Initiative for ferries: Ferry society is fighting for the loss of personnel!

Initiative for ferries: Ferry society is fighting for the loss of personnel!

In the coming week, the Fährgesellschaft Bremen-Stedingen (FBS) is faced with a special challenge between Farge and Berne. From Monday, June 30th to Friday, July 4, only one ferry will be in action. The reason for this is an extreme failure of ferry leaders, although nine of the ferry leaders required as a whole are currently missing due to illness. Managing Director Ralf Kölpin reports that the locking of the ship at the Berne-Farge ferry point will take place around the clock, but possible waiting times in the rush hours cannot be ruled out.

With the upcoming start of the summer vacation, the FBS also expects a decline in traffic to be at the ferry points, which could bring some relief. The ferry users are asked for leniency and at the same time refer to alternative ferry points, such as flowerhal pants or vegesack lemwerder. FBS has increasingly intensified the training of its own cashier and machine operators since last year. The first group of three employees is currently on duty, while another group has successfully completed the first exams. The next training program starts in autumn 2023.

ferry operation and personnel bottlenecks

The need to strengthen internal training is all the more important in view of the strict security standards and the complex exams. A capable ferry guide needs, among other things, a valid ferry license, also known as a ferry boat certificate or "F-PATENT". This is needed to lead a ferry at the respective ferry point and requires comprehensive training in the areas of shipping rights and shipping technology from the owner. The exams are demanding and require a physical suitability that must be demonstrated by a medical certificate.

Overall, the prospective ferry leaders also have to take practical exams on the ferry that take place at the respective ferry point. It is particularly noteworthy that a theoretical test for further ferry spaces when expanding is no longer necessary, but the practical examination always remains necessary. The FBS will continue to invest in the training of its employees to improve future personnel keys.

preparation and support in training

Training as a ferry leader provides for a variety of preparation, which includes both general professional knowledge and specific content such as ferry operations. Interested parties can attend the courses in Hamburg, either in presence or as a live online course. There is also the possibility to apply for funding of up to 70% of the course costs. So all future ferry boaters have the chance to start their new profession well.

The next steps and the situation at FBS continue to be reported, and the companies are doing everything they can to maintain the usual ferry traffic. If you want to use the beautifully situated ferries, you should be patient, especially at the times of main traffic flows.

For further information on the ferry regulations and the legal framework, interested parties can read about shipping lexikon.de, while comprehensive details about ferry leaderships on [nilsfinn.de] (https://nilsfinn are.

stay tuned and use the ferry connections in good time - there is something!

You can find out more about the current developments of the Fährgesellschaft Bremen-Stedingen at Weser-Kurier.