Notarize death on a German seagoing vessel

Source: Serviceportal Rheinland-Pfalz

If a person dies during a voyage on a seagoing vessel flying the German flag, the Registry Office I in Berlin will certify the death.

For this purpose, the ship's captain draws up a report which he or she sends to Registry Office I in Berlin.

You must report the death to the skipper if you were present at the death or noticed it.

The death will be recorded in the German death register in all cases, even if the deceased was not a German citizen.

As a family member or person with a legitimate interest, you will also receive the death certificate of the deceased person at Registry Office I.

The registry office in whose area the deceased person had their (last) place of residence or habitual abode in Germany is responsible for the application.
If the deceased person did not have a place of residence or habitual abode in Germany, the registry office in whose area you as the applicant have or last had your place of residence or habitual abode is responsible.
If none of the above alternatives apply, you can submit the application to Registry Office I in Berlin.

Competent authority