By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Bahamians were yesterday urged to pursue jobs in a rapidly-growing marina industry that has witnessed a more than 60 percent increase in visiting boaters over the past three years.

Peter Maury, president of the Marina Operators of The Bahamas, told Tribune Business there has “definitely been an increase” in boating guests with The Bahamas remaining a destination of interest at numerous boat shows.

“Chartering and cruising in The Bahamas is becoming very popular, especially as the Caribbean becomes busier. As far as the boating goes, with the economy doing better there is definitely an increase in business,” Mr Maury said.

“More boats are being bought, rebuilt and that sort of thing. We’ve been working with Customs and the Ministry of Finance to try and advance our online cruising permit and registration platform where boats can come into the country, get all their paperwork and pay all of their fees in advance which saves them time.

“It would also allow us to track the data as to the level of spend and that sort of thing. We have asked the government to try and assist us with getting the word out to young Bahamians about this industry for vocational jobs,” he added.

“Whether it’s a yacht agent, a mechanic, a technician, there are numerous opportunities available in this industry. Not a lot of people are well versed in this industry. It would be good for Bahamians that are coming out of school and thinking of going to college, but may lean toward kind of a technical background, to seriously look at this industry. That’s our big push. We want to make it easier for boaters coming to The Bahamas and we want to raise awareness about the opportunities available in this industry.”

The Bahamas has seen a more than 60 percent increase in boating visitors over the past three years, with tourism director-general, Joy Jibrilu, describing the growth as “just the beginning or tip of the iceberg”.