“On the water, at the beach, in the harbor: you work in many different places!”

So many companies, so many jobs! The AYOP network covers a wide range of companies within the industry. Who are the people behind these companies? And what exactly do they do for work? AYOP member Venus & De Waard specializes in maintenance, repair, technical support, construction work (including TATA-Steel) and gearbox overhaul. From the seaport of IJmuiden, they serve clients in the maritime and industrial sector with a team of 50 people. One of these team members is Edwin Bronsteede. He has a versatile job and he is happy to tell us about it.

What is your role within Venus & de Waard?

“I started in 2021 as a work planner. In that role I am responsible for, among other things, the purchase of materials, I request quotations from suppliers and arrange transportation of materials and parts. But now I am also responsible for quality control and am training to become a welding coordinator. In this capacity I am involved in all kinds of projects. I am involved with everything that has to do with welding. And I make sure that everything matches the customer’s wishes and requirements.”

Sounds like a versatile job – or actually 3 jobs in 1. What do you like best about it?

“What I like best are the larger, challenging jobs that fall under inspection bodies. The expectations are high, from preparation to completion. That means my work is also very varied. We recently had a project where we had to do repairs on a ship. For this, all the welding papers had to be approved in advance by Lloyd’s. In a so called welding plan, all the welding details are covered. What are we going to weld? What welding positions will be used? Which welder will do the work and what certificates does the welder have?

One of my jobs during a project is to create a fabrication data book. This is where the welding plan also comes in. It also consists of, for example, the material certificates, welding method descriptions, welder’s certificates, and an examination report showing whether the welding work was ultimately done properly. This file can range from 20 pages to sometimes as many as 600 pages. It has to comply completely with the customer’s requirements and it shows that you comply with all laws and regulations.”

Seems like a lot of work, to make this manufacturing data book….

“Well, yes and no. You actually do it step by step, so you fill it out as the project progresses. Do you receive material? Then you also receive material certificates, which you then immediately add to the data book. You create the data book during the process. At the end of the project you really only have to fill in a few small things.”

What is the coolest job you have done lately?

“Last autumn we overhauled an Ampelmann* for a major customer. A project that also fell under Lloyd’s and that had everything in it. That was a lot of fun to do. But you get to go to a lot of different places, which is actually what makes it the most fun. For example, we recently did a project on a fishing vessel, where we lifted out the entire side door on site and renewed/refurbished various parts of the hinges. Last spring, we also did the welding for the beach pavilion “Beach Inn” in IJmuiden that burned down in 2023 and is being rebuilt. This welding work fell under NEN-1090-2 EXC2. So one time you are on the beach, another time on a ship in Velsen-Noord and then on a ship in Amsterdam. ”

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

“Because you work in so many different places, it is sometimes difficult to keep a grip on tools and materials, for example. Venus & de Waard has grown enormously in quality in recent years. Not only in terms of the product we deliver, but also how we deal with quality assurance and especially the paperwork. You have to continue to comply with audits and inspections and you need the right documentation for that. Things are now in good order and I have been able to make a nice contribution to that. But there is always room for improvement.”

What do you like about working for Venus & de Waard?

“Within my range of tasks and responsibilites, I have a lot of freedom and opportunities. I can plan my day myself and have the freedom to decide what I do when. Of course, I occasionally have to change my schedule when a colleague needs something quickly, but other than that I can pretty much decide for myself. In addition, I also like that I work with a knowledgeable and sociable team.”

How do you envision the future of Venus & de Waard and what is your role in it?

“Besides continuing to professionalize internally, my first goal is to complete my studies as a welding coordinator. After that, I really hope to continue working here for some years to come. It’s a nice company with great colleagues and varied work. When I have gained more knowledge and experience after my training, I hope that we can also qualify for welding steels in a higher segment (high-strength steels, including S690). This will allow us to serve new markets. Think of, for example, the maintenance and repair of cranes, large ships, offshore platforms, wind farms…. I have some ideas about that!”

*An Ampelmann is a motion-controlled gangway, so that people can transfer stably from a ship (Supplier) to, for example, an oil rig (Walk-to-Work).