Qwuisen Hartog, inland waterway captain
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Qwuisen Hartog.
What kind of work do you do?
I’m a captain with River Cruises, where I’ve been working since 2021. Before that, I worked in all kinds of cargo shipping. I hadn’t initially considered this career at all, and I don’t come from a family of sailors. I used to want to be a heart surgeon.
In 2014, however, when I had to do a profession-oriented internship for school, at the hospitals that was only possible if you were already in training. So this didn’t work. Through my father I ended up with a captain (co-owner) who sailed an 86-meter gas oil tanker at the time. I love doing things and trying things that are not part of everyday things. So I was going to do an internship on an inland vessel! This is where it all started Thanks to that fantastic captain, I fell in love with sailing and since then I have been unable to leave.
Does being a woman play a role in your work?
Of course, being a woman in inland shipping plays a role. It is hard work and you have to 'stand your ground' on most ships. It's not always easy, and in some cases it might make you a little harder than you might like. But falling down requires getting up! I too have been told that nautical work is not for me, and that I 'belong' in the kitchen or the household. This was a reason for me to try even harder. My tip to the girls who want to do this job, or who are already doing it and may have doubts: Just Do It! Take your chances, don't let an old guy take you down, and go all the way.
What do you like most about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I get to work with many different people and nationalities. Everyone has their own special story. You'll sail in the calm of the night and arrive at your new stop in the early morning. Birds chirping, and the rising sun that you can slowly feel warming up your face. With a satisfied feeling from work, you enter a well-deserved rest. I really love my job and wouldn't miss it for the world.
My motto is: if you do something, do it with full conviction. Believe in yourself and your abilities. If you do it wrong, take it as it is and learn from it.
Just Do It! Take your chances, don't let an old guy take you down, and go all the way.
