Career Facts About Being A Marine Mechanic

Most companies that hire marine mechanics prefer to hire individuals who have successfully completed a formal marine technician training program, particularly with the increasing complexity of marine equipment.

But many successful marine mechanics start out as apprentices or trainees and learn "on the job." As the trainee progresses, the employer may cover part or all of the tuition fees for the individual to obtain more formal training, or the individual may acquire the training on his own to further his career.

Many employers of marine mechanics may send the mechanic to specialized marine engine training programs, particularly courses offered by manufacturers of marine engines, such as Mercury, Volvo, Honda, Tohatsu, and Suzuki. These courses generally are needed to qualify the mechanic to work as an authorized service representative for the manufacturer and to perform warranty work on those engines.

Marine mechanics should have a high school degree or equivalent, and the ability to communicate in writing and in person. Boat owners are often stressed when something breaks on their expensive toy, and the mechanic should have the ability to inform the boat owner about the problem and explain the repair in layman's terms. The mechanic should be able to provide reasonably accurate estimates of costs and time needed to perform repairs