Since 1995 · Elsfleth, Germany · Worldwide

MARCARE®

Expert Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance Consulting

Your reliable partner for international shipping regulations, worldwide ship inspections, and Flag State representation. Trusted by the maritime industry for over 30 years.

Request a ConsultationExplore Our Services
  • Certified IHM Service Provider
  • Flag State Recognised Inspections
  • IMO Casualty Investigation Code
  • ISM · ISPS · MLC Audits
  • Worldwide Surveyor Network

About MARCARE

Decades of Excellence in Maritime Safety Management

Founded in 1995, MARCARE® Maritime Consulting and Research GmbH is a dedicated team of specialists in maritime safety, security management, and regulatory compliance. Operating in an increasingly demanding international shipping environment, we bridge the gap between complex maritime regulations and their practical, daily implementation on board.

Whether you need support navigating ISM, ISPS, and MLC requirements, or require rapid worldwide ship inspections, MARCARE offers bespoke solutions tailored to the exact needs of ship owners, operators, and Flag States. With our headquarters in Elsfleth, Germany, and a robust global network, we ensure your fleet operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international maritime laws.

Founded
1995
Headquarters
Elsfleth, Germany
Focus
Safety · Security · Compliance
Clients
Owners · Operators · Flag States
Talk to our experts
MARCARE headquarters in Elsfleth in daylightMARCARE headquarters in Elsfleth illuminated at night
Founded
1995

Our Core Maritime Services

Three pillars. One standard of care.

We provide end-to-end maritime consulting, software implementation, and physical survey solutions designed to keep your vessels sailing without delay.

01

Maritime Consultancy & Compliance

MARCARE’s consultancy portfolio covers all aspects of modern ship compliance. We assist ship management companies in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Safety Management Systems (SMS).

  • ISM / ISPS / MLC Audits

    Comprehensive preparation and execution of audits to ensure full compliance with international safety, security, and labour conventions.

  • Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)

    As a fully certified service provider, we support your fleet in complying with EU and non-EU IHM regulations from start to finish, ensuring safe port calls worldwide.

  • Mooring Management Plans

    Expert development and review of safe mooring procedures to align with the latest OCIMF and SOLAS guidelines.

Learn more: Maritime Consultancy & Compliance
02

Flag State Representation & Investigations

Acting on behalf of international Flag States, MARCARE is a trusted authority for conducting rigorous safety inspections and impartial incident analysis.

  • Safety Inspections

    We conduct thorough statutory inspections in strict adherence to relevant maritime conventions and flag-specific regulations.

  • Accident & Casualty Investigations

    Operating as an independent investigation body, we carry out marine casualty investigations in accordance with the IMO Casualty Investigation Code — identifying root causes and preventing reoccurrence, strictly without apportioning blame or determining liability.

Learn more: Flag State Representation & Investigations
03

Worldwide Ship Inspections & Survey Network

Time is critical in the shipping industry. Through our extensive, worldwide network of professional, certified marine surveyors and inspectors, we deliver rapid response times.

  • Surveys, Inspections & Audits

    Conducted directly at your vessel’s preferred port of call — anywhere in the world.

  • Competitive Rates

    Local surveyors mean lower travel costs and faster attendance without compromising on quality.

Learn more: Worldwide Ship Inspections & Survey Network

How we work

From enquiry to report — without delay.

  1. 1

    Enquiry & Scoping

    Tell us the vessel, port, and scope. We confirm availability and a fixed quotation, usually within one working day.

  2. 2

    Attendance at Port

    A certified surveyor or auditor from our network attends the vessel at its port of call — anywhere in the world.

  3. 3

    Report & Follow-up

    You receive a clear, actionable report and, where required, support in closing findings and maintaining compliance.

MARS.X software sign-in screen on a laptop

Technology & Solutions

MARS.X: The next generation of MARS

Building on MARCARE’s Maintenance and Reporting System, MARS.X is in development for a 2027 launch. The expanded maritime management platform will connect maintenance, crew, compliance and supply workflows across ship and shore, including offline operation and synchronisation. Explore the new version in a demo today.

  • Maintenance & supply

    Planned maintenance, equipment, defects, inventory and purchasing.

  • Crew & compliance

    Crew records, certificates, watchkeeping and electronic logbooks.

  • Safety & environment

    Drills, incidents, risk assessments, emissions and environmental records.

  • Ship–shore & offline sync

    Work without a connection and synchronise when connectivity returns.

Request a MARS.X demoLearn more

Facts, Figures & Global Reach

Global Network. Local Expertise.

With an expansive network spanning the globe, MARCARE is always where you need us to be.

425+
Worldwide Inspectors
110+
Countries Covered
900+
Ports Serviced
30+
Years of Maritime Experience

Regulatory framework

The conventions we work with every day

A quick reference to the international instruments behind our services.

ISM

International Safety Management Code

IMO code establishing safety management systems for the safe operation of ships and pollution prevention.

ISPS

International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

SOLAS Chapter XI-2 framework for ship and port facility security assessments and plans.

MLC

Maritime Labour Convention 2006

ILO convention setting minimum working and living standards for seafarers.

IHM

Inventory of Hazardous Materials

Required under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and Hong Kong Convention; documents hazardous materials on board.

SOLAS

Safety of Life at Sea

The principal international treaty on the safety of merchant ships.

OCIMF

Oil Companies International Marine Forum

Publishes the Mooring Equipment Guidelines (MEG4) underpinning modern Mooring Management Plans.

IMO CI Code

IMO Casualty Investigation Code

Mandatory standard for the independent investigation of marine casualties and incidents.

STCW

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers

International convention setting minimum standards for the training, certification and watchkeeping of seafarers.

Contact

Secure Your Fleet’s Compliance Today

Contact our marine experts in Elsfleth to discuss your specific requirements, request a quote for IHM services, or arrange a worldwide ship inspection.

MARCARE® Maritime Consulting and Research GmbH

Address
An der Kaje 1
26931 Elsfleth
Germany
Phone
+49 4404 95924 0
+49 4404 95924-22
Email
info@marcare.de
Office hours
Mon – Fri, 08:00 – 17:00 CET
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