Seventy-five years of history. That is what the Wasserschutzpolizeischule celebrated on September 1, 2020. The Wasserschutzpolizeischule in Hamburg is a shared educational facility. It serves all German federal states. Thuringia does not have its own Wasserschutzpolizei. Therefore, it does not participate in the joint agreement.
At the Wasserschutzpolizeischule, all German Wasserschutzpolizei officers receive standardized training. This training respects the laws of each state. About 2,800 officers benefit. Other emergency personnel like firefighters also participate in courses. Occasionally, members of the Gendarmerie Nationale also attend courses.
The Wasserschutzpolizeischule offers 42 different courses and seminars. They last up to 98 days. Each year, about 1,200 participants attend around 100 courses. Up to seven courses can run simultaneously.
Besides basic training, the Wasserschutzpolizeischule provides advanced training. These cover radar, ECDIS, and dangerous goods. Instruction also includes container transport and cargo securing. Other training topics are boat crime, environmental protection, and ship technology. The school also ensures leadership development.
Thirty-four staff members work at the Wasserschutzpolizeischule. Twelve are teachers seconded from the federal states. The Wasserschutzpolizeischule is located in the port at Veddeler Damm 48. It offers accommodation and full catering for course participants. Leisure facilities include a sports hall, TV and reading rooms, and a billiard room.
The building was constructed in 1926/27. It originally served as police barracks for port security. Today, the Wasserschutzpolizeischule continues this legacy. It provides a vital service for maritime safety and security.
The Wasserschutzpolizeischule is financed by the federal states. The federal government does not contribute. The teaching staff consists of senior officers from the state police forces. Students can stay in the school building. They also receive full board.
A popular spot is the “Messe.” The Wasserschutzpolizei-Schule Hamburg association runs it. This room resembles a traditional ship’s fair. It is used for all kinds of celebrations.
The Wasserschutzpolizeischule provides basic and specialist training. Seminars are tailored to the needs of inland and coastal states. Basic training includes courses for coastal and inland officers. Specialist training covers radar navigation and ECDIS. Further subjects are dangerous goods, environmental protection, and ship technology. Management personnel also receive further training.
Each year, the Wasserschutzpolizeischule organizes around 100 courses. Up to 1,100 participants attend. All courses meet national and international standards. Relevant authorities recognize them.
In August 1945, the Wasserschutzpolizeischule was founded in Hamburg’s free port. It served as a training center for the Wasserschutzpolizei in the British zone. Today, the school is a national institution. All German Wasserschutzpolizei officers receive training here. Currently, there are about 3,000 officers nationwide.