About 55 men and women serve half a day once or twice a week on the Jonge Seun. They have been specially trained by instructors, because the Jonge Seun maneuvers differently than a regular ship. The skippers are responsible for a maximum of 12 passengers and maintain radio contact with other vessels and the Port Authority.
There is also always a co-skipper on board. He or she handles payment, assists with mooring and departure, and acts as a point of contact for passengers. This ensures that the helmsman or helmswoman can maneuver safely in the bustling Willemshaven.
Safety is paramount at the Jonge Seun!
Are you interested in joining our expert team of skippers? Would you also like to contribute your expertise to the ferry? The foundation would love to hear from you, as there is always room for enthusiastic volunteers.
A trainee skipper will receive practical training twice a week, if possible, and if you do this consistently, you can become a skipper in less than half a season. There is a theoretical and practical component. The theory can be found in our Pontschipper Handbook, which aligns with the practical exercises. There is also a theory evening.
As a co-skipper, you can come on board immediately: you will receive basic instructions on mooring, explaining the harbors and their moorings (there’s also a very informative booklet on this), and settling the bill for guests.