Meet the Sea Ranger crew of 2023
Over the past few weeks our brand new Sea Rangers have been doing their first shifts on the ship. We have caught up with some of them to see how they are settling into life on board and hear about what they have been learning.
Basic training
Before starting to sail and work at sea, Sea Rangers undergo basic safety training at an on-land training facility. Their training covers everything from first aid, man overboard procedures, fire safety and control and other precautions in case of emergency on the ship. One of the coolest parts of this stage is the rescue exercises done inside a storm simulating pool. Bart Maarsen, a Sea Ranger of the 2023 class explains this exercise:
“Everyone who works at sea has to do this training. The goal of the swimming exercise was to practice abandoning a ship in heavy weather. We had to wear a survival suit and jump into the water several times. In the water, we had to gather all together to keep warm. Also, we had to make a big circle and splash water to be more visible for planes. The exercise was really fun to do and afterwards I felt safer and better prepared to go work at sea.“
Living on the ship
Elise, who before applying studied leadership for sustainable development, loves how she can now work in a more hands-on way in ocean conservation. Talking about her first couple of weeks on the ship, she had this to say:
“Living on the ship has been a blast! The first week there is so much to learn including the names of all the equipment, how to live in close proximity with your crewmates, and how to cook for 7 people in a compact galley! We have all started to learn the dance required to move and shuffle around each other in the galley when we have to cook, wash up, dry the dishes, and set the table in the small space.”
Another one of this year’s recruits is Christa, who has previously studied Land and Water Management:
“One of the things I find most fun and remarkable about living on a ship is how fast you form a team: even with little everyday things you help each other out, because you have to when you are in such a limited space.”
After starting with us as a Sea Ranger last year, Mathieu is joining the crew again, this time as a Senior Sea Ranger. In this new role Mathieu will be able to share his experience and guidance with Sea Rangers that are starting this year. We asked Mathieu how he thought the new crew is settling in:
“It makes me happy to see the new Rangers settling into their new lives on the ship, there is a good atmosphere and everybody is finding their place in the team.”
Without any more introduction, here are our new Sea Rangers for 2023…
Christa van Oorschot
While exploring the inland waters from a canoe, Christa became fascinated by more open waters. After completing studies in International Land and Water Management in Wageningen, Christa will now explore the sea with the Sea Ranger Service, where preserving nature is key.
Marius Molenaar
As a kid Marius was always interested in water and nature. As a teenager Marius spent a lot of time sailing on the nearby lake. After studying Applied Psychology, with specific research in Sustainable Behaviour, Marius got in contact with the Sea Ranger Service. Now as a Sea Ranger in a role that connects all his interests, Marius is keen to get to work on the ship.
Ise Grimm
Growing up close to the sea sparked Ise’s passion for the ocean. As a recent Marine Biology graduate, Ise is highly motivated to actively contribute to better protected oceans through research and conservation projects. Collaborating in a motivated group of people with a clear goal energises Ise the most, therefore the active role of a Sea Ranger is a perfect next step.
Elise Chalcraft
Elise was born in the UK but lived in Switzerland from the age of 11, before moving to the Netherlands for University. After studying for a masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development, Elise was looking for a more hands on / action-oriented organisation that focused on ocean conservation and sustainability.
Elise found a love for sailing whilst sailing in the artic circle along the Norwegian coastline, cleaning marine litter off remote beaches. Outside of work Elise loves surfing, dancing the Lindyhop, drinking hot chocolate, and bouldering.
Giulia Kuhn
As a student of Biology and Medical Laboratory research, and as a youth trainer, Giulia is looking for the challenge of researching and learning new techniques. Giulia finds peace in sailing having sailed from an early age. The Sea Rangers Service gives Giulia a chance to develop and to turn a hobby into a job.
Bart Maarsen
Before starting as a Sea Ranger Bart studied Mechanical Engineering and worked in the heating industry. Bart has always been interested in sailing, the sea and sustainability. Working for the Sea Ranger Service is a great way to learn more about all of these.
Julia Kuipers
After studying Cultural Anthropology Julia wanted to improve in practical skills. Having worked as a lifeguard during the summer Julia wanted to work near the sea. The work at the Sea Ranger Service is a combination of sailing, being outdoors, team work and contributing to a healthier ocean, which is very inspiring and motivating!
Roosje Lubrecht
For Roosje being a Sea Ranger feels like a puzzle piece on the search of how to live life most closely to my ideals. In recent years Roosje has spent time on climate and social issues in various ways. One of the things Roosje has come to realise is that change comes from taking care of your environment in the more broader way. Taking care of each other and closely working together on restorative projects, like we do as the Sea Ranger Service, fits into this. A place where the line between work and living blurs and a more balanced way of participating in life comes in.
We are encouraged to hear that our ship’s crew members are enthusiastic and excited to get started on this year’s assignments. As the sailing season progresses we will have plenty more updates on our work out in the North Sea.