Marine mechanics are also referred to as motorboat mechanics, small motor mechanic, or boat mechanic. No matter their title, they maintain and repair mechanical and electrical components of boat engines and those of other aquatic vehicles. Read further to learn more about becoming a marine mechanic.
Marine Mechanic Job Description
There are many boats of varying shapes, sizes, and functions throughout the country. Whether you're working on a commercial or recreational watercraft, you are responsible for performing repairs and maintenance work of their engines. Most often, marine mechanics work at repair shops located in docks or marinas. Marine mechanics can expect to work on all components of watercrafts, including propellers, steering mechanics, hydraulic systems, engines, and even marine plumbing.
Your responsibilities as a marine mechanic include but are not limited to:
- Work on watercrafts of all shapes and sizes
- Communicate with your customers — listen, correctly diagnose and repair the issue
- Perform routine maintenance
- Test driving
- Observe and test all equipment on the boat — troubleshoot to find malfunctioning parts
- Repair and/or replace defective, worn, or damaged parts
- Document your process and maintain client records
Qualifications of a Good Marine Mechanic
If you love being by the water, taking boats out for a joyride, and playing around with the working (or not-so working) parts of a boat, then a career as a marine mechanic may be great for you.
Because a portion of your job is client-facing, there are some soft skills that great marine mechanics should possess:
- People Skills: Your customer service skills should be on par with your mechanical skills. Word-of-mouth can impact businesses (good or bad). Especially since boating communities are usually tight-knit, having great people skills can earn you repeat customers and new clients.
- Attention to Detail: Being detail-oriented is necessary for the correct diagnosis of an issue, and your ability to carry out a successful repair.
- Coordination: Hand-eye coordination is essential when it comes to being an adept mechanic. The components and tools you'll be working with will require excellent dexterity for successful repairs.
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is an important part of any mechanic's job, the same goes for marine mechanics. Being a skilled troubleshooter, who is able to quickly and effectively run diagnostic tests to aid in your repairs, will serve you well in the industry.
- Certifications: Earning any necessary certifications, along with some other optional ones, can strengthen your reputation and may result in a better earning potential throughout your career.
How to Become a Marine Mechanic
You'll be working with differing technology and using specific techniques to complete jobs. There are a few ways to go about becoming a marine mechanic. Following is a general guideline for the process of becoming a marine mechanic.
Marine Mechanic: Post Secondary Education
- First, you should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Enroll in a marine mechanic program. You can choose a vocational or technical school, or a community college. Post secondary education typically involves hands-on training and classroom instruction. If you choose to earn an associate degree, your program will generally take 2 years to complete. If you choose a vocational/technical school, your program may take between 1-2 years.
- After school, you may be required to enter into an apprenticeship to learn more about the trade under the guidance of an experienced and qualified marine mechanic.
- Seek out certifications. In most cases, certifications are optional, however, it is encouraged for mechanics to earn them. Getting certified through the ABYC can give you an advantage in the job market — and can also increase your future earning potential.
- You will need to renew your certification by taking 2 continuing education courses every 5 years (beginning 2 years after your first certification).
- If you earn a minimum of three ABYC certifications, you become a master technician.
Marine Mechanic: Apprenticeship
- First, you should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- An apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to learn the trade under the guidance of an experienced and qualified marine mechanic. Apprenticeships can be a great alternative to schooling if you would like to learn the trade and save money. Many apprenticeships are offered through boat manufacturers or various unions.
- Again, once you complete your apprenticeship and begin working, it is still a great idea to seek out certifications. Many are optional, however, it is encouraged for mechanics to earn them. Not only can it give you an advantage in the job market, but it can also increase your future earning potential.
- You will need to renew your certification by taking 2 continuing education courses every 5 years (beginning 2 years after your first certification).
- If you earn a minimum of three ABYC certifications, you become a master technician.
Find a marine maintenance program near you.
Marine Mechanic Certification
When it comes to your chosen career, a marine mechanic has around 7 different certification options available. Most of them are available through the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). In most instances, you’ll need to show proof that you’ve worked in the field for 2 years.
You can choose to get certifications in:
- Diesel engines
- Gas engines and marine systems
- Refrigeration and air conditioning
- Marine electrical
- Corrosion
There are other certifications offered too. Check them out on ABYC's web site.
Are There Online School Options for Marine Mechanics?
There are some online and distance learning programs available for marine mechanics. But, only for the education portion.
You will be required to appear in-person for practical learning applications. Some online programs may have students report to a participating school or facility for the hands-on portion of lessons. Due diligence should be applied when researching online motorboat mechanic programs.
Careers Related to Marine Mechanics
As a marine mechanic, you’ll be more than qualified enough to work in a dealership or at a marina as the resident boat mechanic. There are also a few other paths you can choose from. If you’re interested specifically in mechanics, you can choose auto, motorcycle, diesel, and other types of small or large engine crafts.
But if water is your calling, you have a few other options to explore:
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. You have to be a U.S. citizen, or a naturalized citizen. You must be between the ages of 17-31 to work as a Coast Guard official. If you are 17, you will need parental consent to join the Coast Guard. You must have a high school diploma, and no more than two dependents. You have to take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, plus a medical exam. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time on the water. There are many benefits, both paid and otherwise to enlisting in the Coast Guard.
Marine Engineer
Those large vessels moving products across oceans? Those were designed by marine engineers. These ships play an important role in the economy. There are a very limited number of universities in the U.S. that offer marine engineering. At minimum, you will need your bachelor's degree. A portion of your training will include a summer at sea where you will gain experience and have a glimpse into the perspective of these engineers. Once you graduate, you will need to get a license from the U.S. Coast Guard, along with one of the engineering certifications.
Boat Rigger
As a boat rigger, you’re part of a construction team that builds out hulls of recreational ships. You start out as an apprentice in a boatyard where you’ll learn the boat building basics. Once you’ve learned how to build the outside of the boat, you’ll move onto the interior. Eventually, you’ll know the inside outs of building a boat. Mostly, you’ll end up concentrating on the electric and electronic aspects of boats, from the communication devices to the onboard sound systems and beyond.
Marine Mechanic & Service Tech Salary in 2022
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians was $50,280 in 2022. But, depending on experience, which state you're in, and the industry you’re employed with, a motorboat mechanic can earn even more. The top 10 percent in 2022 earned $71,760, or more.
States with the highest salary in 2022
|
State |
Salary |
|
Massachusetts |
$60,270 |
|
Hawaii |
$59,810 |
|
Kentucky |
$59,030 |
|
New Jersey |
$58,360 |
| Alaska | $57,020 |
A love of water and an interest in mechanics can take you far if you're interested in becoming a marine mechanic. Marine mechanics can enjoy a great and adventurous career conducive to their passion for boating. Find a marine maintenance program near you.
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