March 2025 WATERLINE | 31 What can the Marina Industry can do to encourage more females to take up Certification? Continue the great work you are doing of sharing the stories of the current CMs. Why did you decide to become a CMP and how has the globally recognised accreditation benefitted you in your career? The IMM and AMM courses were instrumental in helping me to develop a broad knowledge base and a strong network in a new industry. The CMP accreditation has provided me with access to further networking and training opportunities, which help me to continue to learn and grow in my role. How have your career and friendships been improved through your involvement as a CMP? Being a CMP has afforded me the opportunity to give back by teaching parts of the IMM course, and that is something I have really enjoyed. What is your favourite part about working in the marina industry? Traveling overseas and learning from other industry professionals, to ensure that we continue to set the highest marina standards. At Coral Sea Marina, our focus is delivering memorable guest experiences in one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. It’s a lovely line of work to be in and no two days are ever the same! MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE What is your background, your industry experience, and what are you up to now? I have spent most of my career working in the marine industry. I hold a degree in Insurance and Risk Management, and I am a Certified Member of the Society of Actuaries. I also worked in the insurance industry for several years. I started my marine career in administration and interior design in shipyards in 2005. Initially, I was employed at Horizon Group in a different capacity, and I had the opportunity to work across several departments, including marketing, finance, customer service, education and operations. I was promoted to Marina Manager in 2014 and am responsible for the marina service and facilities management. What do you think have been some of your greatest accomplishments in the marina industry? Building and operating a private marina in a brand-new area of Taiwan has been a significant accomplishment. Developing and implementing new policies, processes, and systems has been one of the most challenging experiences of the past ten years. My greatest accomplishment was when my team and I worked on the MIA's Gold Anchor audit in 2016 where we achieved the first and only Gold Anchor Marina accreditation in Taiwan. As a woman in a predominately male-dominated industry, what are some of the challenges you face? The marina industry is still in its infancy in Taiwan so I do not believe it is a male-dominated industry yet. The marina industry is an open stage, and I believe opportunities are given to those who are prepared and show an ongoing commitment to continual learning and improving proficiency in the industry. What can the Marina Industry do to encourage more females to take up Certification? Reveal and celebrate women employed in the industry and what proportion of them have moved into leadership or management positions, as well as the benefits and advancements they can achieve after becoming certified. Why did you decide to become a Certified Marina Operator (CMO), and how has the globally recognised accreditation benefited you in your career? I pursued the accreditation because it recognises the expertise required to effectively manage a marina. I enjoy learning so through the IMM and AMM courses as well as being involved in member meetings, I enjoyed the combination of interacting with international marinas, formal training and broadening my skills and knowledge through these courses and events. CERTIFIED MEMBER, EVE KUNG CMO I finished the CMO accreditation during Covid, becoming the first Chinese woman to acquire the accreditation. With such a young marina industry in Taiwan, there is no appropriate marina law, regulation or training for the Taiwan marine industry. I am proud of my efforts to become the first, and only, person to pursue and accomplish this accreditation in Taiwan and I now have the ability to improve the marina industry culture and conversations. I have also been invited as a consultancy expert in official forums, which offers great benefits and allows me to interact with people from academic and the government to further develop the industry in Taiwan. What advice would you give other women entering the marina industry? The marina industry is new in Taiwan therefore marine expertise, English proficiency, a willingness to learn new things and good communication skills are necessary. What do you enjoy doing with your leisure time? I love gardening, meditation and spending time with my family and pets. How have your career and friendships been improved through your involvement as a CMO? I am now involved in a few marine industry groups and was involved in setting up the National Yacht Service Industry Association in Taiwan in 2024, the latest milestone for the industry. Both associations offer valuable networking opportunities and events, and I have made several friendships through these groups with people who share my passion for the yachting and marine industry. What is your favourite part about working in the marina industry? I love the environment I work in, the boundless sea and sky. On one hand there are a million things to do, on the other hand, there are great opportunities for continuous innovation, continual learning and development, which I love. Marina Management AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Discover PacsoftNG – the marina management software trusted by marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs for over 25 years. SCAN ME to find out more, or visit pacsoftmms.com NOW AVAILABLE IN THE CLOUD
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