You love all things water and boat related. Your idea of an ideal work environment is so not in an office. You’d like to fix the boat in the song – row, row, row your boat, because – why row when you can motor! If you said yes to all of the above, a career as a marine technician might really – float your boat! Ok, bad puns aside, have you ever wondered what it would be like to earn a living working on the thing you love so much? Keep reading and stop wondering while we take a look at a day in the life of a marine technician.
Where Marine Technicians Work
Depending on the type and size of the craft, you might be starting your day as a marine technician in a repair shop or out on a dock or marina. That’s because for smaller watercraft, the engines can be removed fairly easily and brought into a shop for repair. For larger, commercial boats, like fishing boats or yachts, you can expect to be working on a dock or in a marina… but more importantly, near the water.
What You’ll Be Working On
- Motorboats
- Fishing Boats
- Sailboats
- Jet Skis
- Yachts
What You’ll Be Doing
A large portion of your time will be spent performing preventive maintenance to keep all the systems in the boat functioning properly. That could include:
- Inspecting and testing the battery
- Propeller repair and replacement
- Testing and maintaining AC and heating
- Electrical & plumbing
- Rigging replacement
- Replacing the oil
You’ll also be winterizing boats, which is a step-by-step process that helps protect the boat and its internal components during colder months. But you’ll also be working with high-tech computer diagnostic systems, electronic circuit testing tools and other equipment used to rebuild, repair and install marine engines large and small.
It’s safe to say, that it’s not likely to be a boring routine when you’re a marine technician. Not only will you be working with like-minded professionals who share your passion for the hands-on craft of making things ride the waves, you’ll also be meeting and interacting with people who share your passion for that boat-life. There’s also the fact according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for marine technicians, is over $43K! That leaves plenty of room to earn more as you gain experience.
So, if all of the above sounds like a great way to earn a living, why not get started today by contacting J-Tech Institute? J-Tech’s Marine and RV Technology Program is helping students get hands-on training in both marine and recreational vehicle technology. What does that mean for you? More skills, more opportunities and a career with virtually endless opportunities! And – graduates of the program are prepared to take the Yamaha certification exams for the Marine Certification Program. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour of our facility in Jacksonville, FL.