Behördenpatent

The Behördenpatent is a German certificate of competence for the operation of vessels used by public authorities on inland waterways. It certifies that the holder is qualified to operate official vessels in accordance with the applicable inland navigation regulations.

Legal basis

The legal basis of the Behördenpatent is provided by the German Binnenschiffspersonalverordnung (BinSchPersV), which regulates qualifications for inland navigation personnel.

Within this framework, special provisions exist for vessels operated by public authorities, allowing for specific certificates of competence adapted to their operational requirements.

Scope

The Behördenpatent applies to vessels operated by public authorities on inland waterways. These may include:

• police vessels
• waterway administration vessels
• customs and border protection vessels
• emergency and rescue vessels

The certificate is limited to official duties and does not necessarily confer general navigation privileges for commercial or private vessel operation.

Requirements

Applicants for the Behördenpatent must demonstrate:

• knowledge of inland navigation regulations
• competence in vessel handling
• familiarity with the specific operational tasks of official vessels
• practical experience in inland navigation

Additional requirements may include internal training and authorization by the relevant authority.

Examination

The examination requirements for the Behördenpatent are defined by the applicable regulations and the issuing authority. They generally include:

• navigation rules and safety procedures
• vessel handling and manoeuvring
• operational procedures relevant to official duties

Assessment may be conducted through formal examination or recognized training programs.

Administration

The Behördenpatent is issued under the authority of the competent German inland navigation authorities, often in coordination with the respective public authority operating the vessel.

Certification procedures follow the provisions of inland navigation personnel regulations.

Position in the German certification system

The Behördenpatent occupies a specialized position within the German inland navigation qualification system. It is distinct from general recreational licences such as the Sportbootführerschein Binnen and from commercial certificates of competence.

It is intended specifically for the operation of official vessels and reflects the particular requirements of public service navigation.

See also

• Nautical certificates of competency in Germany for commercial inland and seagoing navigation
• DGzRS