Wiebe on Bridgescout® aboard the MTS Luuk: “You don't have to trust it blindly, but it always helps.”
For Wiebe Stevens, sailing on inland waterways is an everyday affair. He has been working in inland shipping since 2013, after previously working as a fisherman. “I've actually never had to bring a lunchbox to work,” he says with a wink. For the past three years, he has been sailing on the MTS Luuk, a ship that has been equipped with Bridgescout® since 2017. “On some routes, you only have thirty centimeters of clearance. That's when you want to know where you stand.”
On the Luuk, the system is still mounted in the middle of the ship. Not ideal, Wiebe admits: “It always measures the foremast, so you sometimes get a false beep. Then you don't see anything, but the system keeps warning you.” Still, he is positive. “Of course, it helps. The system indicates whether you can pass under it at all or not.”
Bridgescout® primarily offers him extra security during bridge passages. “On some routes, you only have thirty centimeters of clearance. Then you want to know where you stand. The system indicates that clearly, even though you ultimately always rely on yourself.”
User-friendly and accessible
According to Wiebe, the system is simple to use: “There are three buttons on it. Red means pay attention, green means good. Everyone understands that.” New colleagues also get used to it quickly. “You don't need to have taken a computer course for it. It's self-explanatory.”
Wiebe previously sailed on the Birjo, where the Bridgescout® is located on the side. “That works a bit better because it's not blocked by the mast.” Despite the less favorable position on the Luuk, he still sees the system as valuable. “In fog or snow, you sometimes see things that aren't there. It's still technology. But it's better to be warned a little early than too late.”
Part of the daily grind
When asked if he would recommend the system to fellow skippers, he is clear: “Absolutely. It is and remains a tool. Not a replacement for your own eyes, but something that can help prevent mistakes.” He himself sails with the Luuk on various routes - from the Rhine to the Meuse and Elbe - and therefore regularly encounters bridges with little clearance. “Then it's nice to have a system on board that is watching along.”
About the MTS Luuk
The Luuk is part of the RT Lloyd fleet from Werkendam and sails for charterer ANACO. Besides the Luuk, ships such as the Nikki, Silke, Essenza and Orinoco are also equipped with Bridgescout®.
Want to learn more about Bridgescout® or curious about what it can do for your ship? Contact us at info@sensormaritime.com or call +31 (0)73 220 0454. We'd be happy to help you.