Adria Libar, the largest maritime school on the Adriatic, has been listening to the needs of the yachting market for years and offers training to improve processes and operations when providing professional services on vessels
The Adria Libar Training Center in Croatia has become a renowned hub for training captains, officers, and crews for international Certificates of Competency (CoC) within the yachting industry. One of its most prestigious endorsements is the approval by the Belgian Maritime Administration for the 500GT Commercial Certificate of Competency (CoC), tailored for professionals operating in the yachting sector.
In line with recent developments, the Belgian Maritime Administration has introduced updates to specific STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificates, which impact the following areas: STCW II/1: For officers operating vessels within 200 nautical miles (NM) of the coast, STCW II/2: For masters operating vessels within 200NM and STCW II/2: For masters operating vessels without distance limitations (unlimited range). Anyone affected by these regulatory updates is advised to consult the Adria Libar Training Center for guidance on how to comply, with a deadline set for December 2024.
With its continuous engagement and commitment, this college stands out as a key actor in training and education in the maritime field. Focusing on the needs of the yachting industry, Adria Libar offers specialized training in the improvement of processes and operations on vessels, following market requirements.
Their commitment to quality and expertise is reflected through the Adria Libar Charter Crew Training program, designed to respond to the specific requirements of the work environment, encouraging the development of skills, responsibility and teamwork within the crew. Through its training program, Adria Libar is recognized as an innovative educational institution that creates dynamic professionals ready for the challenges that the world of yachting brings.
‘Education in seafaring and nautical knows no borders. You have to set the standard and quality and have top people in your team who are ready to do a job equal to the demands of any administration’, according to Adria Libar.
How to become a flawless service provider, whether you are a vessel owner, charter company or crew member? This is a question that arises because providing a superior service requires continuous development, regardless of the experience gained. In the demanding environment of the luxury industry, the key is open access to new information, methods and skills. This is what distinguishes exceptional service providers – a willingness to continuously learn and acquire new knowledge in order to constantly improve the level of service.
The emphasis is on safety, elite clientele, top service, high-quality equipment and the use of the latest technology. In the world of yachting, versatility is paramount. The real measure of success is the ability to constantly progress and exceed the expectations of yacht owners, associates, and most importantly, the guest who chooses service on a luxury yacht.
All the listed characteristics require educated staff, which is precisely why Adria Libar Charter Crew Training pays a lot of attention to working on ships, working out the work in the pre/post season, techniques, work organization and planning deadlines, and getting to know the systems and equipment on board, down to the basics maneuverability of ships. Due to the fact that through the training they also target those who are just entering the working environment of the charter, they paid special attention to business communication and etiquette.
The theoretical part of the training also includes communication skills, which are key to providing excellent service to guests. Participants learn how to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally, and how to establish a relationship of trust with guests, colleagues and the employer.
Adria Libar represents a key link in the preparation of future professionals in the field of yachting and maritime, providing them with the foundations and practical experience necessary for success in the dynamic world of the maritime sector.
In addition, Adria Libar establishes cooperation with leading companies within the industry to ensure that their programs follow the latest trends and market demands. Increasing the quality of business is directly related to investing in gathering a top team whose employees will remain loyal even after the season is over.
The high-quality work of Adria Libar was also rewarded with the great trust of the Belgian Ministry, which recognized the training center in Croatia as one of only three in the world to perform Commercial Master Training.
‘Great work stands in the background of this recognition. Our business has never been limited exclusively to national frameworks. When we were audited a few years ago by the Belgian Ministry for conducting training in commercial yachting, we showed the foundation of nautical in Croatia, which is based on a professional attitude towards work. Today, we are happy because captains from all over the world come to our Adriatic and recognize this same attitude in the education we provide. Quality education in nautical is our way of promoting the country and the people who stand equally alongside the greats’, emphasize from Adria Libar.
The education system is in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers – STCW VII/1. The lectures are organized by modules and require a high level of competence, which is proven by authorizations and sailing experience.
Adria Libar plays an important role in the development of nautical tourism in Croatia. Their training helps ensure that the Croatian yachting industry is competitive on the world market.
This was demonstrated an interactive panel organized by the Adria Libar training center at the Biograd Boat Show brought together experienced yachting professionals, including chief stewardesses, skippers and representatives of established yachting staff recruitment agencies. The event allowed visitors an insight into the skills, knowledge and work habits required for success in the luxury yacht industry.
One of the main topics of the panel was identification of key skills required to become a successful chief stewardess, as well as the steps required to advance in this demanding industry. The second part of the panel put the emphasis on the role of professional education in the industry, as panelists discussed the advantages of specialized courses for yacht staff, offering practical courses in work organization, luxury services and team management.
One of the most interesting parts of the panel was the interactive segment in which the guest speaker chief stewardess demonstrated table decoration and event styling techniques live. This hands-on demonstration showed how important attention to detail is to creating a luxurious yachting experience, and impressed the audience.
The panel ended with encouraging messages from the panelists, who inspired the attendees to build their career in yachting with perseverance, continuously investing in their own education and personal development.
At the recently held Ready. Train. Sail. panel organized by the Adria Libar Training Center at the 32nd Zagreb Boat Show, experts from the nautical sector met to discuss the need for a campaign promoting safety and excellence in Croatian nautical tourism.
The panelists reached clear conclusions: the very thing that can set Croatia apart on the international market as one of the most desirable nautical destinations, along natural beauty and an impressive charter fleet, is a high level of professionalism of the crews providing safety and quality of service.
Training in saving lives at sea, safety and handling of emergency situations, providing assistance, personal safety and responsibility towards the environment all increase passenger safety, respecting international standards. Educated crews are becoming a trademark of Croatian nautical tourism – a brand – the panelists all agreed on that. Alongside their many presentations, panelists also announced proposals to relevant departments on the urgent need for changes in nautical tourism.
While many destinations offer luxury, they say, Croatia could be even more competitive through highlighting: a high level of safety and professionalism of crews, environmental sustainability and protection of the marine environment, hospitality at marinas and authentic experiences.
The panel reached a conclusion that all these advantages should be systematically and strategically promoted through national and international campaigns. Such initiatives would not only raise awareness in the industry, but also change the image of the Croatian nautical industry on the global market.
Following the needs and trends of the market, the organized programs implemented by Adria Libar offer quality crew education that promotes sustainable and responsible practice in nautical. Their training guarantees the competitiveness of the Croatian yachting industry on the world market.
Text Marijana Zelić
Photos Boris Kačan, Mario Jelavić & Adria Libar
