Safety, network, cooking inspiration and stand-up comedy

Chef, Nikolaj Kirk, shared recipes and inspiration when ESVAGT held its seminar for assistants and chefs.

Both professional and social courses were on the menu when ESVAGT held its seminars for almost 200 sailors and ship’s cooks this spring.

Each facet – both professional ability and good fellowship – are vital for ESVAGT’s work, says Nick Ørskov, Head of People & HR for ESVAGT:

“It is partly a briefing and update that brings us closer over sea and land - but there is also an important social dimension in being together. The aim of the seminars is therefore to ensure that we remain skilled and focussed, and that we form strong bonds with each other,” he says.

”We work to constantly strengthen and upgrade our professional skills. Where we can make a difference is where we are not only professionally brilliant but also have a sense of spirit and togetherness. That is what gives us an edge. We can only achieve that if we know each other and like each other, which is why the seminars prioritise the relationship-creating and socialising elements so highly,” he says.

The spring seminars included comprehensive internal briefings and presentations from Ship Management, Service, HSEQ and Chartering. There were also external, instructive presentations on human error and communication and identification and risk. The final element of the programme was a presentation consisting of equal measures of stand-up comedy and cookery skills with chef, Nikolaj Kirk.

A joint dinner rounded off a good evening – though some did not get to bed until very late…