German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH)
As a partner to maritime shipping and a supporter of environmental conservation efforts and maritime uses, we support maritime shipping and the maritime industry, promote sustainable use of the oceans, ensure the continuity of measurements, provide competent information about the status of the Northand Baltic Seas. Our tasks as an important provider of maritime services in Germany include: Environmental protection in maritime shipping (MARPOL, civil liability for oil pollution, Ballast Water Convention, oil identification) Maritime security Hydrographic surveying, wreck search Nautical information systems Services to shipping (flag documents, Certificates of Competency for mariners, promotion of shipping) Warning services (water level foreasts and tide predictions, storm surge warning service, ice service) Monitoring of the sea (with regard to climate and environmental changes) Maritime geospatial data centre Maritime spatial planning in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Planning approval procedures for offshore wind farms and pipelines