Hafenärztlicher Dienst

The port medical service is responsible, for example, for the hygienic monitoring of ships, issuing ship hygiene certificates and providing medical advice to seafarers.

The port medical service is responsible for

• providing medical advice to the ship's command, the ship's medical officers and other crew members on matters of preventive health protection, hygiene and medical care.
• Preventing the introduction of infectious diseases, e.g. by inspecting the declaration of maritime health of incoming ships.
• Hygienic monitoring of ships and handling facilities, inspection of sewage and waste disposal.
• Issuing ship sanitation certificates in accordance with Article 39 of the IHR Act (Ship Sanitation Control Certificates and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates).
• Duties under the Narcotics Act (e.g. issuing prescriptions for pharmacies supplying ships).
• Testing and certification of drinking water (bacteriological and chemical) and drinking water supply systems. Advice on sanitation and prevention measures.
• Inspection of ships to assess general and food hygiene. If necessary, advice and initiation of health protection measures.
• Initiation and monitoring of pest control measures and inspection of ships to issue sanitary certificates (formerly: rat-free certificates).
• Monitoring work with hazardous substances during pest control in port and on ships.
• Implementation of health protection tasks (public health measures) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
• Examination of the health suitability of skippers in port and for inland navigation; issuing of corresponding medical certificates of suitability.
• Examination of ship construction plans together with the See-Berufsgenossenschaft with regard to health compatibility and hygiene.

Fees may be incurred in accordance with the respective administrative fee statutes. Further information can be obtained from the responsible office.

To the district or independent city (public health service/health department) in whose district the port is located.