For seafarers

1. Optimal security
   Seafarers on sea-going ships flying the German Flag proft from German statutory social security. The benefits of the statutory accident insurance are wider reaching than with any private accident insurance or the P&I clubs. And the family health insurance is very popular with European seafarers, because many family members are covered as well. No other flag has that on offer.
   
2. Fair working conditions
   With the Maritime Labour Act and nine legal ordinances, the German Flag offers a transparent legal framework for fair working conditions on board. Our regular checks and audits ensure an effective implementation of the legal requirements.
   We diligently follow-up on every complaint we receive and make sure that seafarers' rights are protected.
   
3. Health care
   The German Flag makes sure of top tier medical care on board. The Maritime Medical Handbook assists seafarers with a practical approach just as much as the telemedical maritime assistance service in Cuxhaven. Whether Malaria protection or help when faced with extreme psychological burdens – we are there for seafarers.
   
4. Clear legal framework
   Germany offers seafarers sailing under German Flag a strong legal security with effective laws, independent courts and an administration with integrity. In addition, Germany is part of 80 bilateral shipping agreements. This means that with the German Flag seafarers profit from free access to international transport markets and an easy entry, transit and stay in ports.
   
5. Safety first
   High standards of quality, ship safety and occupational health and safety are part of the tradition of the German Flag. Already since the 19th century has the mutual indemnity association (Berufsgenossenschaft) provided for the best possible occupational protection on board. The Handbook of Safe Working Practices is just one example of how practical prevention can avert work accidents on board.
   
6. Available worldwide
   With over 220 German embassies and consulates all over the world, seafarers sailing under German Flag always have a liable point of contact. These German "homeports" abroad offer reliable consular protection – whether it is about a serious health issue or a problem with local authorities.
   
7. Comprehensive service
   Our 24/7 Service Team takes care of any request regarding the German Flag around the clock. Seafarers also profit from our comprehensive support and our emergency infos. Our Calculation Aid for Seagoing Service and infos on selected health matters concerning seafarers are just two examples of our custom-fit digital services for seafarers.
   
8. Career booster
   Maritime vocational training "Made in Germany" has an excellent reputation. Shipping companies with ships flying the German Flag offer training disproportionately more often than other flags – the German Flag is the "Training Flag". The Foundation Schifffahrtsstandort Deutschland financially supports professional development of seafarers.
   
9. A partner for seafarers
   Working in close cooperation with seafarers' and shipowners' associations in Germany is a real advantage for employers: In the "Maritime Alliance" the associations together with the federal government and coastal states agree upon initiatives for more training and employment in the German maritime sector. The freedom to form a coalition, which means the right to form a union or a employer association is ingrained in our Constitution.
   
10. Globally highly respected
    Germany and the German Flag are held in high esteem all over the world. "Made in Germany" stands for high quality and reliability in the international arena. The good image of Black-Red-GOLD is also a pro for ship crews – for example, because it inspectors do not expect to encounter problems on board German-flagged ships.
    

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