Best Marine Mechanic Schools & Programs | How to Become A Boat Mechanic 2024. Engines that run on the waterways also break down and it is the job of the boat or marine mechanic to ensure they are always in good shape.
Marine engine mechanics must have knowledge of engines, specialized marine fuel systems, marine electrical systems and marine propulsion systems. A student’s foundational understanding of marine engines can be accomplished by taking automotive engine classes within associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Examples of relevant degree programs include an Associate in Science in Automotive Analysis and a master’s degree in automotive engineering.
How many years does it take to become a Boat Mechanic?
After high school, it takes a year to get a certificate degree and two years to get associates. The apprenticeship can last up to four years depending on the terms of agreement. So, it can take around four years to become a marine mechanic.
What are Marine Mechanic Schools you can attend?
Some boat mechanic schools one can attend are:
- British Columbia Institute of Technology.
- Cape Fear Community College.
- Kingsborough Community College.
- Hennepin Technical College.
- Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI).
Skagit Valley College. - Alexandria Technical College.
- Georgian College.
- Kagan Institute
- Automotive Training Center.
- J-Tech Institute
- TAFE Queensland.
Best Marine Mechanic Schools & Programs | How to Become A Boat Mechanic 2024
What is the Salary and Job outlook of Boat Mechanics?
The median salary of boat/marine mechanics is $43,440 yearly and a $20.89 median hourly pay.
How do you become a marine mechanic?
Attend a High School, Become an Apprentice, Attend College, Certification, Get Employment.
Is a marine mechanic a good career?
For those who have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the marine industry, this is a great career option to consider. Having a background as a marine technician can be a great advantage to those who pursue new business ventures.
How much does a master marine mechanic make?
The middle 57% of Marine Mechanics makes between $47,809 and $119,876, with the top 86% making $264,164.
Best Marine Mechanic schools and Programs in 2024
We have some of the marine mechanic programs you can enroll in to get a degree whether it be a certificate or associates. There is also a Specialized Marine Mechanic Training. This program provides students with training specific to brand manufacturers.Some of them are listed below.
1. Skagit Valley College – Marine Maintenance Technology
The Associate degree is in Marine Maintenance Technology. Basically, this training will launch your career as a technician in the boat, ship repair, and maintenance industries. Students will be trained in the following major areas: marine propulsion, marine vessel systems, and marine composites. There is also the option of certificate courses in Marine Mechanical Technician and Marine Electrical Technician.
2. Marine Mechanics Institute – Marine Technician Specialist Training
There are many courses at UTI for marine mechanics and technicians. The Marine Technician Training at Universal Technical Institute is a 51 weeks program that gives lots of hands-on tasks running engines. Furthermore, students at UTI learn through a combination of classroom and hands-on experience. It prepares for a complete career training from basic engine theory to technical aspects like service, rebuilding, troubleshooting, and repair.
3. British Columbia Institute of Technology – Marine Mechanical Technician
You can get a Marine Mechanical Technician program as either full-time or apprenticeship. The duration for both courses is 10 weeks. The apprenticeship program is for individuals who have an employer to sponsor them. While the full-time program is for people who have extensive experience working in the occupation and wish to challenge the certification.
4. Cape Fear Community College
The program offered in this school is Outboard systems. This 13-week program is from Yamaha Marine University that teaches core skills used by mechanics for marine outboard systems. Students will learn the basics of boating, fuel system components, outboard electrical systems, as well as a fundamental understanding of the marine industry, and marine service careers.
5. Alexandria Technical College
The program by this school is Marine, Motorcycle, & Power sports Technician. This program prepares boat mechanic students to repair inboard and outboard systems, personal watercraft, ATV, and motorcycles. There is an internship at the end of the first year. It is a 2-year course.
How to Become a Certified Marine Mechanic
Follow the steps below if you wish to become a boat or marine mechanic.
1. Attend High School
Attending high school is important if you wish to become a marine mechanic because you require math and communication skills. You may also consider taking shop courses if your high school has them. Shop courses provide direct experience with small hand tools and problem-solving.
2. Become an Apprentice
Learning on-the-job through an apprenticeship program is one way to obtain the training you need. Boat manufacturers and labor unions may offer some apprenticeships, while others are affiliated with local community colleges or technical schools.
3. Attend College
Many employers love marine mechanics with a formal education. You may obtain this experience in a certificate or associate’s degree program. Some schools offer marine mechanic courses that teach the fundamentals of engine management. A certificate may be earned in a year and an associate’s in two years.
4. Get a Certification
Certifications are important for marine mechanics that want to advance in the field. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) offers a variety of certification courses, relating to marine mechanics. For example, mechanics can become certified in marine systems, diesel engines, and support systems, and a gasoline engine and support systems, etc.
5. Get Employment
You can apply for positions in repair shops, docks and marinas or start your own business. However, you can choose to become self-employed.
What are Duties Of A Marine Mechanic
The duties of boat or marine mechanics include disassembling and inspecting motors, replacing defective parts, and adjusting timing or fuel-air mix. Other duties may include testing and evaluating motor performance at a range of speeds.
You may also be repairing both outboard and inboard engines, boat steering systems, testing engines, and all kinds of routine maintenance.
- Cleaning machines.
- Hydraulic monitoring
- Repair plumbing
- Assemble steering devices.
- Replace propellers.
- Understand steering gears and accessories.
- Install and evaluate sanitation.
- Maintain and repair air conditioning units as well as electrical boxes.
- Maintain and repair engines and fuel systems.