Mechanic Training
Marine
If you’re looking for an interesting mechanics career – and you live near water, or want to – consider training as a marine mechanic. These trained professionals are responsible for all mechanical and electrical equipment on boats and ships.
This flexible career allows you to specialize in whatever you want, be it a certain type, size, or make of boat, or in certain procedures. Others choose the steadier work of servicing and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that “Job opportunities are expected to be very good for candidates with formal training.” Motorboat mechanics earned a median income of about $31,790 in 2010.
Take a look at the schools below… one of them might be right for you!
Marine Mechanic Career
A good marine mechanic school will teach you how to repair, tune and adjust the electrical and mechanical equipment settings of inboard and outboard boat engines.
In addition to working on boat engines, marine mechanic schools will also train you on proper maintenance and repair of propellers, steering systems, and other boat equipment. Marine mechanics will often repair other types of marine equipment such as jet skis and wave runners.
Many smaller boats have portable outboard engines that can be removed and brought to a marina, dealer, or repair shop for necessary maintenance and repairs. Larger craft is often powered by large diesel or gasoline engines which are removed only for major engine overhauls.
Motorboats and personal watercraft (PWCs) are used more than ever for pleasure boating, water sports, fishing, and racing. Some people even choose to live on their boats as a permanent residence. Watercraft continues to ride a wave of popularity (sorry for the pun), keeping the demand for trained marine techs high.
Why become a Marine Mechanic?
Are you good at solving problems and using your brain as well as your hands? Do you enjoy the outdoors and being on the water? Do you want job security? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may just want to get online and look for one of the many marine mechanic schools out there.
You don’t need a four-year degree to make a big splash when it comes to a good career decision. Marine mechanics enjoy learning about a variety of marine and watercraft engines and technology. Marine mechanic schools train their students using classroom instruction and hands-on exercises.
After completing basic courses, marine mechanic trainees can get manufacture-specific training in high-powered marine engines such as Volvo-Penta, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. So what does the future look like for a boat mechanic school graduate?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for marine mechanics should increase by 18% in nearby future. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, there were over 72 million boaters in 2003. With the increase in the next decade of an older population (including the age group that buys most of today’s boats), job security rates are very high. Wages for marine mechanics are good also.
So, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge, get wet, and start an exciting career today when you begin your training at one of the numerous marine mechanic training centers near you.
** Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nmma.org (National Marine Manufactures Association)
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