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Berkov was highly regarded in shipbuilding circles for his translations of shipbuilding literature into the Russian language. He had a talent for languages and was fluent in [[English language|English]], [[German language|German]], [[French language|French]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Dutch language|Dutch]]. Many of his translated works were published under Russian State authority.<ref name="Polovtsov"/> He also compiled the first Russian textbook on [[naval architecture]], including a manual on the construction of yachts.<ref name="Berkov:persons-info.com"/>
== Personal life ==
On May 13, 1821 Berkov married the Russian Alexandrine Volkova (1804–after 1870), daughter of the Imperial Cup Bearer<ref>A Cup Bearer was responsible for the wine cellars and the serving of wine during meals.</ref>/Table Setter<ref>A Table Setter was responsible for the correct table settings, as well as for clearing away the table and serving at table.</ref> Ivan Prokoviev Volkov and Nadeschda Volkova. The [[Russian Orthodox]] marriage took place in the [[St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral]] in Saint Petersburg. Six childrenThey are known to have had six children from this marriage: Elena (*b.ca.1828), Nadezhda (*b.1834), Victor (*b.1837), Alexandra (*b.1840), Maria (*b.1842) and Alexander (*b.1844). In 1846 Berkov acquired the Russian nationality., Theand nextin year1847 he was raisedascended into the [[Russian nobility|Russian hereditary peerage]].<ref name="Berkhof (2011)"/> Despite his career in Russian service, Berkov stayed in touchcontact with the Dutch merchant community in Saint Petersburg.<ref>Between 1827-1869 Berkov regularly attended Holy Communion in the [[Dutch Reformed Church]] in Saint Petersburg. He died on the day when the Holy Communion was served for the first time on 5 April 1870. {{in lang|nl}} Holtrop and Van Staalduine (2005), Lists of Holy Communion Attendees, pag. 344-377</ref> In later life he returned once more to his birthplace Vriezenveen, where even his own sister did not recognize him.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} Janssen and Jonker (ca. 1955)</ref> After his death in 1870 he was buried in the Evangelical-Lutheran [[Volkovo Cemetery]] in Saint Petersburg.<ref name="Death Registers"/> His grave can still be found there today.<ref>A picture of the Russian/Dutch grave stone can be found in: {{in lang|nl}} Holtrop and Van Staalduine (2005), Death Registers, pag. 320</ref> In 2007 the Municipality of Vriezenveen named a street in his honour.<ref>{{in lang|nl}} New names, in: The Weekly</ref>
== Honours ==
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