Applying for a mudflat guide permit for the first time

Read aloud

You need a permit if you want to conduct guided tours on tidal flats in the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea. The permit requirement is intended to ensure that tidal flat guides have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct tidal flat tours safely and in accordance with nature conservation regulations. This applies in particular to comprehensive local knowledge of the relevant routes and mudflat areas, the correct planning of a walk to avoid dangers and appropriate behavior in dangerous situations.

The permitng is issued by the competent authority after examining your documents and successfully passing an interview.

The "Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer" National Park Authority is responsible.

You must successfully pass an examination interview, which which takes place as an individual interview and lasts around 120 minutes. This will determine whether you have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct mudflat tours safely and in accordance with nature conservation regulations, and whether you have the necessary local knowledge of the relevant mudflat areas and routes.
You must also be of legal age and reliable, and there must be no public safety concerns to prevent you from being granted a permit.
In addition, further proof is required in the form of documents to be submitted.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: Yes

Personal appearance necessary: Yes

Proof of participation in at least six tidal flat tours per area/route for which a permit is sought (for routes between the mainland and an island, participation in at least three tidal flat tours in each direction) within the last two years
Proof of training in first aid, not older than two years (or equivalent knowledge)
German swimming badge in bronze (or proof of equivalent achievement)
Current certificate of good conduct
current medical certificate confirming that you are medically fit to conduct guided wading tours
current passport photo for the creation of a mudflat guide card

Fee: 400,00 - 500,00 EUR
Payment in advance: no
The fee depends on the number of approved areas/routes. The stated costs include the administrative fee of 300/400 euros for participation in the examination interview.

You inform the competent authority of your interest in taking part in the examination interview, stating the tidal flat areas or tidal flat stretches concerned. Examination interviews are offered twice a year (usually March/October) and the specific date is usually coordinated with you around three weeks in advance. They take place in Wilhelmshaven. All other necessary evidence and documents must be submitted before the examination.

Period of Validity: 6 Years

Processing Time: 1 - 5 Working days
The permit is issued after the successful completion of the examination interview and the completeness of the evidence and documents.

Conducting a mudflat tour without a permit is an administrative offense according to § 6 NWattFVO.

You can lodge an objection against permits or the refusal of a permit within one month of notification of the decision. The objection must be submitted in writing or orally for recording at the "Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer" National Park Administration, Virchowstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven.