About the Author

I’m Sebastian, the founder of OffGridSurvivor. For more than 25 years, my career in the military and law enforcement has put me in situations where preparation, practical skills and clear decisions really matter.

I served in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps for more than 12 years, including deployments abroad such as Afghanistan. I also trained and worked as a Combat Lifesaver, where I learned firsthand how the right mindset, preparation and practical skills can make a real difference when circumstances suddenly change.

Today, I draw on more than 14 years of experience as a police officer, a role I continue today. Among other responsibilities, I serve as a commander within the Dutch Police Mobile Unit (riot police) and have developed several digital specializations. My background has also given me a broad range of practical skills, from emergency care and mechanics to working with vehicles and equipment.

Outside of work, I have a passion for off-road travel by motorcycle and 4x4. Exploring remote places, where you cannot always rely on nearby services, cell coverage or roadside assistance, has strengthened my appreciation for self-reliance and practical preparedness.

Over the years, my perspective on preparedness has become simple: being prepared is about being ready for the unexpected. That can mean different things to different people. For some, it may be preparing for a power outage or a disruption in everyday services. For others, it may mean preparing for much more serious or long-term situations. There is value in both.

What matters is understanding the basics, developing useful skills and knowing what to do when the systems and services we normally rely on are suddenly unavailable.

That is why I created OffGridSurvivor. I want to translate the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career into straightforward, practical guidance that anyone can understand and use. Preparedness doesn't have to be complicated.

A little preparation can make a big difference when you need it most.