Name: Ruben de Boer
Current position: Sales & Operational Assistant
Current employer: ALP
ALP offers maritime services in the area of ocean towing, offshore positioning and mooring of floating platforms, heavy transport and salvage operations.
Sea2Shore in practice
A new life on shore
‘Sea voyages are no longer what they used to be with increasing regulation taking all the fun out of it. I even felt unsafe during my last trip, realising the lack of knowledge among some of my colleagues. During that trip I dislocated my shoulder, which gave me ample time to apply for another job. In order to keep busy and to make applying for jobs easier, I planned to sign up with a temp agency to make a few regular, short trips. Naturally, I approached TOS and you told me right away about the Sea2Shore service.’
A personal approach with Sea2Shore
Who are you, what can you do, what do you want and what do you expect from an onshore job? For TOS it is important to get clear on these questions in order to find the right match between candidate and organisation.
‘I didn’t really know what to expect, but Eline Suurmond had a few helpful questions that made things clear (also on a personal level). Eline introduced ALP to me by phone, video conferencing and by e-mail and set up an interview. After the interview, she spoke with ALP and provided me with feedback. She took on pretty much all of the negotiation process and that went smoothly. I was most interested in logistic and operational positions and in practice that seems to be a good match.
What is your added value as a former seafarer?
My maritime background is useful at times, but not always. My current position is quite different from my former work, however some knowledge and, above all, experience in certain areas around the world definitely comes in handy. Also having a decisive mentality. Former seafarers have an advantage in that they know how things work in the ports and at sea and that they (generally) don’t worry too much about things. One disadvantage is that we (shipmates) have a totally messed up (sleep) schedule and it takes a lot of time to get back to ‘normal’.
‘Your Sea2Shore career begins with TOS!’
Certainly a catchy slogan, but did you also experience it that way? Has your contact with TOS led you to a new career that suits you?
‘I certainly think so. I’m sure that I would have found something else, but I didn’t know ALP before and I probably wouldn’t have thought to apply there. So far I am really enjoying my work and I’m learning new things every day. For now I can say that this job suits me very well. I’m not much of a believer of pursuing a career, but who knows, maybe that will change.’