Desmond Kramer Manager Integrated Logistic Support

‘We make sure our clients can maintain their ship’

"We make sure that our clients can maintain their ships during use. That is why our department issues excellent maintenance procedures. This all has to be taken care of before a ship can leave the shipyard."

 

"I manage the department Integrated Logistic Support. There are approx. 18 people working for this department. Our job is to inform the client how to maintain their ship. A lot of different aspects are involved in this process. For instance, we analyze a number of systems on board in order to determine the maintenance required. Which parts are vital and need to be replaced or repaired immediately? Which ones are less important and can wait for repair until the ship reaches the nearest port? Based on the results of these analyses we determine which spare parts and which tools must be on board and what type of knowledge is required. We can draw up a total training plan and ensure that it is executed. This training plan consists of training for the future user and their maintenance department."

 

Variation

 

Before this, I worked as a civilian for the Navy's maintenance company. That is whey I could easily settle into my job at DSNS. On top of that, during my first two weeks I took part in a program in the Engineering Department at DSNS where they showed me the ropes. I really like what I do. Thanks to the various contacts I have with other customers, sub-suppliers and co-workers it is a job with a lot of variation. Our department is still relatively new. My biggest challenge now is to standardize processes and deliver products.

 

Development opportunities

 

"In my job I come in contact with many different cultures. DSNS takes this into consideration. They have allowed me to follow a culture class. I realize now, more than ever, that different nationalities have different manners and ways of thinking. Like a lot of my colleagues I also followed the class shipbuilding for non-shipbuilders. That class instantly clarified how complicated it is to complete a ship. Since I have been here, I have followed numerous courses and training. I think it is great that you are offered such development opportunities."

 

Bundle of technology

 

"I more or less ended up in this sector by coincidence. When I started my job at the Navy I hardly knew what a frigate was. Over the years I have increasingly become to appreciate the trade. Once, during a trial run a canon was tested. Its target, kilometres away, was shot right out of the air. You don't realize exactly what a marvellous piece of technology you're dealing with until you witness something like that: the wind is blowing, the ship is bobbing back and forth and the target is moving at high speed, and it all works perfectly."

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