

The offices on shore also play a crucial role in this. They facilitate the safety culture and continuously promote it. They ensure that policies, rules and resources are in place. And that everyone, from work planners to machine operators, knows that if something does not feel safe, they can stop work. Period.
This year, we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Association of Hydraulic Engineers. For nine decades, we have been committed to a strong, visible and safe sector. And we are still going strong. At a time when climate adaptation, infrastructure and water safety are key issues, we want to move forward – together and safely.
Because working safely starts with good preparation. But it only becomes truly strong when everyone dares to double-check every day.
“We dare to share accidents and near misses with each other. Not to point fingers, but to learn from them”

Every project starts with identifying risks, together with the project manager and the client. A comprehensive safety plan is drawn up. What could go wrong? What can we avoid? And what do we need to organise properly to be able to work safely? That is the first check. But it doesn't stop there. Safety remains top of mind during the execution. There are daily toolbox meetings, we carry out Last Minute Risk Assessments, and the entire crew remains alert. Because no matter how well you prepare, every day is different.
And double-checking goes beyond just the equipment or the working environment. It also includes personal care. Protect yourself from the sun when working outside for long hours. Check the weather, not just the wind force, but also the UV index. Drink enough on hot days. Working safely starts with yourself.
What I find special about hydraulic engineering is that we dare to share accidents and near misses with each other. Not to point fingers, but to learn from them. To improve together. Several times a year, we discuss these situations with our members. In this way, we build a culture in which safety comes first.

“Safety remains top of mind during implementation. Because no matter how well you prepare, every day is different”
Every summer, we go camping with the family. We only use the trailer that carries our tent, chairs and other camping gear once a year. Nevertheless, we faithfully take it to the garage every year for a check-up. Just to be on the safe side. Because even if everything seems fine, you don't want any surprises on the road. This double-checking has become second nature to me. And I realise that the same applies to our work in hydraulic engineering.
In this sector, precision, safety and cooperation are key. We work with large equipment, at varying locations and often under challenging conditions. Think of currents, the weather, changing soil conditions and working to deadlines. This makes it all the more important that everyone working on and around the water is constantly aware of the potential risks. And that we discuss these together. Both before and during the work.

at Sea!
Join Work Safely at Sea and help us spread the important message about safety further. We are looking for companies, ships, and workers to share their experiences. Your story can inspire others and make them aware of the crucial role safety plays in our work. Whether you have a success story or a lesson learned from a near miss, your contribution can make a difference. Fill in the form and join our mission to make the sea a safer place to work for everyone



“We dare to share accidents and near misses with each other. Not to point fingers, but to learn from them”



“Safety remains top of mind during implementation. Because no matter how well you prepare, every day is different”
Every project starts with identifying risks, together with the project manager and the client. A comprehensive safety plan is drawn up. What could go wrong? What can we avoid? And what do we need to organise properly to be able to work safely? That is the first check. But it doesn't stop there. Safety remains top of mind during the execution. There are daily toolbox meetings, we carry out Last Minute Risk Assessments, and the entire crew remains alert. Because no matter how well you prepare, every day is different.
And double-checking goes beyond just the equipment or the working environment. It also includes personal care. Protect yourself from the sun when working outside for long hours. Check the weather, not just the wind force, but also the UV index. Drink enough on hot days. Working safely starts with yourself.
What I find special about hydraulic engineering is that we dare to share accidents and near misses with each other. Not to point fingers, but to learn from them. To improve together. Several times a year, we discuss these situations with our members. In this way, we build a culture in which safety comes first.

Every summer, we go camping with the family. We only use the trailer that carries our tent, chairs and other camping gear once a year. Nevertheless, we faithfully take it to the garage every year for a check-up. Just to be on the safe side. Because even if everything seems fine, you don't want any surprises on the road. This double-checking has become second nature to me. And I realise that the same applies to our work in hydraulic engineering.
In this sector, precision, safety and cooperation are key. We work with large equipment, at varying locations and often under challenging conditions. Think of currents, the weather, changing soil conditions and working to deadlines. This makes it all the more important that everyone working on and around the water is constantly aware of the potential risks. And that we discuss these together. Both before and during the work.
The offices on shore also play a crucial role in this. They facilitate the safety culture and continuously promote it. They ensure that policies, rules and resources are in place. And that everyone, from work planners to machine operators, knows that if something does not feel safe, they can stop work. Period.
This year, we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Association of Hydraulic Engineers. For nine decades, we have been committed to a strong, visible and safe sector. And we are still going strong. At a time when climate adaptation, infrastructure and water safety are key issues, we want to move forward – together and safely.
Because working safely starts with good preparation. But it only becomes truly strong when everyone dares to double-check every day.

Join Work Safely at Sea and help us spread the important message about safety further. We are looking for companies, ships, and workers to share their experiences. Your story can inspire others and make them aware of the crucial role safety plays in our work. Whether you have a success story or a lesson learned from a near miss, your contribution can make a difference. Fill in the form and join our mission to make the sea a safer place to work for everyone
at Sea!