From the classroom to the harbour
Harro has been harbour master since 2018, but his love for the water began at an early age. He grew up in Stadsweiden, was chairman of Waterscouting Tjerk Hiddes for many years, and ended up in his current job after a detour. ‘Hospitality, the dynamic atmosphere in the harbour, the liveliness – it all suits me.’
Hendrik started as harbour master in 2007 and has seen the harbour change ever since. “We used to work in the old municipal harbour, before the Waterfront existed. It has since become a modern, lively place, where boats are moored even in winter.”
Far from an office job in Harderwijk
The harbour masters are the linchpins of the operation. They arrange moorings, welcome visitors, oversee events and are the point of contact for everything that happens on and around the water. “We get all sorts of things here,” laughs Harro. “Sometimes residents even come to take a shower because their bathroom is being renovated.”
And that service goes a long way. Harbour guests regularly borrow the service bike to fetch parts or fill up with fuel. “Since the petrol station in Lorentzhaven closed, they have to cycle a bit further. We’re happy to help,” says Hendrik.
Face-to-face contact on the water
During the summer months, they have four harbour masters on duty and regularly take to the water in their yellow boat. “That’s when we collect the harbour fees in person,” says Harro. “It’s much more enjoyable than sorting everything out digitally.” For both of them, personal contact is at the heart of the job.
The work has changed in recent years, though. When the new promenade opened, they were mainly busy explaining how the AanUit app works. “Now everyone knows about it and we can focus on the best part of our job: helping people and ensuring the harbour stays lively,” says Hendrik.
Busy at the harbour even in winter
Whereas the harbour used to be almost empty in winter, Harro is seeing more and more people choosing Harderwijk as their permanent mooring. “Even during the Christmas holidays there were boats here, some days for days on end.” The harbour no longer sleeps.
Will they stay for long? ‘Absolutely,’ they say without hesitation. With their vantage point at the head of the promenade and the water as their workplace, they agree on one thing: there’s hardly a better job.
