Seafarers are often away from home for long periods of time. But for captain Reinder Luders (48) it’s not so bad: four weeks on, four weeks off. That rhythm suits him and his family. “My wife is the daughter of a seafarer, so she was used to it right from the start. When our daughter was born, I deliberately opted for platform supply ships over tramp shipping. I am in a port every three or four days, usually around the North Sea. So if there is an emergency at home, I can leave the ship. But it has to be a real emergency. For seafarers and their families, it is a fact of life that you cannot be everywhere. Fortunately, I was present at the birth of our daughter. I had accumulated days off so that I was home well before the due date, until two weeks later. In the margin Our daughter has now left home, but even when she was small, my work rhythm suited us well. I have had a period in which I was away for a week, home for a few days, away for another week, but that was just restless. You know, sometimes children also just like to have some space for themselves. Especially adolescents, who like to be ‘in the margin’, and not having a father around who keeps a constant eye on them, as he is used to doing on board. The first week after a period away was a bit like Sinterklaas: everything was allowed and possible, you are a bit of a guest in your own home. Then I started to get involved around the house, and that would sometimes make things difficult. They are used to doing things their way, but on the other hand it is also my house. Clearing your head In the past, my wife and daughter would sometimes pick me up after a period away, but that didn't work out. I was too busy with the handover and I wanted to focus on them. Now I just arrive in the port or at Schiphol and take public transport home. Then I dump my bag in the hall and go for an hour’s walk with my wife and our dogs. Nice to clear your head. Another regular event is a visit to the supermarket. On board, of course, you only have a limited choice of food and drink. I love going to the supermarket to see what’s there. I also often drop by the bakery for a cup of coffee. And I visit my friends. Without a crew After about three weeks, I always look forward to the moment of departure. Sailing suits me: that feeling of autonomy, of self-determination, the interaction with the crew. If it’s up to me, I will keep doing this work until I retire. I have not yet thought about my pension. It is still a long way off and a lot can still happen. A lot can happen in the shipping industry too, such as in the field of autonomous sailing, without a crew on board. Technically it’s possible, legally there are still things to be sorted out. I think I’ll be at the helm for the next fifteen years.” ←