A profession outside of every-day life.

A profession defined by, among other things, endurance, making do without familiar things and surroundings, gaining extraordinary experiences, team spirit, technology and immediate experience of nature and weather.

Something like "Fernweh" brought me into the maritime world, I stayed because the profession fascinates me and you have many opportunities to develop professionally.

Train as ship's mechanic, get an engineering or navigational certificate of competency and discover the broad spectrum of professional possibilities on offer in the maritime sector.

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.

For the highly responsible task of piloting, the sea pilot association requires expertly trained, socially well-insured and therefore motivated staff.

It is highly valued by employer and employee that the seafarers are covered by statutory social security and the other advantages of the German flag.

The German flag is essential for maintaining the know-how in Germany. Therefore, its subsidisation on various levels, among others Stiftung "Schifffahrtsstandort Deutschland", is crucial.

The German flag has a future, as long as all stakeholders will commit to it.