Frank Van Cleempoel has worked at Brabo since 1981. As a child of skippers he wanted a job ‘on shore’, but without losing contact with the water.
Frank Van Cleempoel: “I worked as a boatman with Brabo for 18 years. Then I became a pilot. I was still under forty.”
What does the work of a pilot consist of?
“In theory, we advise the captain and assist him when entering or leaving the harbour, locks and docks. In practice, we take over the command of the vessel. We know the local situation in the Port of Antwerp like the back of our hand. This is needed in order to ensure that even the largest ships, sometimes longer than 350 m, are moored safe and sound.”
How does the cooperation between boatman and pilot work?
“As a former boatman, you know what mooring is all about. It’s also useful to know the boatmen well. We can almost guess what the other is thinking.”
What are the biggest challenges in your work?
“Ships keep getting longer and longer, and have deeper draughts. In stormy weather, that could pose a serious challenge. Experience is a crucial factor here. You also need to have it in you, it’s partly innate. Some people find their way quicker than others.”
