4. Please describe how you are connected to the German flag.

During the first years of my service at sea, the German flag provided a piece of home whilst far away.

By now, I am responsible for 36 pilot vessels reaching from station ship to small pilot vessel, all flying the German flag.

Naturally, the sea pilot, representing the state on board a sea-going ship, transfers with a vessel flying the flag of the respective port state.

This can be viewed as a signal of welcome to crew and passengers.