Team

Wietse founded the Sea Ranger Service in 2016 after having worked at various international conservation organisations in more than 10 countries over 20 years yet seeing an opportunity for a more pragmatic approach to increasing conservation capacity. His work approach has been widely celebrated as an innovative model which brings together public and private partners to realise necessary ‘boots on the ground’ for increased environmental protection.



Currently responsible for the company’s overseas expansion, Wietse is building a global network of governments, agencies, investors and entrepreneurs to scale the work of the Sea Ranger Service and its social and sustainable impact. Wietse is also involved in the recruitment and training of new Sea Ranger Service franchisees and leads the international Sea Ranger holding company.

Eric is a Rotterdam entrepreneur and owner of diving school Het Duikhuis. After years of working in the investment industry, he now manages the Sea Ranger Service with his financial expertise.

As a Civil and Coastal Engineer by training, Rachel combines a technical background with the personal purpose of contributing to a better world. With a background in maritime and offshore (wind), she is currently Head of Sustainability at Van Oord; using their capabilities to create a sustainable future.

Rachel likes to keep her focus on projects which enable her to work towards her purpose, which is why joining the board of the Sea Rangers Service Foundation is a perfect fit.

Originally from the UK, Rachel now lives in Rotterdam with her family.

Riemert has worked in a maritime environment for the past 37 years. Starting in the navy, then switching to safety training for the maritime industry. For ten years he was responsible for operations at the KNRM (Dutch offshore lifeboat organisation) and is now back in the field of safety training as director of STC-KNRM in Rotterdam. Developing, maintaining skills, and safe sailing with small fast boats, runs through Riemert's working life as a common thread. He fully endorses the mission and vision of the Sea Ranger Service and supports the organisation with his professional expertise.

Having a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Effie started her own company while still at University. Working for various clients in the cultural and sustainable food sector, she developed herself from production assistant to project manager. She has additionally worked for different start-ups and has set up her own project, championing young word artists by giving them a stage when nothing like this existed at the time. Across all aspects of her work Effie focusses on making connection and looking for ways we can learn from one another. Her strong belief is that together we are greater than the sum of our parts and joy and wisdom are found in our journeys together.

After four years of building and further developing the Sea Ranger Service as its General Manager, Effie now heads our international expansion through the development of our franchise model. She is further responsible for our franchising programme and its ongoing development. Selecting and training new franchisees, giving ongoing support, building the community and making sure innovation is spearheaded are all part of her daily activities.

After years of working as a Financial Director for companies in the semiconductor, offshore and food industry, Ruud is now involved in the further professionalisation and international expansion of the Sea Ranger Service. Ruud has a broad, varied interest and a background in botany are the inspiration for me to work at the Sea Ranger Service.

Bart has worked for 20 years as a Supply Chain professional. Over the last 10 years he worked for a fast-growing start-up where he was Head of Supply Chain, responsible for global logistics and procurement. His experience in offshore start-ups is a good fit for the Sea Ranger Service as he joins us as Head of Operations. He is proud that he is able to make a difference together with the Sea Rangers, and contribute to the mission and vision. In his free time, he will be with his wife Ellen and 2 boys (Teun and Hein). He loves music, especially blues and soul.

As our Head of People, Sanne is responsible for everything to do with people at Sea Ranger Service. This ranges from organising good employment conditions to coaching Sea Rangers and building partnerships with other employers in the maritime sector. With a background in Organisational Psychology, Sanne sees the potential of people and helps our Sea Rangers to discover their talents and possibilities.

Next to working at Sea Ranger Service Sanne prefers to spend her time at the sea surfing, swimming or just enjoying the beach. During her travels she has seen up close how beautiful our world is and how important it is to take care of our oceans. With her passion for people and love for the ocean, Sanne and the Sea Ranger Service are a match made in heaven.

Having been active in the creative industry for 15 years, Dan has worked with charities and ethical organisations of all sizes. During the pandemic he co-founded a social enterprise to help young people find work. His interest and passion for sustainability and environmental issues has lead him to his role at the Sea Ranger Service, as a way to have more of an impact on the world and create a positive future for the coming generations.

Former director of one of the Netherlands largest maritime employers organizations. With this professional background, Kees is now an integral part of the Sea Ranger Service and coordinates external relations with government agencies and investors.

After receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Wik followed his heart and continued his education as a film and TV director in England. Returning to The Netherlands, he started a career as a television director and later founded a tv-production company. After the sale of this company, Wik has held various positions in the creative industry at management and board level.

During the later stages of his career, Wik’s main drive is to make a contribution to society and the environment, while working with others, helping to unlock other people’s talents. As a dedicated racing sailor Wik has travelled many miles on lakes, seas and oceans. By putting his passion for the sea and his experience and knowledge together, Wik is delighted to contribute to the vision and mission of the Sea Ranger Service.

As she loves to be outdoors and studied Sustainable Development, Sophie found a job that fits perfectly with these two interests. When she is not working at the Sea Ranger Service, you can find Sophie training in Krav Maga, practicing photography, jogging, surfing, or sitting in a comfy chair with a good book.

Willempje is an experienced project manager with a demonstrated history of working in the sports, tech and social innovation industry. She founded her own boxing school, worked for various clients as a game producer and was the club manager of a coworking space. Her working history has been an adventure of building networks and getting people to move forward (both metaphorically and literally). She is here now to organise the Sea Ranger Bootcamp.

After leaving school Ed joined the Marine Corps and served there in various positions for 37 years. After this he started his own company in obstacle runs and giving bootcamp lessons. Ed now works with our future Sea Rangers as our Bootcamp leader.

People in nature, nature in people. These are the principles that Pieter applies as a social worker/mental coach at the Sea Ranger Service. All team members can approach Pieter for inspiration, coaching and advice. This enables them to fully deploy their talents for nature and the environment all over the world.

As a sports instructor at the Ministry of Defence since 1978, Ton has worked outside in nature all his life. Conducting exercises in Canada, Sweden and Curacao among others with mostly young people, was the ideal preparation to guide the Bootcamp as an instructor.

After more than 30 years in the Royal Dutch Navy, Onno is still not done with the oceans. As liaison within walking distance of our operational base in Den Helder, he is our helping hand for all kinds of support needed. If he is not working, he also likes to go out to sea on his own sailing yacht.

How do you make sure you select the right people for your starting organization? Gutfeeling is important, but the verdict of an assessment psychologist also counts heavily for us. With a lot of fun, sharp questions and practical experience, Sinem Akgün-Smit has been supporting us for quite some time when it comes to selecting the best people!

Jan-Willem grew up with his parents and their sailing yacht, and when he was old enough started to learn to sail himself. Later in life he started to sail as a mate on one of the traditional Dutch sailing barges. Later jan-Willem bought his own ship to sail with guests on the IJsselmeer and Waddenzee. He started sailing on sea going sailing vessels in 2015. Jan-Willem is excited to sail now with the Sea Ranger Service and pass on his knowledge to the new Sea Rangers.

After his retirement as Commander from the RNLN, Koene started sailing as a captain on various traditional sailing ships. Being able to support and train young people with his experience whilst working to protect the sea he loves motivated him to join the Sea Ranger Service.

Josefien exchanged horsepower for windpower, because her education to work with horses didn't bring what she was looking for. She gave up her job as a waitress when she could start sailing at the Sea Ranger Bootcamp. She just wants to feel the wind in her hair every day!

Henk is an energetic, creative mind who likes to share his knowledge about sailing and technology.

To learn every day and combine that with common sense in daily life gives positive energy to everyone. Over the course of his career he has work on internship projects in Sweden, with students in Gambia and Senegal, and maintenance of the IDRT race team. Working for the Sea Ranger Service is Henk's latest challenge, connecting sailing and being outdoors to sustainability and training. Introducing young people to the beauty of the sea, sailing, technology and navigation is one of Henk's passions.

Born in 1982 in the German Democratic Republic (DDR), I began my career as a programmer in 2001. Later, around 2011, I transitioned to working as a UX designer. However, it was in 2015 that my passion for sailing truly ignited. Since then, I have accumulated around 30,000 sea miles on sailing vessels, exploring the waters of Europe and the Caribbean. Working for the Sea Rangers has been a truly remarkable experience, as I get to combine my love for sailing with a noble cause of protecting our oceans and marine life. It's an honor to be part of such an inspiring organisation.

Thierry has been working with the Sea Ranger Service for four years now, coming through our Sea Ranger Bootcamp, starting as a Sea Ranger, then getting promoted to Rating Deck. Since joining the Sea Ranger Service, Thierry has found his calling working at sea, and enjoys training to progress his career in the maritime industry.

Jiri Callens is our Rating Decks from Antwerp. After studying international business management he found his true passion on the water. At a young age he inherited a watermicrobe, which ignited his love for sailing. With experience on various types of sailing vessels, Jiri constantly seeks new adventures and learning opportunities. Respect is his top priority in a job, which is why he chose to work for Sea Ranger Service. Here he can eagerly expands his knowledge and share his sailing skills with the young Sea Rangers.

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.

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.

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.

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 Ranger Service gives Giulia a chance to develop and to turn a hobby into a job.

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.

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 organisation that focused on ocean conservation and sustainability. Elise found a love for sailing whilst sailing in the arctic circle along the Norwegian coastline, cleaning marine litter from remote beaches. Outside of work Elise loves surfing, dancing, and bouldering.

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.

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.