More Information About Marine Mechanic

• Also known as a motorboat mechanic, a marine mechanic specializes in building and maintaining motorboat engines.
• Marine mechanics have better chances at landing a job near the coast.
• With marine machinery becoming more and more technologically advanced, most employers prefer to hire those with a degree from an accredited vocational program.

A marine mechanic, also known as a motorboat mechanic, is a specialist in building and maintaining motorboat engines. Whether it's a smaller boat with portable outboard engine, or a larger boat with an inboard engine, when a piece of an engine breaks marine mechanics use their problem solving skills to keep the boat afloat. Marine mechanics may also work on other boat mechanisms such as propellers, fuel injection systems, steering mechanisms, and boat plumbing.

Marine mechanics have a better chance at landing a job depending on the location in which they live. Coastal towns and cities are likely a better place to find a job in this field for obvious reasons - where there's water, there are boats. Most marine mechanics work in specialty repair shops and a lot of the work is done outside, on docks and marinas. Depending on the geographic latitude, this job can be a year around job, or a seasonal job. In warmer climates, marine mechanics can probably make a living all year round. In colder regions many marine mechanics are only able to work part time. The demand for marine mechanics is not expected to be extremely high, but professionals with experience are likely to land a job. Those with formal, vocational training have the best opportunities in the job search.

Boat engines, just like any other type of machinery, are becoming more and more technologically advanced. As a result, most employers prefer to hire those with a degree from an accredited vocational program in small engine mechanics. These programs can last anywhere from one to two years and they often involve a period of apprenticeship training. However, most marine mechanics learn their skills on-the-job or in their own time and then go on to get specialized training. Jobs for those without vocational training usually offer a lower salary, but these jobs can be a good way to get experience in the field. Sometimes, after some on-the-job training, an employer will pay to send an employee to get specialized vocational training. It usually takes 3 to 5 years of training before a marine mechanic can become a respected professional in the field. Some marine mechanics choose to branch off into other types of work like motorcycle, diesel, or automobile mechanic work.

The average salary for a marine mechanic ranges from $20,000 to $40,300 a year. Salaries vary greatly by the type of place you choose to work. Larger shops usually offer a higher salary and better benefits.

• WyoTech - Daytona WyoTech - Daytona was founded in 1972 in Daytona, Florida. The school offers courses in Marine Technology, Motorcycle Technology and in Personal Watercraft. Students are trained with the skills they need to start their careers immediately upon graduation. ( More Info )
• Penn Foster Career School - Vocational Programs Penn Foster Career School is one of the world's largest distance learning institutions, offers Vocational Diploma programs in the fields of Automotive Technology, Catering & Gourmet Cooking, Electrician, Fitness & Nutrition, Home Inspection, HVAC, Motorcycle Repair and more. ( More Info )