As Hans Krijger celebrates his 20th anniversary at International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) he is struck by how much the industry has changed in the last two decades. Hans joined IRI in 2004 as a Nautical Inspector after nearly 15 years as a maritime engineer and superintendent. He helped formally establish IRI’s Roosendaal office, which he now oversees as General Manager. In addition to running the office, Hans acts as a key link between technical and marine safety teams, working to build relationships between nautical inspectors, owners and ship managers, and external stakeholders such as port State control (PSC) authorities and Classification Societies.
“The high degree of knowledge and complexity required both on board and on shore to operate ships is very intense compared to 20 years ago. The industry is asking seafarers to perform in this complex environment, while also squeezing the time they have to train, apprentice, and learn,” said Hans. “Owners/operators need partners today in a way that they never have before; it’s not an industry where you can operate on your own.”
Building quality relationships to support owners and operators of Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)-flagged vessels as they continue to navigate this increasingly complex environment has been the focus of Hans’ time at IRI.
“It was exciting to be a part of the grand vision,” noted Hans, who as the first in-house nautical inspector, transitioned to build out the nautical inspector training program for the Registry. That grand vision, first described to Hans by IRI President Bill Gallagher and retired United States Coast Guard (USCG) Rear Admiral Robert North, was to have the highest-quality fleet in the world, with a reputation for strong technical support and service. Hans remembers the novelty of such a vision.
“Twenty years ago, the industry scarcely recognized the value and impact of quality programs like the USCG’s QUALSHIP 21 initiative,” said Hans. “We were one of the first flags focused on striving for quality in all aspects of safe vessel operation. For two decades we’ve learned, adapted, and grown with owners and operators of RMI-flagged vessels as the regulatory environment has changed. Because of the increased complexity of rules and requirements on board, quality today requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, and support than ever before. It’s not something someone can learn overnight.”
With the support of senior leadership, Hans took hold of the nautical inspector training program, supporting the expansion of in-house nautical inspectors as the safety inspection program decentralized. Today, the fleet operations team is decentralized with regional nautical inspectors, training programs, and resources that continue to work closely with PSC authorities and Classification Societies to identify trends that could be addressed through training and technical support.
“Nautical inspectors are often the face of the flag State, going on board to not only inspect and verify vessel compliance, but also to be a resource for the crew,” said Hans. “We recognize that crew often feel limited, with quick turnaround times, and increased pressure to perform and comply quickly. Our in-house inspectors recognize this when they board a vessel and reach out with a goal to support and assist. We want to build a strong relationship through trust and respect, creating a culture of support and teamwork.”
RMI flag State inspections occur at least annually, with nautical inspector training seminars and sessions happening frequently throughout the world to keep pace with technological advancements and trends. Thanks to those inspections and the technical support provided to owners/operators, the RMI is the only flag in the world to achieve 20 consecutive years on the USCG’s QUALSHIP 21 roster. Innovation is one way to remain at the top.
“Right now, we’re working on a training program with engine manufacturers to target inspections of dual-fuel engines,” said Hans. “As these engines roll out, our nautical inspectors will need hands-on training not only on safe equipment operation, but also any potential concerns or issues. We need to stay prepared, educated, and available to RMI owners/operators,” he continued.
Hans travels frequently to support fleet operations, present at seminars, and globally to meet with PSC representatives and authorities. He works diligently to link offices, inspectors, and departments to ensure that the Registry’s global inspection team members are trained and briefed on the latest developments. He credits his family’s flexibility for his ability to support the global team.
“My family understands my passion for the work I do and the people I work with,” noted Hans. “Their flexibility is what allows me to travel around the world building relationships, supporting team members, and strengthening our efforts worldwide. I couldn’t have done this for the last two decades without them,” he concluded.
As Hans continues to support safe vessel operation and advance nautical inspector competencies, Bill Gallagher reflected on what Hans has helped accomplish in the last twenty years:
“Hans has been instrumental in building relationships that support our vision of a high-quality fleet. From PSC representatives to partnerships with Classification Societies and coworkers, Hans connects with diverse people and teams to strengthen the RMI-flagged fleet and raise the standards of safe vessel operation industry-wide.”
