A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Joy De Vicente, a UAE-based entrepreneur, has sailed on rough seas before achieving his current status.
The Filipino arrived in Dubai in 2008 in the hopes of finding better work opportunities and benefits. He was first given the opportunity to work at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club as a marina operation deckhand. Fortunately, his company and colleagues were supportive of him, and in a short span of time, he was able to gain sufficient knowledge about his job role. Soon after, he adjusted to the new environment and improved himself efficiently because of his colleagues.
Two years later, his journey as a yacht captain started when he was hired by a yacht company based in Abu Dhabi.
While exploring many opportunities in the UAE, Joy worked as a captain and marine operations manager for a very influential family in Dubai.
“It was a great honor for me to be able to serve their family and somehow repay their kindness to all expatriates like us who are here in their country to work and help our families,” he said.
Because of his dedication to work, he, along with his other business partners, founded Maritime Boating & Yachting Training LLC (MBYT), a company that provides training to Filipinos who intend to work in the maritime industry. The company also welcomes those currently working in the same industry who want to improve their skills and knowledge in their profession. MBYT also provides scholarships to qualified applicants to help them reach their dreams.
On the other hand, Joy and his fellow captains established the International Maritime Club of the Philippines (INMAR) to realize their vision to improve the standards of Filipinos working in the maritime sector.
The Filipino CEO said that he is always grateful for his current profession.
“I am very satisfied with my job because the owners of the yacht spend millions to experience the luxury of life, and they are giving us their trust, and we will not fail them. Plus, we are paid to experience their luxurious yachts and small boats with them,” he added.
For Joy, meeting people of different nationalities helped him be more flexible and have a broader perspective on life. When he’s faced with storms, he won’t be afraid anymore, for he had learned how to sail his ship.
When he secures his children’s education, Joy plans to go back to the Philippines, live with his family in their province, and enjoy life away from the city.
“My advice to our compatriots here abroad, no matter what hardships and problems we go through. Don’t give up; ask God for help. Always choose to do the right thing. Focus on your goal and work hard for it. In every failure, you will get knowledge for your success,” he said.