in Strasbourg, a school boat to become a sailor in river transport

What if your child became a sailor or boat captain? On the Rhine or on another river? Well know that it is possible to learn these trades at the Emile Mathis high school in Schiltigheim. The establishment has a school boat, the “Prinses Irene” moored at the autonomous port of Strasbourg.

It offers professional baccalaureate training in “river transport”. A total of 60 young people from the second to the final year benefit from this training which undoubtedly allows them to find well-paid work.

Among these young people, there is Loane, 17 years old. She’s already learning to fly the 54 meter vessel, bought by the region 17 years ago. “I would like to continue in the sector, to become a captain. My adviser advised me and then I liked it, I wanted to travel, I found my way” she says. Loane is currently the only girl in her promotion who is having a hard time recruiting young volunteers, despite guaranteed jobs on leavingwith good salaries.

Alongside Loane there is Didier Lutz, former captain and current professor of navigation “The first year, they learn to drive and then to perform maneuvers, and in the third year, we consolidate” he explains.

During their training, the students go out on the Rhine once a week. They also learn navigation, signalling, mechanics. And in a few weeks, future sailors will also be able to train on a simulator, explains Didier Lutz. “We are going to have a driving simulator financed by the region, we can go further, place them in critical or degraded situations and allow better learning” he said.

A secure job

At the back of the boat, it’s Estelle, another teacher, who teaches the students how to tie sea knots. “They have to learn 24 knots” she specifies.

“They are taught, for example, to make an apple, a weight at the end of a rope. Or a splice, which allows you to make an eye at the end of a rope to use it when mooring” she says.

After their training, students will become master sailor then helmsmen and possibly captain on cargo or cruise ships. With almost guaranteed employment.

“There are a lot of requests, as soon as they leave high school, they can be hired. Some already have job offers when they finish their internships” explains the teacher. Because boat traffic is increasing, especially on the Rhine.

Future sailors will receive at least 1,700 euros net at the start of a career. Salaries can then quickly rise to 3,000 euros. Many students then also branch off to the national navy.