Focal topics
Read selected VDR publications, from specialist articles to in-depth discussions of current developments, and through to miscellaneous stories from the maritime world.
SeaYou: VDR ambassador programme for shipping
In the Ambassador Programme of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), young seafarers have their say and present their perspectives, pictures, texts, and videos from everyday maritime life.
read more: SeaYou: VDR ambassador programme for shipping
Climate protection: the net-zero goal
read more: Climate protection: the net-zero goal
© Image Source RF – stock.adobe.comCaptain – Boss at sea
A profession with responsibility: being a captain means much more than just steering a ship. It’s a challenging path to get there, requiring experience, training and strong leadership skills.
read more: Captain – Boss at sea
© Fairplay TowageChief Engineer – Master of machines
The key role in the engine room: The Chief keeps the ship’s technical operations running – with expertise, vision and a strong team at his side.
read more: Chief Engineer – Master of machines
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Articles on the topic
The “Sun” in her heart, the machinery under control
Episode 4 | From shipping clerk to engineer on board one of the world’s most advanced research vessels: Lea Seiffart overcame clichés and defies the challenges at sea.
read more: The “Sun” in her heart, the machinery under controlWomen at sea
Series Episode 1 | Fanny Löwenstrom was at the navy and worked as a mooring attendant at Hamburg harbour. Now she works as an operations manager at Fairplay – and her responsibilities aren’t limited to showing the ropes to the tugboats
read more: Women at seaSafe harbour for the soul
Series Part 12 | Pastor Arnd Braun-Storck looks after the interests of seafarers in the “world capital” New York. The German Seamen’s Mission has been present here since 1907.
read more: Safe harbour for the soulLonging for the sea – our summer seafaring programme
The VDR summer seafaring programme lets you experience life at sea first hand by spending several weeks on a ship together with an international team. Try it out now and discover seafaring!
read more: Longing for the sea – our summer seafaring programmeShipping hazardous goods – a safe affair
Hazardous goods covering essential industrial and consumer needs are transported across the oceans on a daily basis. Nearly tent per cent of containers carried on board ships today contain hazardous goods, from consumer goods like paints and varnishes or lighters to items such as celluloid table tennis balls.
read more: Shipping hazardous goods – a safe affairSupporting seafarers morally and physically
Series Part 13 | For almost 35 years, the German Seamen’s Mission in Rostock has been looking after the needs of seafarers who call at this important Baltic Sea port city.
read more: Supporting seafarers morally and physically
Navigating sustainability – new VDR guidelines
VDR has developed guidelines to assist its member companies with mandatory sustainability reporting. To raise general awareness of this important topic, VDR’s practical guide is also available to the public.
read more: Navigating sustainability – new VDR guidelinesSecurity on the world’s oceans
There are many sides to safety in the maritime world. “Safety First” means protecting crews, ships, cargo and the environment. What is equally important is security – protection against external threats such as piracy, cyber attacks and armed conflicts.
read more: Security on the world’s oceansKeeping ships out of harm’s way
Adopted in 2004 in response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) stipulates mandatory security measures for ships and port facilities worldwide.
read more: Keeping ships out of harm’s way
