Apply for authorization for maritime vessel security

You must always apply for authorization from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) if you intend to offer armed security services for the purpose of anti-piracy on merchant vessels under the German flag or if your company is headquartered in Germany.

Before BAFA grants the license, it checks together with the Federal Police whether your company meets the licensing criteria. You must then ensure yourself that the security guards employed meet the requirements placed on them regarding reliability, suitability, and professional competence.

You can apply for authorization to guard seagoing vessels at the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control.

• The form is available to you online available
• then print out the application form and upload it with the signature of the person in charge via the Upload form high
• please attach the necessary application documents in PDF format to the application form
• You can accelerate the processing of your application if you submit the completed Self-assessment form upload in PDF format
• BAFA and the Federal Police examine the company's internal organization and operational procedures, the equipment, the requirements for the senior executive appointed as the person in charge, and the commercial liability insurance
• if applicable, BAFA may request additional documents

BAFA will then inform you in writing whether your application has been approved.

• You should submit the application about 6 months before the planned start of security guard activities.
• Validity of the approval: 2 years

• Initial application: EUR 10,297 – 19,400
• Fee for subsequent application: EUR 2,949 – 10,632
• Fee for the recognition of a foreign license: EUR 2,949 – 17,960