Working in inland shipping is very diverse, requiring different skills. From ship steering, cargo loading, cargo unloading, grinding, painting and cleaning, to repairs in the engine room. This makes working in inland shipping different every day. You can perform various functions on river ships. Below is a description of the available functions and the function names are in Dutch.
Lichtmatroos / Deksman
Matroos
When starting to work on river ships as a lichtmatroos / deksman it is not expected that you will immediately assume the main responsibilities. You start with the basics and the master actively guides you. The work you will do is assist in mooring and unmooring the boat (securing and removing the ropes). You will also need to wash and clean the boat, assist the master in loading, unloading and various maintenance (grinding, rust removal and painting).
Volmatroos
Being volmatroos on the river ship, you make a variety of tasks and helping to master. Need help with loading and unloading, maintenance, repairs, grinding, painting, rust removal and keeping the ship clean. You also help to moor and unmoor the ship. Try to prevent accidents, take safety precautions seriously and always wear the necessary work clothes and protective equipment.
Schipper
Matroos are already expected to be able to perform various tasks independently. The master will use you for various activities based on your experience and knowledge. The main task of the matroos is to assist the master and / or co-pilot with various shipboard tasks, such as loading, unloading, mooring and unmooring (securing and removing ropes). In addition, you are active in ship maintenance (rust removal, grinding, painting and cleaning). You can make minor repairs on board.
Stuurman
As a stuurman, you are the captain's right hand man. The master may ask to take over the helm and steer the vessel. As an assistant, you can also play a management role in leading the rest of the ship's personnel. Coordinating the work of the deck is also part of the helmsman's responsibilities. Deck work includes maintenance (painting, grinding and rust removal), cleaning and managing loading and unloading operations. Depending on the workplace, inspection and maintenance of engines, generators and other systems may also be the responsibility of the helmsman. It is important to work safely and to ensure that other workers work safely, using the means of protection available and thus trying to prevent accidents.
Kapitein
As a schipper on an inland vessel, you are responsible for the safe transport, loading and unloading of cargo, as well as the movement of the vessel from point A to point B. You have extensive knowledge of inland waterways. As a skipper, you are responsible for the company's policy and its implementation, such as handling administrative matters such as documents and bills of lading. You are also responsible for the proper maintenance and care of the ship by you or other personnel. You also actively guide the other crew members present in their day-to-day (deck) work.
As a kapitein, you have the same responsibilities as a skipper, but you also have a business diploma. This means that you can become self-employed or, of course, just work for a shipping company. You can make independent business decisions, and you have the main responsibility for staff and organization.
