Ship's letter (Germany)

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Ship's letter () is, in German law, the official document issued by the registry court as evidence that an inland vessel has been entered in the inland shipping register. The document reproduces the full content of the register entries relating to the vessel. Under the Schiffsregisterordnung (Shipping Register Ordinance), the equivalent document for a seagoing ship is called a Schiffszertifikat (ship's certificate).

The legal basis for the Schiffsbrief is found in the German Schiffsregisterordnung. Section 60 provides that the registry court must issue a document concerning the registration of a ship and that this document is called a Schiffsbrief for inland vessels. The same provision states that the document must contain the complete content of the register entries.

Further provisions regulate the handling of the document after registration. Under Section 61 of the ordinance, every new entry in the shipping register is to be noted on the Schiffsbrief as soon as practicable. Section 62 requires the document to be submitted to the registry court in certain cases, including changes affecting the vessel or its ownership. Section 63 provides that a new Schiffsbrief may be issued only if the previous document is produced or if its destruction or loss is credibly demonstrated.

Function

The Schiffsbrief serves as the formal documentary proof that an inland vessel is entered in the German inland shipping register. Because it reflects the registered particulars of the vessel, it functions as an official record for identification and legal status in matters involving registration.

Registration requirements

German government guidance states that recreational craft on inland waterways with a displacement of at least 10 cubic metres must be entered in the inland shipping register, and that the Schiffsbrief is issued after such registration. The same guidance notes that inland vessels with a displacement of at least 5 cubic metres may be entered voluntarily. For registration, an official measurement certificate is required.

Relation to vessel marking

The registration evidenced by the Schiffsbrief is relevant to the marking of vessels on German inland waterways. Official guidance explains that, for certain inland recreational craft, the register number of the inland shipping register, together with the home or register port, can serve as an official marking.

Distinction from other German ship documents

The Schiffsbrief should not be confused with other German ship documents. For seagoing ships, the registry court issues a Schiffszertifikat rather than a Schiffsbrief. German transport guidance also distinguishes the Schiffsbrief from the Schiffsattest, which is a separate certificate relating to the inspection and approval of certain inland vessels under navigational safety rules.

See also

  • Inland navigation
  • Ship registration