Germany - Yachting Essentials

Electricity:

• Voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz

Most harbor yacht berths have both water and electricity (available via standard marina sockets).

Fuel:

All diesel fuel from both fuel berths and shore-based fuel stations contain 7% biodiesel.

A few marinas have pump-out facilities.

Very few fuel stations in marinas offer diesel without bio ingredients. To avoid growth of bacteria add an additive. The Baltic Sea Cruising Network give recommendations and advice on additives here.

Petrol is available from most alongside fuelling points.

LPG:

Both propane and camping gas bottles are widely available.

Flag Etiquette:

Pleasure crafts fly their national flag. The tradition of raising and lowering flags morning and evening is not strictly enforced except in naval circles.

Navigation:

See Restrictions for details on prohibited areas and other navigation warnings.

Marinas and Anchoring:

There are no mooring buoys allowed in coastal waters in Germany. The net of harbours is so dense that there is no need for mooring buoys. Anchoring could be an alternative, however, anchoring in fairways, military exercise areas, offshore windparks and marine protection areas is prohibited. Anywhere else it is generally permitted.

It is necessary to raft out in some harbours i.e. boats lie alongside each other.

It is courteous to ask permission before tying alongside but this should never be refused unless the maximum number of boats permitted to raft out in a particular harbour has been reached.

Numerous marinas, boatyards and boat clubs offer winter storage ashore. All harbours offer services of sailmakers, shipyards, engine service or electricians. The best and easiest way is to ask the local harbour master or to search online.

Stations for sewage pump out exist in a few harbours. For more information see here, or ask the local harbour master.

The most extensive repair facilities are concentrated around the main sailing centres at Hamburg, Kiel and Bremen.