Trade Schools with Marine Services Programs
A world of opportunities awaits those who choose a career in marine services. Technicians in this field handle the upkeep of water vessels for companies and individual boat owners around the globe. If you enjoy working with your hands and spending time on or near lakes and oceans, these programs may be just right for you.
The marine services industry is growing in popularity due to the unique opportunities this line of work can offer. With hundreds of trade schools throughout the U.S. offering instruction and certification within a year or less, students have the chance to gain the knowledge and experience that will make them an attractive candidate for employment in the boating industry.
What are Marine Services?
Marine services include anything to do with the preparation, transportation, and maintenance of watercrafts. Technicians work with everything from small motorboats to massive ships, yachts, and oil tankers. These professionals service both the surface and the inside mechanisms of different vessels to keep them working properly and safely.
The main responsibility of a marine service tech is making sure that each customer’s boat is in good condition before selling or returning it to them. They analyze, test, and fix any complications with the engine and other under-the-hood components until they are in working order. Also, techs often repair cosmetic damage and detail the body of a vessel to the client’s specifications.
What Are a Marine Service Technician's Job Duties?
It is the marine mechanic’s job to know watercrafts inside and out. These techs receive their work orders either from their supervisor, or directly from the owner of the vessel. Whether a boat needs extensive repairs or just routine maintenance to prepare for boating and fishing season, professionals examine and test each feature of the craft to make sure everything is in working order.
When a boat needs propeller, transmission or engine repair, a marine service tech’s tasks become more similar to an auto mechanic’s. They diagnose the problem, determine the right way to fix it, and calculate the cost for doing so. With the client’s consent, they then remove, replace and reinstall the new parts and systems necessary to get the vessel back on the water.
Marine service technicians handle the outside look of a boat as well as its inside functions. Things like patching sails, applying paint and wax, removing rust and barnacles and modifying rigging are all part of a boat mechanic’s workload. Those with specialized education and experience may also recalibrate faulty navigation systems and fix broken refrigeration units.
Why Do Marine Service Technicians Need Interpersonal Skills?
Dealing with the public is a large part of a marine mechanic’s job. They must be able to consult with vendors and supervisors, and may sometimes have to deal with frustrated and irritable clients. Good communication and customer service skills are vital for handling these types of situations, and ensuring that each patron has a positive and satisfying experience.
Making repairs to watercrafts can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Repeatedly testing and troubleshooting to find the cause of unknown mechanical failure can be stressful, especially when work orders are rushing in and deadlines are approaching. Marine service technicians need to practice patience and teamwork to handle their workload without getting overwhelmed.
When starting a new work order, it is up to the mechanic to make all the decisions regarding the repairs. Taking responsibility for each choice they make, and having a strong motivation and work ethic are essential for a marine service tech. These traits ensure that they keep working to find the right solutions until the job is done.
What are Useful Skills for Workers in This Field?
- The ability to read and understand technical manuals and blueprints
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Customer service skills
- A willingness to accept and apply constructive feedback
- The ability to stand, sit and stoop for long periods
- Practical experience using power tools and marine maintenance equipment
- Critical thinking skills
- Being mechanically inclined
- Coordination and dexterity
Are There Special Requirements for Marine Service Jobs?
To enter the marine services field, mechanics must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some small boat shops may hire these individuals and give them on-the-job training to help them hone their skills. However, as systems and equipment become more sophisticated, employers may start to prefer workers who have more experience and education.
At the postsecondary level, students learn the ins and outs of various marine vehicles. Courses in electrical work, small engine maintenance and installation, and any other specialized areas such as woodworking, fiberglass repair, or refrigeration prepare them to work with a wide range of watercrafts. Typically, these programs take six months to a year to complete.
Many experienced marine mechanics choose to get an official certification from the American Boat and Yacht Council. To obtain these credentials, hopefuls must attend a two-day training session, then take an exam to prove their skills. Techs will need to refresh their knowledge and take another exam every five years in order to stay certified.
What is the
Outlook for Marine Service Jobs?
Repair shops are well-ventilated, but the constant use of power tools can make the space incredibly noisy. When doing onsite work on the water or at a dry dock, techs may have to deal with poor weather conditions. They also must endure cramped and uncomfortable areas and positions when fixing onboard engines.
Marine mechanics typically enjoy a 40 hour work week, though their schedules fluctuate throughout the year. They may work overtime during the busy spring and summer months when boat owners are preparing for fishing season or cruising the lakes with friends and family. In the fall and winter, techs may focus on major engine-building projects as a way to combat lower demand for their services.
The availability and type of employment benefits for these technicians depends on the company they are working for. Many mechanics receive health insurance, 401K and paid vacation as part of their employment package. Those who take positions within the United States Navy or Marine Corps are eligible for military benefits as well.
Where Can Prospects Find Work?
Any company that builds, sells or repairs boats needs a competent marine service technician onsite. Some of the common businesses looking to hire these qualified mechanics are:
- Boat dealerships
- Independent repair shops
- Marinas
- Boatyards
- Docks
- Yacht centers
- Cruise lines
- U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
Can You Operate Your Own Company?
Some experienced, certified technicians may decide to become business owners. Their education and work background gives these entrepreneurs an advantage when opening their own marinas, dealerships, rig shops, or service yards. Many of these go-getters set up their company near rivers and lakes in order to draw in more customers.
Do Marine Service Technicians Have Any Other Options?
The decision making and problem solving abilities of marine mechanics come in handy in a variety of administrative and management positions. Fields such as carpentry, HVAC, and welding are also good choices for those who can pay close attention to detail and enjoy working with their hands. They may even choose to work in the tourism industry, captaining private yachts for beach town vacationers.
What Are Alternate Careers for Marine Service Technicians?
Though it may require a little extra training, the switch from marine service professional to automotive mechanic or service technician could be an easy transition. Other maintenance jobs such as electricians or elevator installer and repairer require a four or five-year apprenticeship. Those who still wish to work with watercrafts could obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree as a naval architect.