Superyacht academy expands operations

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu-based Superyacht Academy announced to expand its operations in the Philippines to meet the rising demand for Filipino crew abroad.

Operated by the Superyacht Academy in Asia and the Pacific Corporation, the specialized yachting training academy is looking at opening training centers in Mindanao, and Metro Manila, said the company's president and founder Captain Jead Advincula.

The only yacht training academy in the Philippines that is approved by International Yacht Training Worldwide (YTW), and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Advincula said Filipinos have other high-paying job opportunities in yachting services, especially those who have backgrounds in hospitality services.

Established last year, the Academy already produced 257 graduates, majority of them are already hired abroad, while some are still gaining more experience in local yachting sector.

Specialized training for Yacht crew is needed as this luxury service is highly discriminating, although it pays attractively.

"The demand for crew in floating homes especially in Europe is increasing. Wealthy yacht owners mostly prefer to hire Filipinos because of their loyalty and commitment," said Advincula who manages several luxury yacht abroad.

Based on Superyacht report in 2017, there are at least 200 luxury superyacht orders a year in United Kingdom.

The 100 plus meters Superyacht needs an average of 15 to 20 crew members.

"From American, South African, Australian and British crew members, yacht owners now prefer to hire Filipinos."

Money is not an issue for these billionaire yacht owners, and pay is very rewarding, Advincula added.

The Superyacht Academy located at the Don Alfredo  D. Gothong Center Building at the North Reclamation Area, offers several yacht specialized modules, such as skills for steward and deck departments, hospitality, among others. 

In a separate earlier interview with Maritime Corporation president Belinda C. Wong she said that wealthy yacht owners mostly Europeans are expressing preference to hire Filipino crew, due to their world-renowned good working attitude.

Mostly, aside from marine engineers, yacht crewing also need hotel and restaurant management graduates, those that have at least two years of experience, chefs, and others.

Unlike in the commercial cruise ships, yacht crewing more personalized in terms of employment as owners usually don’t require contractual employment deals, but based on the performance of a personnel.

The demand is significantly growing. There are a lot of wealthy people owning multiple yacht facilities all over the world. They prefer Filipinos to man their home boats, Advincula reiterated.