Keeping abreast of the latest news is crucial, especially in a dynamic and high-risk environment like the maritime sector. By being well-informed about recent developments, regulations and best practices, employees and companies can learn from each other, improve safety and work more efficiently.
Click and read on to learn more about the latest safety guidelines, innovative techniques and essential measures that contribute to a safe working environment at sea. Stay prepared and well-informed with our insights.
Read the article on De Schuttevaer
as new objects are placed on the North Sea every week. According to Pas, in many cases a warning or even a fine is not necessary at all. 'Set a course change on board in time, so people on the platform know you see them and are not heading straight for them. Just don't go to the edge and be considerate of each other. Contact them by VHF radio and explain what you are doing. Then they will know you have seen the platform, swerve in time and then everyone will be happy.'
Ensuring safety at sea is paramount for both fishermen and operators of offshore wind turbine platforms. Fishermen's concerns are understandable, and the offshore wind industry is willing to work together to minimise risks and prevent accidents. Good communication, clear guidelines, and mutual understanding are essential to ensure that everyone can work safely in the ever-changing maritime environment. North Sea policy advisor Sjaco Pas of the Coast Guard advises skippers to update their charts properly,
Photo: Schuttevaer
We monitor 24/7 a 500-metre safety zone around these platforms and foundations, where no shipping is allowed. In the first half of 2024, more than 2,600 reports of fishing vessels approaching the zone were received, compared to 3,800 in the whole of 2023. Although real incidents are rare, a collision can have major consequences. We also monitor pleasure craft, with some sailboats being difficult to track without AIS. That makes our work challenging.’
The call to keep a distance from these offshore structures highlights the need for clear guidelines and good communication between the wind industry and the fishing industry. Indeed, ensuring safety at sea remains paramount, both for fishermen and operators of wind turbine platforms.
Photo: Schuttevaer
It is important to keep your distance from offshore wind turbine platforms, experts warn. These structures, which play a vital role in the transition to renewable energy, can be dangerous for shipping and fishing boats that get too close. Both strong currents and and extreme weather conditions.
The North Sea is becoming increasingly crowded; in addition to oil and gas installations, there are more and more wind turbines, which are also subject to a 500-metre zone. For fisheries, this means less and less fishing ground. Yet according to Klaas Bos, head of Marine at Shell, this is not the reason why people go over the line so often. 'We see skippers using our platforms as waypoints for navigation. On autopilot, they sail towards us while they may be busy with other things.'
There are just under 1,000 production platforms in the North Sea, 135 of which are in Dutch waters. Royal Dirkzwager monitors and monitors the safety zones of about a quarter of the platforms. Kim van Dijk, Manager director at Royal Dirkzwager, says: ‘When there is imminent danger, we immediately call the ships to leave. In most cases, we get contact and it works.
Communicate with your Employer. Discuss your situation with your employer. Together, you can look for solutions, such as adjustments in your duties or working hours. Many employers are willing to think with you if you are open about your situation.
Work on your recovery. Take your time to recover and avoid returning to full work too soon. Consider a gradual return to work with adapted tasks. Give yourself space to heal and recover.
By acting on time and following these steps, you can not only improve your current situation, but also prevent future burnout symptoms. Take time for yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. For further information and support, visit resources such as Thuisarts.nl on burnout, Arboportaal for work stress and burnout, and MIND for help with stress and burnout.
DO YOU RECOGNISE YOURSELF IN JAN?
If you recognise yourself in Jan's story, it is important to take quick action to prevent or alleviate burnout symptoms. Here are some tips that can help you:
Acknowledge the Signs. Pay attention to symptoms such as extreme fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. It is important not to ignore these signs. The sooner you recognise them, the better you can prevent things from getting worse.
Seek help. Talk to someone you trust, such as a colleague, supervisor or friend. Consider seeking professional help, such as a company doctor, psychologist, or coach. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a step towards recovery.
Set Boundaries. Learn to set boundaries, both at work and in your personal life. This may mean saying ‘no’ to extra tasks or taking time for yourself to recharge. It is essential to put your own needs first.
Provide Relaxation. Schedule daily moments of relaxation, such as walking, meditating, or a hobby you enjoy. Relaxation is crucial to rebalancing your mind and body.
Illustrative photo
His employer also played a crucial role in his recovery process. A reintegration plan was drawn up that was tailored to Jan's needs. ‘I felt supported by my employer. They gave me space to recover peacefully and were there when I needed them, without making me feel rushed,’ says Jan. He was given time to quietly return to the work process, with light duties and adjusted working hours at first.
Now, several months later, Jan is doing much better. He is back at work, but with a modified role and a better balance between work and rest. ‘I have learned to set my limits and now take time to think about myself as well. Work is important, but my health comes first,’ Jan concludes. Together, he and his employer ensured that Jan was not only able to return to work, but also found a healthier balance in his life.
Illustrative photo
Jan, an experienced employee in the merchant navy, had worked at sea with passion and dedication for many years. However, in early 2023, he gradually started suffering from stress and burnout symptoms. The long periods away from home, constant working under high pressure and limited opportunities to unwind began to take their toll. ‘I noticed that I was getting more and more tired, but I thought I just had to push on,’ Jan says. Initially, he ignored the signs, such as irritability and sleep problems, and kept going.
However, the situation quickly worsened. Jan noticed that he had less and less energy and could no longer cope with work. ‘I could hardly concentrate and started making mistakes. At one point, I knew I couldn't go on,’ says Jan. Eventually, he had to call in sick. His complaints fell under psychological absenteeism, a category that has increased significantly in the Netherlands by 2023.
After calling in sick, Jan decided to seek help. ‘I knew I needed help, otherwise I would only exhaust myself further,’ he says. He started with talks with a company psychologist, where he learned how to manage stress and was taught techniques to relax better. He was also advised to take his recovery seriously and schedule sufficient time to regain his strength.
The establishment of shipping routes is another aspect of working safely at sea. This topic is the focus of the June 2024 report ‘Skippering with Space, Managing Shipping Safety in an Increasingly Full North Sea’. That study was prompted by the Maltese bulk carrier Julietta D getting into trouble in the North Sea due to storm Corrie. The bulk carrier became adrift towards the Dutch coast, hitting first another ship and then two structures of a wind farm under construction.
The study shows that shipping lanes, wind farms and oil platforms in the North Sea are pushing for space. The growth of fixed objects poses risks to shipping. These risks are not sufficiently understood. In that study, the Dutch Safety Board therefore argues for shipping safety to be more explicitly taken into account in choices about the layout of the North Sea, especially when considering future developments in shipping and wind farms. This can be done by better coordinating or even relocating planned activities and through better international cooperation on defining shipping routes'.
"Consider shipping safety explicitly when establishing shipping routes"
Awareness of these limitations is one of the essences of good seamanship. Knowing that you cannot always recognise everything in time should be part of a professional professional attitude. This is precisely why it is important to have the right bridge manning, especially during dark hours, and to proactively and correctly use available technological resources and equipment available on board to support seafarers.
In February 2024, the Dutch Safety Board published a report on the collision between the Helge and the Wild Cosmos near Denmark. In that investigation, we concluded that good seamanship cannot be reduced to a checklist of rules, manuals and procedures. Professionals at sea must always be aware of their own human limitations. Precisely when the impression exists that everything is under control, there is a danger that a situation will not be appreciated. Factors that can contribute to this include lack of sleep, monotony, distractions, disruption of day and night rhythms and being on watch on your own.
"Good seamanship requires an understanding of human limitations"
Chris van Dam, chairman of the Dutch Safety Board: ‘Maritime safety is a regular topic in our investigations and we strongly endorse the importance of Safe Working at Sea. Working safely covers many aspects, think concretely about the professionalism of seafarers, but on a more abstract level also about the design of shipping lanes. Let me give an example of both using recent OvV reports.
Keeping abreast of the latest news is crucial, especially in a dynamic and high-risk environment like the maritime sector. By being well-informed about recent developments, regulations and best practices, employees and companies can learn from each other, improve safety and work more efficiently.
Click and read on to learn more about the latest safety guidelines, innovative techniques and essential measures that contribute to a safe working environment at sea. Stay prepared and well-informed with our insights.
Read the article on De Schuttevaer
Photo: Schuttevaer
as new objects are placed on the North Sea every week. According to Pas, in many cases a warning or even a fine is not necessary at all. 'Set a course change on board in time, so people on the platform know you see them and are not heading straight for them. Just don't go to the edge and be considerate of each other. Contact them by VHF radio and explain what you are doing. Then they will know you have seen the platform, swerve in time and then everyone will be happy.'
Ensuring safety at sea is paramount for both fishermen and operators of offshore wind turbine platforms. Fishermen's concerns are understandable, and the offshore wind industry is willing to work together to minimise risks and prevent accidents. Good communication, clear guidelines, and mutual understanding are essential to ensure that everyone can work safely in the ever-changing maritime environment. North Sea policy advisor Sjaco Pas of the Coast Guard advises skippers to update their charts properly,
Photo: Schuttevaer
We monitor 24/7 a 500-metre safety zone around these platforms and foundations, where no shipping is allowed. In the first half of 2024, more than 2,600 reports of fishing vessels approaching the zone were received, compared to 3,800 in the whole of 2023. Although real incidents are rare, a collision can have major consequences. We also monitor pleasure craft, with some sailboats being difficult to track without AIS. That makes our work challenging.’
The call to keep a distance from these offshore structures highlights the need for clear guidelines and good communication between the wind industry and the fishing industry. Indeed, ensuring safety at sea remains paramount, both for fishermen and operators of wind turbine platforms.
It is important to keep your distance from offshore wind turbine platforms, experts warn. These structures, which play a vital role in the transition to renewable energy, can be dangerous for shipping and fishing boats that get too close. Both strong currents and and extreme weather conditions.
The North Sea is becoming increasingly crowded; in addition to oil and gas installations, there are more and more wind turbines, which are also subject to a 500-metre zone. For fisheries, this means less and less fishing ground. Yet according to Klaas Bos, head of Marine at Shell, this is not the reason why people go over the line so often. 'We see skippers using our platforms as waypoints for navigation. On autopilot, they sail towards us while they may be busy with other things.'
There are just under 1,000 production platforms in the North Sea, 135 of which are in Dutch waters. Royal Dirkzwager monitors and monitors the safety zones of about a quarter of the platforms. Kim van Dijk, Manager director at Royal Dirkzwager, says: ‘When there is imminent danger, we immediately call the ships to leave. In most cases, we get contact and it works.
Communicate with your Employer. Discuss your situation with your employer. Together, you can look for solutions, such as adjustments in your duties or working hours. Many employers are willing to think with you if you are open about your situation.
Work on your recovery. Take your time to recover and avoid returning to full work too soon. Consider a gradual return to work with adapted tasks. Give yourself space to heal and recover.
By acting on time and following these steps, you can not only improve your current situation, but also prevent future burnout symptoms. Take time for yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. For further information and support, visit resources such as Thuisarts.nl on burnout, Arboportaal for work stress and burnout, and MIND for help with stress and burnout.
DO YOU RECOGNISE YOURSELF IN JAN?
If you recognise yourself in Jan's story, it is important to take quick action to prevent or alleviate burnout symptoms. Here are some tips that can help you:
Acknowledge the Signs. Pay attention to symptoms such as extreme fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. It is important not to ignore these signs. The sooner you recognise them, the better you can prevent things from getting worse.
Seek help. Talk to someone you trust, such as a colleague, supervisor or friend. Consider seeking professional help, such as a company doctor, psychologist, or coach. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a step towards recovery.
Set Boundaries. Learn to set boundaries, both at work and in your personal life. This may mean saying ‘no’ to extra tasks or taking time for yourself to recharge. It is essential to put your own needs first.
Provide Relaxation. Schedule daily moments of relaxation, such as walking, meditating, or a hobby you enjoy. Relaxation is crucial to rebalancing your mind and body.
His employer also played a crucial role in his recovery process. A reintegration plan was drawn up that was tailored to Jan's needs. ‘I felt supported by my employer. They gave me space to recover peacefully and were there when I needed them, without making me feel rushed,’ says Jan. He was given time to quietly return to the work process, with light duties and adjusted working hours at first.
Now, several months later, Jan is doing much better. He is back at work, but with a modified role and a better balance between work and rest. ‘I have learned to set my limits and now take time to think about myself as well. Work is important, but my health comes first,’ Jan concludes. Together, he and his employer ensured that Jan was not only able to return to work, but also found a healthier balance in his life.
Jan, an experienced employee in the merchant navy, had worked at sea with passion and dedication for many years. However, in early 2023, he gradually started suffering from stress and burnout symptoms. The long periods away from home, constant working under high pressure and limited opportunities to unwind began to take their toll. ‘I noticed that I was getting more and more tired, but I thought I just had to push on,’ Jan says. Initially, he ignored the signs, such as irritability and sleep problems, and kept going.
However, the situation quickly worsened. Jan noticed that he had less and less energy and could no longer cope with work. ‘I could hardly concentrate and started making mistakes. At one point, I knew I couldn't go on,’ says Jan. Eventually, he had to call in sick. His complaints fell under psychological absenteeism, a category that has increased significantly in the Netherlands by 2023.
After calling in sick, Jan decided to seek help. ‘I knew I needed help, otherwise I would only exhaust myself further,’ he says. He started with talks with a company psychologist, where he learned how to manage stress and was taught techniques to relax better. He was also advised to take his recovery seriously and schedule sufficient time to regain his strength.
The establishment of shipping routes is another aspect of working safely at sea. This topic is the focus of the June 2024 report ‘Skippering with Space, Managing Shipping Safety in an Increasingly Full North Sea’. That study was prompted by the Maltese bulk carrier Julietta D getting into trouble in the North Sea due to storm Corrie. The bulk carrier became adrift towards the Dutch coast, hitting first another ship and then two structures of a wind farm under construction.
The study shows that shipping lanes, wind farms and oil platforms in the North Sea are pushing for space. The growth of fixed objects poses risks to shipping. These risks are not sufficiently understood. In that study, the Dutch Safety Board therefore argues for shipping safety to be more explicitly taken into account in choices about the layout of the North Sea, especially when considering future developments in shipping and wind farms. This can be done by better coordinating or even relocating planned activities and through better international cooperation on defining shipping routes'.
Awareness of these limitations is one of the essences of good seamanship. Knowing that you cannot always recognise everything in time should be part of a professional professional attitude. This is precisely why it is important to have the right bridge manning, especially during dark hours, and to proactively and correctly use available technological resources and equipment available on board to support seafarers.
"Consider shipping safety explicitly when establishing shipping routes"
In February 2024, the Dutch Safety Board published a report on the collision between the Helge and the Wild Cosmos near Denmark. In that investigation, we concluded that good seamanship cannot be reduced to a checklist of rules, manuals and procedures. Professionals at sea must always be aware of their own human limitations. Precisely when the impression exists that everything is under control, there is a danger that a situation will not be appreciated. Factors that can contribute to this include lack of sleep, monotony, distractions, disruption of day and night rhythms and being on watch on your own.
"Good seamanship requires an understanding of human limitations"
Chris van Dam, chairman of the Dutch Safety Board: ‘Maritime safety is a regular topic in our investigations and we strongly endorse the importance of Safe Working at Sea. Working safely covers many aspects, think concretely about the professionalism of seafarers, but on a more abstract level also about the design of shipping lanes. Let me give an example of both using recent OvV reports.