Sylvia Tervoort-ter Haar - Senior Salvage Master
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Sylvia Tervoort-ter Haar.
What kind of work do you do?
I am responsible for the execution of ship salvage operations. With that, you are in the field, you consult with owners, insurers, authorities, cargo owners, and third parties such as the public and fisheries. In addition, I take care of the paperwork and all this, together and with the support of a team of recovery companies and support.The home front is very important.
Support coming from home is undeniably important to be able to carry out your work. Because you may see your colleagues more often and longer, and under difficult circumstances than the people at home. They don't know those situations at all.
Does being a women play a role in your work?
Sometimes people have to get used to having a woman in the field. Fortunately, most cultures can handle that just fine. Still, unfortunately there are sometimes egos that don't deal with that well. I say: stand above it but keep standing.
What do you like most about your job?
The dynamics! The great diversity of work, and the fact that every project is unique makes it a great world to work in. It’s never the same. You also learn a lot about people, cultures, and the big world of the maritime industry. Everything comes along at some point.
Stand above it but keep standing.
