An estimated export value of US$180 million last year and a rapidly developing domestic market means that the booming mainland yachting industry offers many employment opportunities.
Shipyards are seeking qualified engineers and technical managers, while yacht dealers and brokers need experienced sales and marketing managers to cope with outstanding growth. Designers, naval architects, public relations and marketing positions are also available in many locations. An increasing number of yacht clubs are willing to hire crew who can earn more than 200,000 yuan a year.
'Shipyards are desperately looking to recruit and Hong Kong managers are especially sought after, as they will have been immersed in a western yachting culture and have the ability to deal with Chinese workers, suppliers and customers,' said Adrien Magnan of Marine Dragon Consulting, which specialises in the development and promotion of the yachting industry in China.
Marine accessories manufacturer Genuine Marine, based in Zhuhai, has openings for sales staff, and managing director James Georgechen said his clients were always looking for talented yard workers and marketing people.
'There are no training programmes in China for boat building, so anyone from Hong Kong who has a major in it, or is familiar with AutoCAD design software, or has yard experience can find work,' said Mr Georgechen. 'The industry is only going to grow now.'
Order books for China-based boatyards are full for several years. A 2006 report by Marine Dragon Consulting estimates the growth of the Chinese boat building industry to be 30 per cent for the next three years, and China is now ranked the number six super-yacht builder and ranked the 10th (commercial and other) boat builder in the world.
