10 Best Marine Mechanic Schools

Marine mechanics help repair, maintain, and improve the engines, electrical systems, and auxiliary devices that keep boats, yachts, and cruise ships afloat. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a marine mechanic, enrolling in a marine mechanic school can help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Marine mechanic programs prepare you for certifications and licensure exams to significantly improve your career prospects.

Along with practical-intensive learning, specialized marine mechanic training programs can introduce excellent job prospects. 

Let’s look at some of the best marine mechanic schools and different opportunities associated with a career as a marine service technician.

What do Marine Mechanics do?

The daily responsibilities of boat mechanics and technicians include making mechanical adjustments, repairing and replacing worn-out components, lubricating parts, and carrying out routine maintenance of boats and other marine equipment.

Mechanics in the field operate testing equipment to diagnose and conduct repairs on marine engines, propellers, steering mechanisms, hulls, masts, sails, rigging, and navigational gear. They also help install and repair fuel systems, refrigeration, plumbing devices, hydraulics, and air-conditioning units.

Marine Service Technicians Training

Marine Technology Degree and Course Information

There are two options for students who wish to become marine technicians: Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.

An associate’s degree program is ideal for students who want to start with just the basics. If you are looking to pursue advanced topics such as the construction and design of water vessels, you should consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree instead.

New England Institute of Technology offers an excellent Associate of Science degree in marine technology.

Coursework includes classroom instruction and hands-on training in installing, servicing, and repairing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems of recreational and commercial boats and ships. The associate program at the institute can help you get job-ready in only 18 months.

What Does a Marine Mechanic Learn in the Program?

During their Associate’s degree, prospective marine technicians get an overview of boats and marine equipment used in commercial and recreational applications. Students learn basic engine theory, marine electrical and electronics installations, welding, engine overhaul, system diagnostics, surveying, fabrication, and refrigeration systems. 

Bachelor’s degree programs generally focus on advanced areas like marine engineering and naval architecture. You can learn the design, fabrication, and operations of marine vehicles and maritime machinery. 

Subjects like diesel engine operations, engineering essentials, computer-aided design, fabrication of composites, and liquid processes help you understand various marine vehicles.

Top Schools for Marine Mechanics

Here are some of the schools that offer programs for prospective marine mechanics. Please note we have not created this list based on any ranking criteria.

1. New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island

This Rhode Island institute offers a comprehensive Associate of Science Degree in Marine Technology program. Students receive hands-on training in boat and ship mechanics, marine-focused business concepts, marine electricals, and marine systems installation, repair, and service.

You can also complete an additional term of study to receive an Associate of Science in Advanced Marine Technology. This option will help you learn advanced electronics and computer controls common in the industry today.

The Marine Tech Department is the New England training site for Volvo Penta Marine, with advanced training available for qualified students. Students completing the associate’s program may also qualify to become certified Volvo Penta Technicians. Upon graduation, students become members of the American Boating and Yacht Council (ABYC).

2. Northwood Technical College, Wisconsin

Northwood Technical College offers a three-semester, 1.5-year marine repair technician program at its Ashland campus. You can enroll for this course in either of the fall or spring intakes. Prospective students learn the technical aspects of marine engines and boat systems for the recreational boating industry.

In the final semester of your course, you will receive hands-on experience on modern engines with EFI, DFI, CanBus, and computerized diagnostic systems.  

3. State Fair Community College, Missouri

State Fair Community College (SFCC) offers the Associate of Applied Science in Marine Technology. Students must complete 62 credit hours to receive their degrees.

The marine technology program at the institute is a partnership between SFCC and the Lake Career and Technical Center (LCTC). Prospective graduates complete their general education requirements at the SFCC campus in The Lake of the Ozarks. For their core program courses, they must visit the LCTC campus in Camdenton.

4. McFatter Technical College, Florida

McFatter College offers a 1350-hour/12 months Marine Service Technologies program for marine mechanics.

The program includes subjects like Marine Rigging, Fuel Injection Principles, Stern Drives, Outboard Engines, and basic information of Electronics Installation and Inboard Engines. These subjects help students diagnose, repair, and overhaul outboard engines of up to 50-feet crafts.

After completing your program, you can also apply for the Evinrude Certification, Mercury Certification, and Yamaha Certification.

5.  South Louisiana Community College, Louisiana

South Louisiana Community College offers two programs in Industrial Marine Electronics at its Young Memorial Campus-Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Marine Electronics Technology and a Technical Diploma in Industrial Marine Electronics Technology.

Both programs focus on core electronics technologies in boats and marine vehicles such as motors, radar, fiber optics, laser technology, computer applications, telecommunications, microwave, hydraulics, PLC, and video controls. Students acquire practical skills in industrial wiring, diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, and the use of testing equipment.

The programs prepare students for entry-level jobs such as Basic Marine Electronics Installer, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) technician, etc. Students can also apply for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Association of Business and Educational Radio (NABER) certification, and licensure exams after completing their course.

6. Universal Technical Institute, Florida

Universal Technical Institute’s Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) campus in Florida offers a 51-week Marine Technician Specialist Training program. A new batch for this training program begins every six weeks. 

Students receive training on five different engine brands and multiple training opportunities with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

7. Skagit Valley College, Washington

Skagit Valley College offers multiple options for students interested in pursuing a career in the marine field. You can choose from an Associate of Applied Science in Marine Maintenance Technology, the Marine Electrical Technician Certificate, and the Marine Mechanical Technician Certificate.

The coursework in each program includes a blend of classroom study, hands-on experience, and certification preparation.

Students can earn credentials with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), etc., during their program.

8. Suncoast Technical College, Florida

Suncoast Technical College provides a fast-track course in Marine Service. The hands-on laboratory and classroom training includes experience on 4-stroke engines, ignition systems, gears and steering mechanisms, lubrication, and cranking systems used in the outboard marine industry.

9. The Landing School, Maine

The Landing School is one of the oldest marine mechanic schools in the country. It has received accreditation from The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) for its programs in yacht design, wooden boat building, composite boat building, and marine systems. 

You can apply for the Associate of Applied Science in Marine Industry Technology at the institute or choose from a range of its diploma and certification programs. The Landing School also partners with several universities that provide their graduates to pursue their Bachelor’s degrees.

10. Tom P. Haney Technical Center, Florida

Tom P. Haney Technical Centers offers a 54-week program in Marine Service Technologies. The program includes service, repair, and overhaul courses of four-stroke and two-stroke engines, motors, and boating accessories.

Career Opportunities in the Marine Industry

After completing your Associate’s degree in marine technology, you can pursue the following jobs:

Mechanics, technicians, and engine builders generally work in boatyards, repair, and manufacturing industries. Besides the regular job description, sales and service specialists consult customers on the parts, repair, and technical maintenance.

Employment and Salary Information

Graduating from an accredited marine mechanic school can open several rewarding career paths.

After completing your Associate’s degree, you can apply for American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) certificate programs to improve your employment prospects. A boat mechanic who passes three out of the eight certificates earns Master Technician status.

Top Employers for Marine Mechanics

Some of the top employers for boat mechanics and marine technicians are as follows:

Best Paying Locations

Coastal areas and states close to the harbors generally offer higher wages to service technicians.

Related: How much do boat mechanics make?

Some of the top-paying locations for a motorboat mechanic and their average salaries are as follows:

Conclusion

Marine mechanic schools offer several training programs for students who wish to become certified boat mechanics. A formal education program can improve your credibility, acquire relevant knowledge, and prepare for certifications and licensure.

FAQs

Are Marine Mechanics in Demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of motorboat mechanics and service technicians will increase at a faster-than-average rate of 13 percent in the next ten years, creating about 2,900 new jobs.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Marine Mechanic?

You can complete a certificate or an associate’s degree to become a marine mechanic, and associate degree programs generally take 18 months to two years to complete. After formal education, you may also have to meet your state’s certificate and licensure requirements to start working as a certified mechanic.

How Much Can I Make as an Entry-Level Marine Mechanic?

The annual average salary of a motorboat mechanic in the United States is $43,320. Factors such as education, work experience, certifications, and job location influence the salary of a marine mechanic.