At just 28 years old, Jan-Ole Klose already has a decade of inland shipping experience with RP Shipping. He currently captains the Renata Reich on Germany’s inland waterways. For the past three years, he has done so with Bridgescout® on board and he’s very pleased with it. “I wouldn’t want to go without it,” Klose says.
Navigating German inland waters can be quite challenging: low bridges, fluctuating water levels, and limited room to manoeuvre. “Especially on narrow, dark canals, sometimes you only have a few centimetres to spare,” Klose explains. “It’s hard to tell if your wheelhouse will clear the bridge. That’s where Bridgescout® gives certainty. The system constantly measures your height in relation to the bridge and tells you exactly when to lower the wheelhouse. That brings peace of mind.”
Easy to use on board
What stands out most to Klose is how user-friendly the system is. “A few weeks ago, a new captain joined us. He had never used Bridgescout® before but understood it within fifteen minutes. You barely need to explain it. The visual display is so intuitive—green means you’re good to go, red means you need to lower the wheelhouse. It speaks for itself.”
Smooth updates, fast service
Klose has also experienced one of the system’s annual updates. “Someone comes on board, checks everything, replaces what’s needed, and makes sure it’s all up-to-date. It takes less than half an hour. No hassle, just professional and fast.” Would he recommend the system to fellow captains? “Absolutely,” says Captain Klose. “It’s accurate, user-friendly, and reliable. What more could you want?”
About the Renata Reich
The Renata Reich is part of the fleet of Reich Schifffahrtsbetriebe, a family-owned shipping company with offices in Germany and the Netherlands. With many years of experience in inland navigation, the company is known for its reliable vessels, well-trained crews, and strong focus on safety.
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.