Life on board an offshore vessel can be tough – extreme weather, 12-hour shifts and long stretches away from family and friends might not be for everyone. For A2SEA’s Crew Manager Marianne Stavid Olsen, keeping crew members healthy, fit and happy 24/7 is all in a day’s work.

For the past six years, three of them with A2SEA, Marianne has been looking after the welfare of crew members working the North Sea. As crew manager, she is responsible for A2SEA’s 260 offshore staff. Together with four crew assistants, Marianne is responsible for recruiting new crew members, crew change patterns, development courses, disciplinary and dismissal hearings, and of course the wellness and well-being of the crew.

With the offshore wind industry going from strength to strength, it’s becoming harder and harder for offshore wind suppliers to find qualified installation staff. “We have a good crew retention rate and we want to maintain this. We care about the health and well-being of the crew, so it’s important to look after them properly,” explains Marianne. And with the average age of experienced crew members nearing the late 40s, a good diet is essential. “It’s important that they have a choice of food, as they need to deliver a good performance in their daily work. Some days the crew members are out in cold weather for many hours, so they need a solid meal to keep their energy levels up. And there is always a light meal option available as well,” she adds.

A2SEA has one of the highest food budgets in the industry, and is renowned for providing good, healthy meals for its crews. “A healthy diet is an important part of life on board, so we ensure that fresh fruit, vegetables and milk are always available,” says Marianne.

For the crews working on A2SEA’s vessels and crew boats, a sound work/life balance is important. “The crews work 28 days at a stretch and then get 28 days off, which is a long time away from family and friends. But if there’s a big birthday celebration, or a serious illness in their immediate family, we make sure they get to spend time on shore,” says Marianne.

When asked what she considers the most important aspect of her job, Marianne is quick to reply. “We have a good relationship with our crew and treat them as individuals. It’s important for us to know what’s going on in their lives so that we can provide the best working conditions for them – and make sure they receive the support they need, both on and offshore.”

Though conditions differ from vessel to vessel, each installation vessel has a chef and one to three stewards on board. And the recreation facilities include well-equipped gyms, internet access and the latest AV equipment.

“We’re always open to new ideas, so we keep our ear to the ground. We’re here to meet the needs of our crew members – and we’re good listeners,” says Marianne.

 

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