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Captain Joris van Vuuren (age 48) sails all over the world. Of course he misses his wife and daughters, but they're used to it in the Van Vuuren household. Once at home, Joris is soon part of the family again.

“In the tramp trade, we do not sail fixed routes. As a result, I never know exactly when I will disembark. At one time when my period at sea was almost up, I used to look forward to the crew relief, but not anymore. That's because things often turn out differently. On occasions, the quay where we have to unload is occupied. Then you have to wait offshore and that can take up to two weeks. So I am not sure I am going home until I have disembarked. Sailor's family When I am at sea, of course I miss my wife and daughters, but I don't think that's negative. I try to call every week. And we can e-mail and app on board. But it is of course sometimes difficult. For example, if there is something going on at home that I cannot help with. I often miss birthdays too. I did attend the births of my children. That can be reasonably planned. Of course, that does not apply to deaths; at best, you can try to be at the funeral. I have experienced that with my sister and parents-in-law. These are difficult things. But as a family, we are used to it. Home life goes on and when I’m back home, I try to fit in with family life as soon as possible. In the beginning, it always takes a bit of getting used to. My wife and daughters have their day-to-day rhythm and when I'm at home that balance changes. In proportion I try to do nothing when at home: I read a bit and cycle a few times a week. At the end of my leave, a few days before departure, I notice that my thoughts are already more on the job. If possible, my wife and children will drive me to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. When I leave on a weekday, we say goodbye at breakfast. That's the way it is, we try to keep things in proportion. Taking early retirement I have been sailing for 25 years now and I don't think I will be doing it until I retire. I don't mind the sailing, but as a captain I cannot advance in rank. That’s why I think I will eventually go and do something else. But I don't know what yet; time will tell. I am not actively thinking about my retirement yet, but I have arranged it properly. I have invested some savings and our house is partly paid off. By the time my retirement is approaching, I will definitely call the pension fund. I wouldn't mind taking early retirement.” ←

Joris van Vuuren has worked at sea for 25 years and is employed by BigLift Shipping, part of the Spliethoff Group. He and his crew transport “everything that doesn't fit into a container”. Joris lives with his wife and two daughters (15 and 12) in Amsterdam.