Ever wondered who ensures the safety of ships navigating German waters? It’s the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie. Here in Rostock, and also in Hamburg, this federal agency works tirelessly.
The Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie or BSH has a long history. Its roots trace back to the Norddeutsche Seewarte. Wilhelm von Freeden founded it in 1867. As early as 1868, it issued sailing directions. These directions were based on nautical and meteorological observations.
After World War II, the Deutsches Hydrographisches Institut took over. It was founded in 1945. After German reunification in 1990, the DHI merged. It joined with the Bundesamt für Schiffsvermessung. This formed the modern Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie. The Maritime Hydrographical Service of East Germany became part of it too.
But why is the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie located in both Hamburg and Rostock? The German Federalism Commission decided in 1992 to move part of the agency to Rostock. The goal was a more balanced distribution of federal authorities. Since July 1, 1994, Rostock has been an equal location alongside Hamburg.
The Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie provides maritime services. These services support shipping, the economy and the marine environment. It falls under the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. Its tasks are diverse. They include facilitating the German merchant marine. The BSH also handles tonnage measurement and flag-related matters. Certificates for sailors are issued here. The agency tests and approves navigational and radio equipment. Maritime hazard control is another key responsibility.
The Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie issues official nautical charts. It also publishes handbooks and other nautical publications. These are crucial for professional and recreational shipping. The agency conducts bathymetry of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. It calculates and forecasts tide tables. Water levels and storm tides are also predicted. The Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie monitors the marine environment. It investigates environmental pollution at sea. It handles maritime spatial planning for Germany’s exclusive economic zone. Commercial offshore activities also need approval. This includes wind farms and submarine cables.
Interestingly, the head office of the Federal Bureau for Maritime Casualty Investigation is within the BSH facility. So, it also investigates maritime accidents.
To carry out its duties, the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie maintains a fleet. As of 2013, it had five survey vessels. These vessels include the Atair, Deneb, Wega, Capella, and Komet.
One of the most peculiar facts about the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie is its library. It hosts the world’s largest collection of messages in bottles. This collection amounts to around 660 items. Imagine the stories those bottles could tell.
The Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie is represented in numerous national and international panels. It collaborates with organizations like the International Maritime Organization. It also works with the International Hydrographic Organization. This collaboration ensures maritime safety and environmental protection. The agency employs around 800 people in Hamburg and Rostock.
So, the next time you see a ship sailing smoothly, remember the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie. It works diligently to keep our seas safe and well-charted. From Rostock and Hamburg, they watch over the waters.