Luca is 22, comes from near Koblenz and works in Liquid Shipping as a boatman/sailor on board Synthese-14. As a hobby, he enjoys taking photographs in the seaports of the world. This is something he can combine easily with his job as an inland crew member with HGK Shipping. He hopes to quickly gain more certifications in order to make further progress. The key to this, in our view, is his interest in the job.
He came to inland navigation through an exciting progression. As a child he was given a set of four ships as a gift. From this he got to know the data of the ships and became so keen on sailing that he wanted his future working life to be orientated towards it. He started first in passenger shipping, then began his career in tanker shipping, as this offered a wider variety of experiences. Last April he completed his apprenticeship as the best in his class and is now working on acquiring the certifications necessary to become a captain as soon as possible.
Practice-orientated learning and open colleagues
He encourages people interested in an apprenticeship to work on a barge to start with an internship in order to find out more about inland navigation, because the shift system is not for everyone.
He sees ambition and an interest in navigation as his model of success. ‘I’m very grateful that my colleagues have confidence in me, teach me in a practical manner and answer all my questions.’ He also learnt a lot during his assignments as a reserve employee, where he was always bumping into friendly colleagues who received him well. ‘One of the things I like about HGK Shipping is that the company is always ready to support young personnel. And there is a good personal exchange with the personnel planning department.’
Good mood and good food
Something that must never be in short supply onboard is humour and a good mood. After all, you are in close proximity to your colleagues for two or three weeks in the same accommodation. Poor humour in such a situation would be out of place.
A roast on Sundays adds to an overall sense of wellbeing for him and his colleagues. And there is fresh cooking on the other days too. He likes waking up in the same place and yet always being somewhere different. He finds a varied terrain stimulating. Previously, he liked the landscapes in northern France and southern Belgium the most.
I’m very grateful that my colleagues have confidence in me, teach me in a practical manner and answer all my questions.
When the shift ends, he sets off in his hired car and then looks forward to his couch. In his free time, Luca likes to meet with his friends, who have now got used to his shift pattern. Thus he can even plan his free time effectively, if done in advance. In terms of career, his next major objective is to obtain all the documents and certifications necessary to move forward.