Seaman's office
As a state authority, the Seemannsamt is responsible for the concerns of seafarers on merchant ships flying the German flag and of German seafarers on merchant ships flying a foreign flag within the scope of the Basic Law.
It issues the seaman a nautical book in which his journey times are entered as proof of social security. It checks the fulfillment of the ship manning ordinance , which stipulates the number and qualifications of the ship's crew , and checks the model roll in which all seafarers employed on board are to be entered ( registration and dismantling ).
The Seaman's Office investigates complaints from seafarers and, if necessary, initiates appropriate proceedings, takes evidence and makes judgments. Topics are: mediation of disputes between the captain and the crew , the shipowner's duty to provide medical care , termination without notice, repatriation of seafarers, replacement of captains, seaworthiness of ships, quality of food, punishment of administrative offenses, etc.
Abroad, the German consul takes on the duties of the seaman's office.
