Sebastiaan Jansen knew what he wanted from an early age. At just twelve years old, he left for the boarding school for skippers in Rotterdam, where he followed a training program to become a deckhand. After several years at sea, he completed his studies to become a maritime officer and worked for companies including Amasus. Ultimately, though, he chose inland shipping. “I didn’t want to be away from home for three months at a time. Inland shipping fits my life better.”
Since 2022, Sebastiaan has been sailing the Dallas, a vessel owned by Unibarge. When he came aboard, Bridgescout® was already installed. And since then, he can’t imagine working without it. “On German canals, you sometimes have only a few centimeters to spare. That’s when Bridgescout® really takes the lead. It watches along with you – literally. If I need to lower the wheelhouse, I can see it immediately. Sure, I still stick my head out the window now and then, but this system just gives you much more certainty.”
A tool, not a takeover
Sebastiaan is the first to admit he knows what he’s doing. “I’ve never had a collision, and I’d like to keep it that way. I navigate based on experience, knowledge, and instinct. But having an extra set of eyes never hurts.” The great thing about Bridgescout®? You don’t have to do anything. “You just glance at the screen, and that says it all. Red light and a sound signal? That means: pay attention for a moment. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.”
Installation and certification: ‘Done in half an hour’
In his very first week aboard, Sebastiaan was already involved in the system’s annual inspection. “New sensor, check everything, sign off – and done. Half an hour of work. But it matters: both for the authorities and for your own peace of mind.”
He has now gone through the inspection process twice. “You notice: when someone knows what they’re doing, it can go quickly. And then you can pass under those bridges with confidence.”
Safety as a shared responsibility
To Sebastiaan, Bridgescout® isn’t just another piece of tech – it’s a logical next step in a sector that’s becoming increasingly professional. “If you’re not using it, you’re basically falling behind. We all have a responsibility. There have been recent incidents where a wheelhouse was torn off. And I think: clearly there wasn’t a Bridgescout® on board. You can’t completely eliminate human error, but you can compensate for it. Bridgescout® helps ensure that safety is guaranteed.”
From seasoned skippers to new crew members: Bridgescout® gives every inland navigator extra peace of mind. Want to know how it can support you and your crew? Reach out via info@sensormaritime.com or call +31 (0)73 220 0454. We’re happy to think along.