Actions
Direct Involvement
Refoulement by ProxyNGO Persecution
Under Scheuer, the Ministry of Transport's “Berufsgenossenschaft Verkehr” took several steps that made it harder for German-flagged NGO vessels to operate:
In April 2019, Mare Liberum’s vessel was “landlocked“ (i.e. no longer allowed to operate) by a directive issued by the “Berufsgenossenschaft Verkehr” because it was suddenly considered a “rescue ship” and therefore in the same category as merchant ships rather than a recreational boat, which was its previous category (Mare Liberum won eventually won a lawsuit on the matter). (See Germany Report Chapter V)
in June 2020, the “Berufsgenossenschaft Verkehr” (which is subordinated to the Ministry) – changed the legal requirements for "security standards" for rescue NGOs, making it much harder – and almost impossible – for German-flagged NGO vessels to obtain the necessary authorization to continue their work. Further complicating the situation, the law did not provide a transition phase for older ships, which is an uncommon move. The NGOs Mare Liberum, Mission Lifeline & Rescueship were thus incapacitated by these new legal requirements.