Hendrik has been involved in maritime SAR since 1993, training countless of maritime students to prepare them for a life at sea.

In 2004 he became a relief lifeboat coxswain for KNRM, being promoted to lead coxswain in 2011. With the crew of KNRM Lifeboat station Terschelling Paal 8, Henk won the IMRF’s Team Award in 2018. 

Over the course of his career, he has contributed to several EU projects that improve safety at sea and raise safety preparedness and awareness.

Henk has also addressed the European Parliament as part of his role as Chairman of the International Association for Safety and Survival Training (IASST) and continues to be committed to ensure future seafarers have all the knowledge and experience they need to be able to operate safely at sea.

Explore the "IMRF Awards 2022 - Media Gallery" Page.

To vote for Henk Spanjer, please go to "People's Choice Voting" page.