Rules for navigation are laid down by the Federal Government of Germany, whilst the individual States regulates access.

National Park Wattenmeer
In Zone 1 the “3-Hour-Rule” applies: Navigation is generally permitted in the period three hours before until three hours after local high water; however, for sea kayakers navigation outside these times can be requested – such permission is granted on payment of a fee (see additional details below).
Within Zone 1 there are designated seal and bird protection areas (RSG/VSG) (seal protection area/bird protection area), where transit is not permitted at certain times of the year.
In buoyed or other marked channels (Pricke), navigation is permitted at all times, provided such marks are shown on charts, even if such channels cut through Zone 1 or RSG/VSG areas. The “3 hour Rule” also applies here as does the need to seek permission to travel through such areas.

National Park in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
National Park Vorpommern Boddenlandschaft (Darß to West Ruegen), National Park Jasmund (the chalk coast of eastern Ruegen), Biosphere Reserve south-eastern Ruegen –  Zone 1: Navigation is only permitted within marked channels.
Zone 2: Navigation for non-motorised craft is permitted, even outside the marked channels.
Some beaches along the Strelasundes and in the Biosphere Reserve Ruegen, safe distance from the beach must be observed. Landing on these beaches is not permitted (even though access to walkers on such beaches is allowed).

Applications for access to restricted areas within Schleswig Holstein and Hamburg should be made to:
WSD-H, Hindenburgufer, 24724106 Kiel
Email: poststelle(at)wsd-nord.de
Tel. (0431) 3394 - 0 or - 8120 (in emergency only).

For Lower Saxony to:
WSD-NW
Schlossplatz 9
26603 Aurich
Tel. (04941) 6022356; Fax (04941) 602378

In Zone 1 (and in RSG/VSG) access is generally forbidden, with the exception of established Watt walking routes that are defined by markers (Trittsteine). There, movement is permitted within 50m of such markers.

At present the following designated markers (Trittsteine) may be used:
Arngaster lighthouse (Jadebusen),
Scharnhoernriff
Knechtsand
West of Trischen
West of Blauortsand

Access to navigable waters that dry out and to the edges of channels in the Lower Saxony Wattenmeer:
Designated waterways through Zone 1 areas are detailed on a map in the National Park office and are incorporated in §11 (4) of the Lower Saxony Wattenmeer National Park Law (NWattNPG, NI) – and is defined as “temporary sport-boat crew access is permitted… within the periphery of 50 meters around the boat“.

In the Hamburger Wattenmeer National Park access within Zone 1 is permitted as follows:
Elbe - Weser - Watt navigation channels,
Neuwerker Loch,
Eastern side of the Elbe-Neuwerker navigation channel.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania National park and Biosphere Reserve:
Access to Zones 1 only by means of marked channels.   Exception: in National Park Jasmund - the beach section below the chalk cliffs from Saßnitz to Lohme - landing is, however forbidden.

Voluntary self-restraint by water sports participants:
During the main moulting season of shelduck (10 July - until 10 September), Dithmarscher Watt, the Bielshövener Loch, the Flackstrom, the Schatzkammer, the Klotzenloch and the Dieksander Priel, in National Park Schleswig-Holstein, a voluntary restriction on boat movement is imposed.
The Wesselburener Loch should be avoided due to its large seal population.
Notwithstanding, seals and flocks of birds within National Parks Hamburg and Lower Saxony should be avoided or be given a wide berth.
Detailed information on national park regulations form part of courses run by the Salzwasser Union – details of these courses are published in their journal “SEEKAJAK” from time to time.

Applications for a Waiver:
Should a trip into a Zone 1 area, outside of the 3-Hour Rule be planned, a waiver may be applied for. Carrying such a document avoids possible prosecution for trespass. If there is insufficient time for written permission to be obtained, in good time, then a telephone request may suffice, pending written confirmation.

Jan.Teich(at)salzwasserunion.de

Link to Application form:
For information, e.g. Rules and Regulations for all Wattenmeer National Parks:
www.wattenmeer-nationalpark.de

For further information on National Parks in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania:
www.m-vp.de/sehenswertes/nationalparks.htm