Inland Waterway Boat Operator; Registration

Anyone who moves onto an inland waterway vessel registered in a ship registry in the Federal Republic of Germany must register with the registration authority in the locality where the vessel’s home port is located. The regulations governing the general registration requirement and the obligation of the person required to register to provide information apply accordingly. The registration requirement does not apply as long as the person is registered at a residence within Germany. Registration may also be completed at another registration authority or with the Water Police, which will forward the information to the competent registration authority. The registration authority may request information from ship owners regarding persons who reside or have resided on their ships.

The inland vessel must be registered for a shipping register in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Registration must take place within two weeks of moving in.

• § Section 28 of the Federal Registration Act (BMG)
• §§ Sections 17 and 24 of the Federal Registration Act (BMG)

The registration authority in the locality where the vessel’s home port is located is responsible for registration. However, registration may also be completed at another registration authority or with the water police, who will forward the information to the appropriate registration authority.