Belinda Hoff - Welzijns Officer voor zeevarenden
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Belinda Hoff.
What kind of work do you do?
With seafaring blood from both my Norwegian and Dutch roots, I began my maritime career in 1991 at North Sea Ferries in Europoort. After five years, I transitioned to working as Chief Purser aboard cruise ships, including the Seawind Crown and Brilliance of the Seas. I’ve been working as a welfare officer for seafarers now for many years. I assist, support, and help international crews aboard ships sailing under the Danish flag in the port of Rotterdam. This includes arranging their transport and accommodation at our ‘Home away from Home’, the Seafarers Centre in Brielle. A key task: buying Christmas gifts for the entire crew! Last year I bought 1,025 gifts, which my mother wrapped. They call me ‘Santa Woman’, and ‘Port Mother’ is another name I proudly bear.
Does being a woman play a role in your work?
Sure it does, because I stand out in a positive way among the majority of men. Hahaha, that’s what the seafarers say!
What do you like most about your job?
Every day, new seafarers who are grateful for my help. Every day a new adventure! Rewarding work, an inspiring lifestyle. Seafarers are so important! Without them, no ship sails, there is no port — and that’s why all credit goes to the crew. Whether woman or man. We are all Seafarers!
Without them, no ship sails, there is no port — and that’s why all credit goes to the crew. Whether woman or man
