By acquiring the certificate of competence (SKN) for pyrotechnic signalling devices, the holder proves that they have acquired the ability to handle a signal pistol safely. At the same time, the SKN entitles the holder to apply for and be issued a weapon acquisition card for signal pistols cal. 4.
The certificate of competence (SKN) also includes the certificate of competence (FKN) for pilots of pleasure craft, sailing boats, hang gliders, sport gliders and microlight aircraft. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain this licence. It is not necessary to present a pleasure craft licence (whether sea or inland) for this certificate.
The following requirements must be met in order to apply for a firearms licence:
- Need: A need is assumed if the applicant is in possession of a sea-going pleasure craft or can prove by presenting charter contracts that he regularly charters pleasure craft on which no signal pistol is present.
- Reliability: The applicant's reliability is checked by the competent authorities. The same requirements apply here as for the small firearms licence. Similar procedures are used as when applying for an extended certificate of good conduct.
- Expertise: The applicant must provide proof of the required expertise. The SKN (certificate of competence) is suitable in this context. However, the certificate of competence for marine signalling equipment (FKN) is not suitable for this purpose.
Examination:
The examination takes place directly after the seminar. This consists of a theoretical and a practical part.
The question catalogue issued by the mtcc with the registration confirmation must be used to prepare for the examination. This is an excerpt from the official catalogue of questions, published on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (and for Home Affairs), version 2024.
Only content from the above-mentioned question catalogue is used in the theoretical examination. The examination consists of both multiple-choice questions (in which several or all possible answers can be correct) and free-response questions.
There are 2 different questionnaires with the same level of difficulty. Both questionnaires contain 20 questions. Each participant receives a questionnaire for testing.
Questionnaire 1:
- 20 questions
- Maximum achievable score 50
- Oral re-examination takes place between 37 and 42 points
- less than 37 points = failed
Questionnaire 2:
- 20 questions
- maximum achievable score 47
- Oral re-examination takes place between 35 and 40 points
- less than 35 points = failed
In the practical part of the examination, safe handling of the distress signalling equipment (parachute signal rocket, signal rocket, hand flare and smoke signals) as well as the distress signal pistol in actual use must be demonstrated. At the same time, the correct behaviour in the event of an ammunition failure and the differentiation of the various types of ammunition on the basis of the cartridge base are relevant to the examination.
An identity card and a passport photo are required to obtain the licence. Both must be brought to the seminar.
The fee of €30 for the final examination is not included in the price and must be paid in cash on site.
Time:
The seminar starts at 17:00 on the various dates and ends at approx. 21:00.
The course on 06.03.2025 starts differently at 19:00!
Do you have any further questions after the webinar?
Visit our free
Campus Talk and your lecturer will be available to you every month from April to September in an online consultation hour.
Please make sure that you send the lecturer an e-mail with your topics at least 24 hours before the appointment so that you receive the invitation link for the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you on the following dates, each at
20:30:
- 13.04.2026
- 04.05.2026
- 15.06.2026
- 06.07.2026
- 03.08.2026
- 07.09.2026
Note 1:
Water, coffee and tea are included in the seminar price. Please bring your own catering for the rest of the day.
Note 2:
By clicking on "Buy now", you consent to us forwarding your contact details to the company "maritimes trainings centre celle U.G." (mtcc), based in 32257 Bünde, Germany, so that they can contact you directly if they have any queries. You will then receive all information about the course you have booked from the mtcc. If you have any further questions, please send your enquiry to the email address [email protected]. Further information can be found in our privacy policy. All seminars, webinars and training courses are subject exclusively to the General Terms and Conditions of the Maritime Training Centre Celle, which can be viewed here: General Terms and Conditions of the mtcc