Certificate of competence for distress signals

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A certificate of competence for distress signals issued by the Schleswig-Holstein Sailing Association
Certificate of competence alt.png
Old certificate of competence for distress signals - outside

The certificate of competence for distress signals according to the weapons and explosives law (SKN) is the proof to be provided in addition to the need and reliability in order to get a weapon possession card for a signal pistol . The SKN also includes the certificate of expertise for distress signaling equipment (FKN).

Acquisition

The applicant must be at least 18 years old. A sports boat license (no matter whether lake or inland) is not required for this.

In order to receive the SKN, an examination must be taken at a competent government agency. At the moment there are only a handful of sport boat driving license schools that cooperate directly with the relevant government agencies. A state examiner is therefore always present at the examination. In the past, the German Sailing Association (DSV) or the German Motor Yacht Association (DMYV) , among others, accepted the test. However, due to the unclear legal situation, especially with regard to the signal pistol and its classification as a “weapon”, both associations have now withdrawn from the SKN.

exam

The exam consists of a theoretical and a practical exam.

In the theoretical exam, a questionnaire with 18 questions from a catalog of 104 questions on topics of legal science from weapons, criminal, explosives and maritime law as well as equipment science must be answered. The exam consists of multiple choice questions (for which several or all of the possible answers can be correct) as well as freely answering questions. A maximum of 2 points can be achieved for each question, a total of 36 points. With 26 or more points, the theoretical test is considered passed.

In the practical test, the safe handling of the distress signal devices (signal rocket, parachute signal rocket, hand flares, smoke signals) in actual use must be demonstrated. The differentiation between the different types of ammunition based on the cartridge base and the correct behavior in the event of an ammunition failure are also relevant to the test.

certificate

After passing the exam, you will be given a credit card-sized ID .

Since the DSV has withdrawn from the examination, the "slips" are no longer issued by the DSV.

Also, the red tones of the “certificate of competence according to the law on weapons and explosives”, which is based on the sport boat license, is no longer issued after the DSV received a complaint about improper use of state emblems.

Old certificate of competence for distress signals - inside

Qualification

A signal gun

The certificate of competence proves that the owner has the appropriate knowledge to safely use a signal pistol. However, the proof does not entitle the holder to purchase a signal pistol or the associated ammunition. A gun ownership card is required for this.

In order to get a gun ownership card as a skipper from the locally competent authority, the applicant must meet three requirements:

  • Desire. There is a need if the applicant owns a seaworthy sport boat or can prove through charter contracts that he often chartered sport boats on which there is no signal pistol.
  • Reliability. The reliability is checked by the authorities; the applicant must be reliable within the meaning of the Weapons Act . The authority brings u. a. the extended certificate of good conduct.
  • Expertise. The applicant must prove the necessary expertise, the SKN is suitable for this. The certificate of expertise for distress signaling devices (FKN) is not suitable for this .

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