What jobs and career paths exist in recreational boating?
Please visit our career listing, which includes job descriptions and information such as education and skill requirements and job outlook.
What types of education and training do you need to work in the boating industry?
Young people can take advantage of high school vocational courses, as well as numerous college and technical school courses that are available. Someone looking for advanced technical training to prepare for a specific job in boating can also find a great number and variety of industry training, education, certification and professional development opportunities. Learning is a lifelong pursuit. From high school to post secondary to industry continuing-education programs, click here to view a catalog of nationwide training and education programs to find out where you can get the technical education and skills required for the boating industry today and in the future.
Is there any advice for a high school student who wants to enter the marine service technician field?
Yes, here are some important things to consider:
- Familiarize yourself with the marine industry.Work in a boatyard or marina on a part-time basis or during the summer.
- Develop good hand-tool usage skills.
- Take advantage of any technical education in the public school system – especially if they offer diesel, power or electronics courses.
- It is very important to develop an understanding of these areas if you think you’d like to go into the manufacturing/building or maintenance/service side of the industry.
- Investigate post secondary education – collegiate or proprietary (technical school) opportunities.
Is there any advice for a high school graduate or adult who wants to enter the marine service technician field?
There are numerous community, private colleges and technical/vocational schools that offer training. Someone looking for advanced technical training to prepare for a specific job in boating can also find a great number and variety of industry training, education, certification and professional development opportunities. Visit our educational catalog to find the training path that is right for you!
What is the difference between a post secondary collegiate program and a technical or vocational school?
At a college, students complete their general coursework, in addition to their technical coursework/training. You then have the opportunity to complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, and have the ability to move into management. At a technical or vocational school, the emphasis is all on the technical coursework. This would allow you the opportunity to get through the training and skills you need and get out into the industry quickly.
Are there any skill sets someone needs to succeed in the marine technician field?
People who enjoy working with their hands and their head, and who enjoy being multi-tasked tend to enjoy working as a marine technician. The technology is getting more sophisticated, so those who are interested in technology will be a great fit for this field.
Are jobs in boating full-time or part-time?
Most are full time positions. There are also summer and part time positions, but boating businesses are full time businesses now, with lots of work to do in the off-season.
What are the working conditions?
Working conditions for the different industry segments can vary. Some technicians work outdoors at docks or marinas, while indoor repair shops and manufacturing plants are well lighted and ventilated. Typically, the marine industry is proud to acknowledge safe and clean working environments that meet or exceed state and federal requirements.
What jobs are people most needed for?
Technicians to service boats are in great demand and short supply. Many positions go unfilled because there are not enough technicians to fill these jobs. Add to the mix that many of the people in the boating industry are aging and the demand is absolutely huge.
What do jobs in the boating industry pay?
Compensation varies with the job and what you can contribute.
What is the future outlook for a technical career in the boating industry?
In today’s hectic world pleasure boating is becoming an important stress reliever. More and more families are turning to recreational boating and, as a result, the industry’s continued growth is developing very stable and rewarding career opportunities for its workers. Unlike the auto industry, recreational vessels are subjected to the elements, such as water, humidity, etc., which in turn, require additional services. As the boating industry continues to expand to meet the needs of its consumers, the employment opportunity for workers and technicians has never been better.
Posted 1 year, 8 months ago at 3:17 pm. Add a comment
How do you want to pursue your career in the marine industry? Check out the options below!
| Title |
Job Description |
Career Outlook |
| Bookkeeper |
Bookkeepers record and put together summaries of the financial transactions of a business or other organization for management purposes. Tasks may include: receive and record invoices and arrange payment, prepare and send invoices, calculate and distribute wages and salaries, etc. |
Accounting Profession |
| Broker |
A person engaged in representing a buyer and/or a seller in the process of buying and/or selling marine vessels, both commercial and recreational, sail and power, for compensation. Yacht Brokers often assist the parties by providing, coordinating or accessing marketing, financing, insurance, survey, legal, maintenance and/or repair services. The term “Yacht Broker” is commonly used in a generic manner to refer to a person engaged in the business of selling new vessels as well as used and brokerage vessels. |
Good |
| Captain |
Captain’s control the operation of vessels used in water transport and commands the officers and crew. |
Seasonal |
| Carpenter / Joiner / Shipwright |
Boat Carpenters, or Joiners, are woodworkers that build boats from the keel up or are employed solely for the purpose of installing interior wood work. |
Very Good |
| Composite Technician |
Composite Technicians are specialists that understand the use and application of fiber reinforced laminates. Technicians are responsible for overseeing the construction of parts and the operation of fabrication processes and are called upon to repair laminates. |
Very Good |
| Deckhand |
A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional crew jobs on yachts. They will be expected to do a variety of jobs and experience in the following can only be an asset. Painting, sanding, varnishing, carpentry, buffing, polishing and finishing. Deckhands do not have to have sailing qualifications but having them is an asset. |
Seasonal |
| Dockhand |
Dock hands are marina employees that assist customers with docking, securing boats, mooring, transportation, fueling, and other marina services. |
Seasonal |
| Dockmaster |
Dockmasters manage marina slips, customer services, and personnel. |
Average |
| Draftsman |
A technical draftsman is responsible for documenting the layout and design of yacht components, systems, layout, and such. Draftsmen work in concert with designers and architects. |
Good |
| Electronic Technician |
Electronic Technicians specialize in the installation, integration, and repair of electronic equipment used in navigation and entertainment. |
Very Good |
| Foreman/Lead Tech |
Foremen are experienced system or building technician with supervisory responsibilities. |
Very Good |
| Forklift & Travel-Lift Operator |
A Forklift and Travel-all operator should be trained and certified. Operators are responsible for tasks such as, but not limited to,: pulling boats from dry storage and putting them in the water, hauling boats in and out of the water and moving them for service. |
Very Good |
| General Manager |
Overall responsibility for business planning, financial management, worker health, safety, and productivity, facility care and maintenance. |
Poor |
| HVAC Technician |
HVAC Technicians are EPA Certified installers of Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems contained on boats. Very Good Machinist A skilled worker who can efficiently operate all standard machine tools, read drawings, use precision measuring instruments and use hand tools. |
Very Good |
| Marine Electrician |
Marine Electricians install, maintain, and repair both DC and AC electrical systems and components. |
Very Good |
| Marine Finisher |
Marine finishers are responsible to applying finish coats (paint and/or varnish) to vessels. Finishes may be applied by hand and brush or sprayed. |
Very Good |
| Marine Systems Technician |
A Marine Systems Technician is a jack-of-all trades when it comes to system installations, maintenance and repair of boat systems. They generally have a working knowledge and practical skill sets that apply to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in addition to others. |
Very Good |
| Marine Underwriter |
A Marine Underwriter is responsible for the acceptance or rejection of insurance proposals to cover water born vessels, cargo, or other related claims. |
Insurance Profession |
| Marine Upholsterer/Canvas |
A Marine Upholsterer specializes in marine upholstery and interiors. A Marine Upholsterer understands the special considerations of crafting products that will be minimally affected by corrosion, moisture, and pounding vibration. |
Good |
| Mechanic |
A marine mechanic installs, maintains, or repairs mechanical systems on vessels. Mechanical systems may include engine sets, steering systems, pumps, etc. |
Very Good |
| Welder/Metal Fabricator |
Marine Welders construct or repair metal products by joining parts either manually (using a variety of welding methods including electric arc, MIG and TIG welding or oxy-acetylene welding) or by machine. These parts are used to complete structures and/or equipment. |
Very Good |
| Naval Architect |
Naval architects design barges, boats, and ships for their clients to be for use in commercial, pleasure, military, or other applications in marine or fresh water applications. |
Average |
| Parts Manager |
Parts Managers are members of the Service Department team that are responsible for managing part inventories, ordering, and disposition of parts to jobs. A strong working knowledge of boat systems and components is required. |
Very Good |
| Propeller Specialist |
A Propeller Specialist is skilled in the service and repair of all types of marine propellers. This includes estimating and cost analysis before beginning a repair, welding straightening, re-pitching, balancing, polishing, painting, etc. |
Very Good |
| Rigger, Power |
Outboard-motorboat rigger Installs accessories in outboard or inboard motorboats: Drills holes, attaches brackets, and installs accessories, such as lights, batteries, ignition switches, fuel tanks, and guide pulleys, using hand tools and power tools. May change propellers and adjust motors to obtain maximum performance. May install outboard and inboard motors and controls, using hand tools. May load boats on trailers and make deliveries to customers. |
Very Good |
| Rigger, Sail |
Sailboat riggers install, adjust, and modify sailboat standing and running rigging and assemble and dress masts and spars. |
Very Good |
| Sailmaker |
Sail makers lay out, cut, assemble and repair products made of canvas and synthetic fabric. |
Very Good |
| Service Manager |
Oversees and coordinates work order projects that may involve multi-departmental coordination. |
Average |
| Service Writer |
Administrative position focused on communicating with customers to detail repair orders. |
Very Good |
| Large Yacht Engineer |
A ship engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing a ship’s equipment, including its engine, generators, boiler, and pumps as well as electrical, ventilation, heating, and refrigeration systems. |
Very Good |
| Surveyor |
From recreational boats to commercial ships, surveyors survey new and used vessels to determine their condition and value. |
Good |
| Technical Engineer |
Technical Engineers, or Engineering Assistants, are technicians employed by design or manufacturing departments as liaisons that assist in the transfer of knowledge sets, ideas, and technical information. |
Good |
| Technician, Outboard Engine |
An Outboard Engine Technician performs maintenance and repair of all outboard motor systems. These systems include Ignition, Electrical, Oil Injection, Fuel Injection, Carburetion, Hydraulic, Engine Mechanical and Drive Train. May also be called upon to perform the functions of a Rigger, Power. |
Very Good |
| Yacht Designer |
Yacht Designers, although not Naval Architects, are responsible for designing the shape and layout of yachts and yacht systems. Designers are well versed in the principles of design based on the fundamentals of small craft naval architecture and marine engineering. |
Average |
| Yard Laborer |
Jack-of-all trades who works on a variety of general jobs vital to running a successful marine facility. |
Very Good |
Posted 1 year, 8 months ago at 3:14 pm. 1 comment
There are lots of jobs and careers paths in recreational boating. If you are interested in finding what jobs are available in the industry or in your area, we suggest visiting the following job sites.
American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) — an industry association that has a job listing page for those looking for careers in the boatyard and marine service industry.
National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) — Marine electronics job mart.
National Marine Manufacturers Association JobMart — JobMart is a benefit to NMMA members that allows member companies to post their job openings and review resumes from job seekers.
ProBoat Careers.com — Professional BoatBuilder magazine has launched a boat building job search that provides boatbuilding companies and professionals a way to connect in an online employment forum.
Trade Only Today — Trade Only Today, the boating business newspaper provides job postings at their web site.
Your State/Local Marine Trades Association — MITEC recommends contacting your local or state marine trades associations. By searching online, you can find out if you have a trade association in your area and their contact information. Many associations are able to provide information on local jobs that are available close to home!
Posted 1 year, 8 months ago at 1:20 pm. 1 comment
