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You're planning your next sailing trip and wondering what the 'Pyroschein' is all about? In watersports, this is the name given to the Fachkundenachweis nach Sprengstoffrecht (FKN). It authorises you to purchase, transport and possess certain pyrotechnic distress signal devices. Specifically, it covers signal devices in category P2 (also subcategory T2) – namely signal rockets (red, with parachute), hand-held flares, smoke flares and light or smoke signals. Only with the Pyroschein may you carry these licence-required distress signals on board. Although the Pyroschein is a German law (Sprengstoffrecht), most charter companies, skippers and boat operators now require it as standard. Lack of this certificate is already considered grossly negligent on private boats.
Why the Fachkundenachweis is mandatory
Pyrotechnic distress signals are lifesaving in an emergency, but also dangerous. Careless use can cause serious accidents – particularly in the heat of an emergency at sea. Therefore the law (SprengV) stipulates that only skippers with proven expertise may purchase and carry pyrotechnic distress signals. In other words: you must provethat you can handle it responsibly in an emergency. In Germany practically every charter company now requires the pyrotechnic certificate as a prerequisite for handing over the boat. Because flares are almost always mandatory in charter contracts – without proof, the charter company must not give you the boat. The authorities also check the pyrotechnic certificate during routine inspections. In short: if your boat has parachute flares or other pyrotechnic signals on board, you need the FKN (pyrotechnic certificate) – otherwise you risk fines or confiscation of the signal set.
Requirements for your pyrotechnic certificate
To be admitted to the pyrotechnic certificate, you must at least 16 years old be and hold an official powerboat licence (coastal or inland). Many take the FKN directly after the SBF See. You must also prove your identity (with identity card or driving licence) at the examination appointment.
Contents of a pyrotechnic certificate course
In the preparatory course you learn everything important in theory and practice: Theory mainly means legal regulations and safety rules. Typical topics are explosives law for distress signals, basics of weapons law (e.g. what is a signal device), correct emergency procedures and general handling of the devices. It also covers which signals you use in which situations.
In the practical part you train in the proper handling of signal equipment. You practise, for example, preparing and igniting red parachute flares, hand flares and smoke flares, as well as handling smoke signals and signal launchers with drum. Most courses last half to a full day and are offered by sailing schools, yacht schools or through associations (e.g. DMYV/DSV). (Note: There are also online intensive courses that prepare you specifically for the examination.) After the course you feel confident in handling rockets and flares and know when you may use them.
Structure and contents of the pyrotechnic certificate examination
The examination for the specialist qualification consists of two parts: Written test and practical demonstration.
In the theoretical part you answer a questionnaire with 15 questions (from an official question catalogue of 60 questions). These are usually multiple-choice questions on explosives and weapons law as well as safety measures. You have about 30 minutes for 15 questions.
In the practical part you must then demonstrate the safe handling of the signal equipment. The usual tasks are three exercises, e.g. the correct Firing a parachute flare, igniting a smoke signal or hand flare and handling a sound signal device (drum) as well as the correct handling of misfires. Before the examination begins, the examiner will check your personal details.
If you pass both parts, you will receive the certificate of competence (often sent by post). Failure in one part means that the entire examination must be repeated. (Important: You must take the examination within 12 months of admission, otherwise it lapses.)
Validity and recognition of the pyrotechnics certificate
Once acquired, your pyrotechnics certificate retains its validity permanently. The certificate of competence for distress signal devices is valid indefinitely – it does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Older certificates (e.g. a previous stamp in the SBF See up to 2006) also remain legally valid. Important: The FKN is valid only for the specified pyrotechnic distress signal devices. You may not acquire or carry a signal pistol in calibre 4 with it – a separate weapons permit is required for this. In practice, the German certificate of competence is recognised by German associations (DSV, DMYV) and authorities. If you are often abroad, it can be sensible to have the document with you when chartering – many charter companies also accept it internationally as proof of your training.
Selected pyrotechnics certificate courses
You will soon find courses from sailing schools in your region here. In the meantime, it is worth taking a look at our current sail training trips – checking back regularly is worthwhile.
SKS sail training along the unexpected beauties of Mallorca
sailwithus
SKS practical training from Breege on Rügen
Mola Yachting
Astro-navigation coastal trip Brittany, Bay of Biscay theory and practice on Hallberg-Rassy in 2-person crew
Sail-Bretagne-Atlantic
Training for the Yacht sailing licence – on request with free SBF practical, max. 4 participants
ACTIVESAIL
Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS) Exam Trip Weekend
Lübecker Segelschule
Learn to sail in the island world of the Kornati Islands. In a small group with max. 4 participants.
ACTIVESAIL
Finding suitable courses – how Törnfinder helps you
On toernfinder.de you can quickly and impartially find an overview of pyrotechnics certificate courses in your area. Various training providers advertise their FKN courses. You can filter the offers by region, date, duration and price and thus easily compare them.
If a course is of interest, you can contact the provider directly via a contact form or via a link to their website. Törnfinder itself does not arrange or book courses, but is purely a comparison and information portal. Final registration and payment always take place directly with the sailing school or association of your choice. This way you keep an overview and can choose the best course for you in a relaxed manner, without having to search through hundreds of websites.
Conclusion: If you want to carry distress signal devices on board, the pyrotechnics certificate is essential. The examiner often refers to the "certificate of competence under explosives law" – you must have it ready at the latest before your next charter trip. Now you know what content to expect in the course and how the examination works. Visit toernfinder.de, find the right FKN course and secure your authorisation for an emergency. Fair winds and always a hand's breadth of water under the keel!