No Certificate of Equivalence Required for Foreign Ships in German Waters

In a significant regulatory change, foreign ships operating in German coastal waters (within the 12-nautical-mile zone) no longer need a Certificate of Equivalence. This certificate was previously required to ensure that foreign-flagged vessels met safety standards comparable to German-flagged ships, particularly for ships without international SOLAS certificates.

The decision reduces administrative burdens, streamlines access to German waters, and lowers costs for international operators. While the certificate is no longer mandatory, other safety regulations remain in place to ensure compliance.

This change is expected to boost Germany’s maritime economy by making it easier for foreign vessels to operate in its waters.

For more details, visit www.deutsche-flagge.de