Captain Jan-Ole Klose on three years of sailing with Bridgescout®: “It offers peace of mind”
At 28 years old, Jan-Ole Klose already has ten years of experience in inland shipping with RP Shipping. He is currently sailing as captain on the Renata Reich on German channels. For three years he has been doing that with Bridgescout® on board – and he likes it more than well. “I wouldn't want to be without it anymore,” says Klose.
German inland waterways can be quite challenging: bridges that are just low enough, changing water levels, limited maneuvering space. “Especially on dark, narrow canals, you sometimes only have a few centimeters of clearance,” Klose explains. “Then it’s difficult to estimate whether your wheelhouse will fit under that bridge. Bridgescout® provides certainty. The system continuously measures your height relative to the bridge and shows you exactly when you need to lower it. That brings peace of mind.”
Ease of use on board
What particularly strikes Klose is how accessible the system is. “A few weeks ago, a new captain joined us. He wasn't familiar with Bridgescout® yet, but he understood it within fifteen minutes. You don't even really need to explain it. The visual representation is so clear – green means: you're good, red means you need to lower the wheelhouse. That speaks for itself.”

Smooth updates, fast service
Meanwhile, Klose also underwent an annual system update. “Then someone comes on board, everything is checked, possibly replaced, and you're completely up-to-date again. It's all sorted within half an hour. No hassle, just professional and fast.” Would he recommend the system to fellow captains? “Absolutely,” says Captain Klose. “It is accurate, user-friendly, and reliable. What more could you want?”
About the Renata Reich
From Renata Reich is part of the fleet of Reich Schifffahrtsbetriebe, a family-owned company with branches in Germany and the Netherlands. The company has years of experience in inland navigation and is known for its reliable vessels, well-trained crews, and focus on safety.
From experienced captains to new crew members: Bridgescout® gives every inland waterway skipper extra peace of mind and confidence. Curious how it can support your team? Contact us via info@sensormaritime.com of bel +31 (0)73 220 0454. We're happy to help.