Activities
Caring for the person behind the dredging and offshore professional is the central focus of the SPWO. Therefore, the SPWO pastors maintains close contact with people working in the field: on projects, in offices, on board vessels, at maritime schools, and in the digital world. This takes place during regular visits, but sometimes also in response to a special situation requiring crisis support. The pastor seeks conversation with everyone. Because the pastor serves as an independent conversation partner, everything discussed remains confidential.
Visits
During visits to projects, vessels, and other equipment, the pastor tries to engage everyone in conversation. Personal questions may also be asked. How is the work experienced? Are there tensions or challenges? How are things at home? Some conversations will naturally go deeper than others. People may simply want to share their concerns, discuss questions about life, or talk about everyday matters.
Unlike psychological counseling, these conversations are not always problem-oriented. Sharing positive experiences is equally valuable. The pastor enjoys laughter and is also happy to join in moments of celebration.
For those who wish to participate, the pastor often organises a group gathering on board, such as a moment of prayer or a meeting connected to a religious holiday.
Crisis Support
A special visit may be made to a project or vessel when a serious incident has occurred, such as an accident at work or a death on board. When people work and live closely together, it is important to process shocking events collectively.
During such visits, the pastor speaks with those involved, provides guidance regarding psychological aspects of crisis situations, and organises a shared ritual or moment of reflection. Follow-up care may also be offered afterwards.
Today, support can also be provided online, both through personal conversations and online group gatherings.
The pastor sometimes also visits employees and their families at home in cases of illness or other personal circumstances.
For crisis support, the pastor (or a reliever pastor) is in principle available 24/7. Travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the company involved.
* The chaplain is certified in First Psychological Aid (FPA).
Guest Seminars
For several years, the dredging/offshore pastor, together with two “port chaplain colleagues,” has been providing guest seminars at various maritime academies in the Netherlands. These seminars focus on “personal and social skills on board” and are spread across different years of study.
These lessons make use of the self-developed internship preparation booklet:
“What Will You Take in Your Suitcase? Tips & Tricks for Maritime Adventurers”
This publication was made possible through support from the Development and Training Fund for Dredging and Marine Construction
The digital version of the OTJ training brochure for cadets (in Dutch) can be downloaded:: WATERBOUW STAGE BROCHURE 2024 v5
The packing checklist belonging to the brochure: TIPS EN PAKLIJST STAGE versie 4
The dredging/offshore pastor also provides similar guest lectures and seminars at maritime schools in the Philippines. In addition, he offers “Cultural Awareness and Effectiveness” training courses for companies.
Conferences
The SPWO organises a conference every one or two years for sponsors and other interested participants. During these gatherings, we reflect on themes related to the position of the human person within the highly technological environment of the dredging and offshore industry.
Topics in recent years have included:
- What value do we attach to safety?
- The final stage of your career – new developments
- Social Life on Board 2.0
- Finding meaning in your work
- Trust in the workplace – about bureaucracy
- Connecting and Belong – between generations and nationalities
