Werken als inspecteur gevaarlijke stoffen en mileu bij Havenbedrijf Amsterdam.

Summary

Dave, an inspector for hazardous substances and environmental regulations at the Port of Amsterdam, shares insights into his daily work. He evaluates ships carrying dangerous materials, ensures compliance with environmental laws, and works closely with various departments, such as the fire department and police, for practical exercises and emergencies. Dave highlights the importance of ongoing training, including the need for regular certifications, and enjoys solving issues quickly, often resolving problems before the day ends. His passion for learning and teamwork is evident, and he’s proud of his role, having transitioned to this position two years ago.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is Dave, an inspector of hazardous materials and environmental regulations at the Port of Amsterdam.
• 😀 His daily tasks include assessing ships with hazardous materials and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• 😀 Dave starts his day with office paperwork and then visits ships to check if they adhere to legal requirements.
• 😀 When a violation is intentional, Dave issues a fine; otherwise, he works to resolve the issue and prevent recurrence.
• 😀 Dave has to undergo several training programs related to hazardous material transportation over both inland waterways and the sea.
• 😀 Continuous learning is encouraged at the Port of Amsterdam, even for those who have completed their training. Employees can create personal training plans.
• 😀 Dave’s journey to becoming a hazardous materials inspector was supported by his motivation for continuous learning.
• 😀 Practical training involves working closely with other departments, such as firefighting and police teams, through simulated exercises.
• 😀 During large operations in the harbor, collaboration with various departments, including policy, commercial, and port master divisions, is key.
• 😀 Dave is often called to resolve issues on-site and is able to solve many problems quickly, sometimes even before the workday ends.
• 😀 Dave enjoys the problem-solving aspect of his job and is happy with the career shift he made two years ago.

Q & A

What is Dave's job title and role?

Dave is a Dangerous Goods and Environmental Inspector at the Port of Amsterdam. His job involves assessing and visiting ships carrying hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with environmental laws, and reviewing paperwork.

What does Dave's daily work entail?

Dave's daily work includes reviewing paperwork at the office and then inspecting ships in person to ensure they comply with hazardous materials regulations and environmental laws.

How does Dave determine whether a mistake is intentional or accidental?

Dave can assess whether a violation is intentional or accidental by observing the situation on the ship and analyzing the behavior of the crew. If it is intentional, a fine is issued; if it’s accidental, Dave works to resolve the issue.

What type of training does Dave undergo for his role?

Dave undergoes various training programs, including those related to the transportation of hazardous materials by inland waterways and sea, as well as the construction of sea tanks. This training must be repeated every few years to stay updated with regulations.

How does Dave's employer support continuous learning?

The Port of Amsterdam encourages employees to continue learning by allowing them to create personalized training plans. Dave personally has a training plan, which helped him transition into his current role as an inspector.

What kind of practical exercises does Dave participate in?

Dave participates in dry exercises with other departments, where scenarios are simulated. He also practices in real-life situations with the fire department and police to handle emergency scenarios effectively.

What is the advantage of working in small groups during training exercises?

In small groups, Dave can quickly communicate and collaborate with colleagues, allowing for more efficient problem-solving and decision-making, which is essential during emergencies.

How does Dave coordinate with other departments during large incidents at the port?

During large incidents at the port, Dave collaborates with various departments, such as policy, commercial sectors, and the harbor master's division. They work together to minimize disruptions to the company and resolve the situation efficiently.

What does Dave enjoy most about his job?

Dave enjoys the aspect of his job where he can solve issues quickly. For example, if he receives a call about an incident, he can often resolve the problem before the end of the day, which he finds fulfilling.

What motivated Dave to transition into his current role?

Dave is happy with the transition he made to his current role two years ago, which was partly due to the continuous learning opportunities provided by the Port of Amsterdam and his personal drive for career development.