Dutch Pilotage

Together with the other trainers from the Cultural Insights Cooperative, we will be training Dutch pilots in intercultural communication. This week, I had the opportunity to spend a day sailing with them. I was impressed by these people’s professionalism! With 460 pilots, spread across three partnerships and four ports (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Vlissingen, and Delfzijl), they guide all seagoing vessels in and out of the ports.

It was quite an experience. Together with pilot Alex Flinkerbusch, we sailed in a small boat, bobbing on the waves, towards a ship. Then we climbed up the rope ladder along the ship (yes, really!) and on to the wheelhouse. The pilot more or less takes over the ship, and communication between the pilot and the captain is crucial. Each ship is a small world unto itself, with a captain, helmsmen, technicians, and sailors from all corners of the globe.

We sailed on the Scheldt towards Antwerp, through a fairly narrow channel with bends, currents, sandbanks, and many other ships to take into account. And symbols are also important in this international traffic. Before we docked, the box with flags from all over the world was opened. The Belgian flag was pulled out and hoisted to the top. As a greeting to the port of arrival.

Various people are involved continuously: on the small boats, the tugboats needed for mooring, and the people on shore, from those who secure the mooring lines to traffic control. And that’s not even mentioning loading and unloading. It’s Dutch logistics in full swing, and it was wonderful to see. Thank you, Alex, for an unforgettable day. I look forward to talking to all the other pilots as well.