From dream to deck: first deckhands graduate as sailors

It's celebration time at the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority: not only is the towage service marking its 150th anniversary, but the first cohort of deckhands will also complete their programme in September. A first for the port and for the nine enthusiastic pioneers who undertook the brand-new programme. Two of them, Kelly De Wit and Thor Goossens, share their experiences.

Jobs in the port Port operations Maritime & Nautical

A new programme brings new opportunities

Sailors are scarce. That's why Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority came up with a clever solution in early 2024: the entry-level position of 'deckhand'. This is a nine-month programme for those wishing to become sailors. This new position was created by the Port Authority to lower the barrier to entry for the towage service. The programme was developed in collaboration with the Centre for Adult Education (CVO).

Deckhand Kelly explains: "The programme combines theory and practice in an alternating rhythm. We received lessons on safety, communication, radio operation, ship knowledge, and even some aspects of the engine room, among other topics. Some of the theoretical lessons were delivered by CVO instructors, with others provided by our own colleagues."

AUB NOG NIET GEBRUIKEN VOOR 4 SEPT 25 - Kelly De Wit en Thor Goossens zijn twee collega's die in 2024-2025 deel uitmaakten van de nieuwe deksman opleiding. Ze studeren op 4 september af als matroos. Een deksman is een matroos in opleiding dus je kan deze foto's gebruiken voor zowel deksmannen als matrozen in beeld te brengen. Hebben beiden afstand portretrecht getekend.

Without the crew, we would be nowhere.

The programme is deliberately based on the principle of “learning on the job.” The deckhands gain experience on the tugs under the supervision of seasoned sailors, captains, and marine engineers. "On board as a deckhand, you’re the fourth crew member, and everything is shown to you step by step," says Thor. "We even learned about the engine room from the marine engineers. Which certainly wasn’t simple!"

Kelly emphasises the value of internal expertise: “Theory is important, but practice is what really sticks.” And you don't learn that from a book. We are deeply grateful to all our colleagues for the time, knowledge, and patience they have given us. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today."

All aboard

Notably, although Kelly and Thor have a nautical background, this was not the case for all nine deckhands. "On the contrary, the group consists of people with very different profiles. Some colleagues come from healthcare, entertainment, or telecom," Thor says. At first, everything was new to them, but now everyone is on the same level.

For some,
the training programme represented a complete career switch. And that’s exactly what makes it so valuable. “In the past, this kind of job was only open to those who already had a boating licence or experience in inland navigation,” Kelly says. "Everyone now has the chance to grow through hands-on experience."

From keel to close-knit crew

The deckhands quickly established a great atmosphere. "Since we all started together, a strong bond formed quickly," Thor says. "We helped each other and we laughed together. And yes, a little healthy competition did crop up in the exams! Even after work hours, we sometimes go out and do something fun together. We’ve really grown close as a team."

Working together on board also strengthened that group bond. "You constantly interact, learning about and valuing each other’s strengths," Thor adds. "Since we were on different shifts each time, we had the opportunity to meet many colleagues." This allowed us to become familiar not only with the work but also with the people behind it."

Future at the helm

The first group will officially graduate in September. That's when Kelly, Thor and their seven colleagues will become sailors. And then? "We'll start out in the 'individual pool' first," Kelly explains. "After that, once you have enough seniority, you can move to a permanent crew position and even become a helmsman or captain."

Do they have any dreams? "Certainly," Thor smiles. "Within five years, I hope to be at the helm myself. Captain on a tug-boat, that's my goal." Kelly nods, "Mine too. I'm not in any hurry, but I can see myself taking that path. I’ve developed a taste for it."

Congratulations to all the graduating deckhands!

On board with the towage service

Who exactly are the crew members of a tug-boat? And how do we go about finding new colleagues? Our colleagues Marga Vanlandschoot, expert in staffing data, and Karl Van Dyck, senior fleet trainer, guide us through the world of towage services.

Read on

Marga and Karl stand back to back in their safety gear and life jackets in front of their tugboat.

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