Schiffsführer

Schiffsführer is a term used in German maritime practice for the person in command of a ship, commonly understood as the ship’s master or captain. The Schiffsführer is the highest authority on board and bears the overall responsibility for the vessel’s safety, navigation and operation during a voyage. The role encompasses voyage planning, determining course and speed, and overseeing watchkeeping, as well as ensuring the vessel remains seaworthy and properly supplied with lifesaving and safety equipment.

Responsibilities include the safety of crew and passengers, cargo integrity and security, proper load distribution and ballast management, and compliance with international and national rules. This includes regulations such as SOLAS, MARPOL and COLREGS, as well as the laws of the flag state and port state control. The Schiffsführer must make decisions in emergencies, coordinate with pilots and harbour authorities, and handle documentation and reporting as required by law and contract.

The Schiffsführer also acts as the representative of the ship’s owner or charterer on board, supervising crew and ensuring qualifications and certifications remain valid. He or she assigns duties, conducts training, and exercises leadership to maintain professional standards and operational efficiency. In routine operations, the Schiffsführer liaises with port authorities, manages incident response, and ensures adherence to safety procedures and company policies.

Qualifications typically include holding a command licence appropriate to the vessel type and flag state, such as a master or captain’s certificate. Requirements cover formal training in navigation, seamanship, safety, firefighting, and first aid, along with practical experience. For inland navigation, inland waterway licenses apply. The exact title and licensing vary by country, vessel type, and flag, but the core function—as the vessel’s ultimate on-board authority—remains consistent.