 as follows:
  1. when crossing 54° 00.0′ N
  2. when crossing 006° 21.4′ E (Lightbuoy GW/TG)
  3. when crossing 007° 00.3′ E (Lightbuoy TG/B).
The SP must contain the following information:
Item Information Required
A vessel's name and call sign
D position
U LOA (m.), beam (decimetres) and type
O draft (decimetres)
G port of departure
I destination port
P indication if liquefied gas, chemicals or petroleum/petroleum products in bulk are being carried or have been carried recently. If yes, type, quantity, UN number, whether tanks have been cleaned or if completely inerted
Q indication of deficiencies, restrictions to manoeuvrability
T name(s) of vessel's owner(s) or representing Agents
PR:  Vessels are required to provide PR to VTS Centre German Bight Traffic on VHF Channel 80 as follows:
  1. on passing Lightbuoy GW/C (54° 10.60′ N, 007° 10.80′ E)
  2. on passing 007° 20.5′ E for vessels using Terschelling-German Bight TSS
  3. on passing Lightbuoy No. 4a (Neue Weser) for vessels departing Neue Weser
  4. on passing Lightbuoy No. A2 (Alte Weser) for vessels departing Alte Weser
  5. on passing Elbe Lightbuoy for vessels leaving the Elbe.
The PR must contain the following information:
Item Information Required  
A vessel's name and call sign  
B passing time  
D position  
F speed  
DR:  Vessels must report any change to Sailing Plan to VTS Centre German Bight Traffic on VHF Channel 80.
IR:  Vessels must report any accident that impairs safety or the environment. The IR must contain details of the incident and in the case of a DG (Dangerous Goods), HS (Harmful Substances) or MP (Marine Pollutants) report, include all data submitted as the pre-entry report. An IR should be submitted to VTS Centre German Bight Traffic on VHF 79 or 80.
Tankers:  All vessels carrying gas, chemicals or petroleum/petroleum products in bulk must ensure radar and VHF equipment is in full working order before entering VTS area. In addition, tankers are restricted by the following minimum visibility requirements:
Size Min. Visibility  
(d.w.t.) (m.)  
Up to 2,000 500  
Over 2,000 1,000  
Information Broadcasts:  Situation broadcasts transmitted every H+00 on VHF Channels 79 and 80 in German and English. Broadcasts include the following:
  1. information relevant to the safe passage through the VTS area
  2. general fairway and traffic situation such as weather conditions, casualties, dredging operations and pilotage information.
Safety broadcasts transmitted every 15 minutes on VHF Channel 80 following announcement on Channel 16. Broadcasts include the following:
  1. vessels restricted in manoeuvrability or dependent on tide navigating TSS Jade Approach and adjacent fairways
  2. any other special circumstances.
Navigational Assistance Service:  Provided on request on VHF Channel 80 in German or English. The service provides information, warnings and advice to single vessels or to shipping in general regarding movement of surrounding traffic, dangers to navigation and prevention of threats to safety or the environment. Requests for this service, including preferred language, should be made to German Bight Traffic on VHF Channel 80 stating the following:
Item Information Required  
A vessel's name and call sign  
B passing time  
Traffic Regulation Service:  VTS provides regulatory measures to prevent accidents and/or threat to the environment and to maintain the flow of traffic. To facilitate the above, information, warnings, advice or instructions will be passed to vessels.
Maritime Assistance Service:  VTS provides service as follows:
  1. in event of incident, VTS will receive reports, consultations and notifications
  2. if report identifies an incident that may lead to a vessel requiring assistance, VTS will monitor vessel's situation.
VTS will also serve as a point of contact as follows:
  1. between Master and coastal state during information exchange other than during an emergency situation that could lead to SAR response
  2. between those involved in marine salvage operations undertaken by private companies and the coastal state, should the coastal state consider it necessary to monitor the situation.
Contact:  German Bight Traffic. VHF Channels 16 and 80 (Eastern Area), VHF Channels 16 and 79 (Western Area). T: +49 (4421) 489282. F: +49 (4421) 489208. [email protected]
REGULATIONS:  EU MRV:  The EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) regulation entered into force on 1 July 2015, and it requires ship owners and operators to annually monitor, report and verify CO 2 emissions for vessels larger than 5,000 g.t. calling at any EU and EFTA (Norway and Iceland) port. Data collection takes place on a per voyage basis and started 1 January 2018.
The reported CO 2 emissions, together with additional data, are to be verified by independent certified bodies and sent to a central database managed by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The aggregated ship emission and efficiency data will be published by the EC by 30 June 2019 and then every consecutive year.
Ship owners and operators shall monitor the CO 2 emissions of their vessels per voyage conducted into, between and out of EU (and EFTA) ports. A voyage is defined as any movement of a ship that originates from, or terminates in, a port of call (EU port) and that serves the purpose of transporting passengers or cargo for commercial purposes.
HOLIDAYS:  1 January (New Year); 6 January (Epiphany); Good Friday; Easter Sunday; Easter Monday; 1 May (Labour Day); Ascension Day; Whit Sunday; Whit Monday; Corpus Christi; 8 August (Peace Festival); 3 October (Day of German Unity); 31 October (Reformation Day); 1 November (All Saints' Day); Prayer Day; 25 December (Christmas Day); 26 December (St Stephen's Day).
CUSTOMS:  As long as the seafarers stay on board a vessel in a German port, there are no regulations on the exact amounts of goods they may keep. Usually the Customs office calculates a sufficient amount of tobacco products and/or alcoholic beverages that the crew may keep for use during their stay in port. The rest will be kept under Customs seal on board ship until the ship leaves the port.
If the seafarers leave the ship for up to 3 days, they may take 5 cigars or 20 cigarettes, or 50 gram smoking tobacco. They may not take alcoholic beverages.
If the seafarers leave the ship for a longer time, the limits depend on whether they normally enter the EU more or less than once per month.
If they enter more than once per month, the limits are:
  1. 40 cigarettes or
  2. 20 cigarillos or
  3. 10 cigars or
  4. 50 gram smoking tobacco or
  5. proportionate amounts of each.
They may not take alcoholic beverages. The limit for other goods is EUR90 (of which only EUR30 may be food).
If they enter less often, the limits are higher and mentioned in detail at www.zoll.de/