Applying for a mudflat guide permit for the first time
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.
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.
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.
- 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 carry out guided wading tours
- current passport photo for the creation of a mudflat guide card
Fee: 400,00 - 500,00 EURPayment in advance: NoThe 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.
Period of Validity: 6 Years
Processing Time: 1 - 5 Working daysThe permit is issued after the successful completion of the examination interview and the completeness of the evidence and documents.
Forms available: No
Written form required: Yes
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance necessary: Yes
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.
Conducting a mudflat tour without a permit is an administrative offense according to § 6 NWattFVO.
Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection
28.02.2023
The text was automatically translated based on the German content.
