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Marine Mechanics Job Overview

Marine mechanics repair the mechanical and electrical equipment of inboard and outboard boat engines. Most of these repairs are carried out at docks and marinas. The mechanics may also work on marine plumbing, propellers, steering mechanisms and other boat equipment. Some of the repairs may be simple like just replacing a spark plug, while some may entail taking the engine apart and repairing it completely.

Marine Mechanics Schools and Degrees

Programs for marine mechanics are offered by several professional-technical schools and two-year colleges. Most programs offer a combination of class instruction and hands-on practice. Two-year programs usually lead to an associate’s degree. One can also opt for shorter certificate programs.

Job Requirements

While hiring trainee mechanics, employers usually prefer graduates from professional training programs with mechanical aptitude and knowledge of small 2 and 4 stroke engines. Background knowledge of basic electronics is vital. High school courses in small engine repair, automobile mechanics, science and business math are all helpful. Employers also send marine mechanics to conferences and special courses organized by motorboat manufacturers and distributors. Due to the increasing complexity and advancement in the field of motorboat mechanics, it is extremely important to be up-to-date with the latest techniques.

Even though majority of the employers prefer candidates with degrees in motorboat mechanics, there are those who recruit less educated applicants possessing the adequate writing, reading and arithmetic skills. It is essential for a marine mechanic to have good technical skills. Hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills are also important in this profession. Due to the physical nature of the job, it is also necessary for marine mechanics to be in good physical condition.

Nature of Work

The various duties performed by a marine mechanic include checking the motor for mechanical, fuel or electrical problems, referring to service manuals for details on servicing, making repairs, replacing parts such as gears, piston rings and spark plugs and writing test reports to highlight the condition of the engine.

Marine mechanics usually work at repair shops that are well lighted and ventilated. However, surroundings can be a bit noisy. They often have to work outdoors while repairing small boats or larger crafts. Most marine mechanics work 40 hours a week, though they may sometimes have to work longer hours and on weekends. About 20 percent of marine mechanics are self-employed.

Marine Mechanics Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, marine mechanics held about 23,000 jobs in the U.S. Employment in this sector is expected to rise by 19% in the next ten years. It is the highest in the following industries:

• Amusement and Recreation Industries
• equipment Rental, Ship and Boat Building Companies
• Marinas, Boatyards, and Independent Repair Shops
• Motor Vehicle Dealers
• Support Activities for Water Transportation

The mean hourly wage for marine mechanics in the US is about $17.06, while mean annual wages are around $35,490.

Job Numbers and Growth

About 24,000 marine mechanics are employed nationally. Workers can expect a high level of unemployment, if history can be used as a guide. In 2008, 7% of employees could not find jobs.

Area Job Conditions

Popular locations for marine mechanics include Sandusky (Ohio), Barnstable (Massachusetts), and Ocean City (New Jersey). Fewer are found in Phoenix (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), and Chicago (Illinois).

Workers looking for high salaries should look at Chicago (Illinois), San Francisco (California), and Nassau (New York), and should avoid Athens (Georgia), Cincinnati (Ohio), and Green Bay (Wisconsin).

Training and Education

Employees often obtain long-term on-the-job training before starting. The percentage of marine mechanics with college degrees is 5%. Workers with some college (less than a bachelor's degree) represent about 32% of the total. Some employees, about 64%, had a high-school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Part-time marine mechanics are 11% of all surveyed. Some workers, about 23%, work for themselves.

Marine Mechanics by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Illinois

Indiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nevada

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New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Texas

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin