For Captain Thomas, navigating Germany’s inland waterways is a daily routine. And although he knows the routes like the back of his hand, it’s still a challenging job — especially near bridges where there’s very little clearance. For some time now, Thomas has been sailing with Bridgescout® on board the Rhenus Dortmund. “On certain stretches, you only have a few centimetres to spare,” he says. “That’s when you want to be sure you’re acting at the right moment.”
What stands out most to him? The simplicity. “The system does exactly what it should. It’s clear, straightforward, and responds instantly. Especially when visibility is poor or there are distractions on board, that really helps. It allows us to react in time and avoid mistakes,” says Thomas. “It’s like having an extra pair of eyes that’s always alert—especially useful in darkness or when water levels change.”
Bridgescout® clearly shows how high the wheelhouse is in relation to the bridge, using visual and spoken alerts. “That gives you confidence. There’s no need to guess or hesitate—you can literally see what’s going on.”
User-friendly on board
What Thomas values most is the system’s ease of use. “It’s intuitive,” he says. “New crew members understand it within minutes. Red means pay attention, green means you’re safe. It doesn’t get any simpler.”
The panel also displays practical data such as speed, time to bridge, and the name of the bridge ahead.
Inland shipping is getting busier, Thomas notes. With Bridgescout® on board, he feels more prepared. “You get that extra bit of control. Especially in places where you’d otherwise rely on gut feeling. It reduces stress—and prevents mistakes.”
He now uses the system daily. “Once you get used to it, you won’t want to be without it.”
Want to invest in safety on board?
Bridgescout® is for anyone who wants to reduce risk. Whether you’re transporting containers, chemicals or passengers: the system provides clarity and peace of mind when it matters most. Interested? Contact us at info@sensormaritime.com or call +31 (0)73 220 0454. We’re happy to help.