Being a boat mechanic is a rewarding job.
If you love a job that will allow you to travel around the world and apply your hands-on skills and technical expertise, then boat mechanic is a career that you should consider venturing into.
However, before that, you must know what a boat mechanic career is all about.
Thus, this article will discuss what a boat mechanic does, the steps for becoming a boat mechanic, the skills you need to excel as a boat mechanic, and several other valuable pieces of information.
Who is a Boat Mechanic?
Boat mechanics carry out maintenance services on boat engines and other marine equipment.
They are in charge of fixing the parts of a boat that is faulty and different devices that make up a boat.
Boat mechanics examine the motor of boats to ensure that they work very well and observe the hydraulic levels in the ship to ensure that they are in perfect condition.
Moreover, boat mechanics serve as sales representatives that acquire ship parts for ship owners and correct any damages done to the plumbing systems.
These professionals perform a whole of functions that ensure that boats are safe for transportation.
Is Boat Mechanic a Good Career?
A career as a boat mechanic or service technician offers numerous opportunities and the promise of a lucrative wage.
Marine and small engine mechanics can advance their careers by gaining the necessary professional qualifications, abilities, experiences, and certifications.
There is a significant demand for boat mechanics and service technicians, and those who possess these skills can choose from a wide range of rewarding careers.
Boat mechanics are compensated well and have numerous options for professional development and education.
A boat mechanic’s duties include maintaining the vessel over time, as well as repairing and installing any necessary equipment.
On the other hand, there is a need for certain boat mechanics who can restore historic boats that will be shown in museums as mementos of the past.
Public and private marinas, as well as maritime museums, have a constant need for qualified technicians.
Steps For Becoming A Boat Mechanic
You can become a boat mechanic by following the steps below:
1. Acquire a degree
Although no law states that you must possess a degree before becoming a boat mechanic, several boat owners or boat maintenance companies will only hire you if you have a degree.
Thus, if you want to become a boat mechanic, work towards acquiring at least an associate degree in a field like small engine technology or related knowledge.
Moreover, sign up for and complete several certification programs in marine technology.
Completing a relevant degree program and acquiring several essential certifications will equip you with knowledge of marine engines and diagnostics, welding, maintenance, and set-up of boat parts.
Additionally, while you can complete an associate degree program in two years, most certification programs relating to boat mechanics can be completed in at least one full year.
2. Acquire experience
Once you obtain a degree in a field relevant to boat mechanics and several complete certifications, proceed and acquire valuable field experience.
You can achieve this through apprenticeship, internship, and volunteering. Under any of these channels, you will get the opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional.
While an apprenticeship lasts up to four years, internships can be completed in about two years.
On the other hand, there is no time constraint for volunteer work.
3. Apply for boat mechanic jobs
Boat mechanics usually are employed by companies that are into the maintenance and repairs of ships.
These types of companies are commonly found in shipyards.
However, to secure a job at any of these companies, ensure that you create an excellent resume that carefully offers a good insight into your educational achievement and work experience that you have gathered so far.
You can check on social networking platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and several job boards available over the internet for openings available in boat mechanic companies.
On the other hand, if you believe you have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the boat mechanic profession and have enough skill sets for this career, you can start your boat mechanic company.
Essential Skills For A Boat Mechanic
Here are some skills that every boat mechanic must possess:
1. Welding
Welding is a fabrication procedure used to fuse two or more materials together (often metals or thermoplastics) through the application of intense heat followed by cooling.
Boat mechanics must possess the ability to carry out welding operations. Knowing how to weld will enable you to repair boats quickly.
2. Hand-eye coordination
Boat mechanics must also be able to coordinate their hands and eyes together to perform a task.
This skill enables them to perform operations on parts of boats that are very small.
3. Mechanical
Having good mechanical skills will enable boat mechanics to repair the engine of boats or any other issue affecting another part and check the details to ensure they are working well.
4. Attention to detail
Boat mechanics must be able to notice even the slightest fault in a boat.
This can only be possible if they are detailed oriented.
5. Troubleshooting
Possessing good troubleshooting skills as a boat mechanic will enable you to quickly discover what is wrong with a boat whenever it malfunctions.
6. Communication
Information exchange is a common definition of communication. Good communication skills are essential for boat mechanics, enabling them to interact with their clients appropriately.
How Much Do Boat Mechanics Make?
According to research, boat mechanics make about $45,000 every year.
However, the amount of money you can make as a boat mechanic in a year still depends on how good you are at this job, your experience level, your educational credentials, where you will fix the boat, and who your client is.
Tips For Becoming A Boat Mechanic
To succeed as a boat mechanic, apply the following tips:
1. Enrol in several courses right from high school
If you have not yet completed high school, you can make a big step towards a career as a boat mechanic by enrolling in shop courses.
Many of the ship courses offered by most high schools will empower you to find solutions to problems relating to boats and how to use several pieces of equipment for boat repairs and maintenance purposes.
2. Take a marketing course
Taking a marketing course will help you succeed as a boat mechanic.
It will enable you to win good contracts and convince clients to pay the amount of money you demand from them for your services.
3. Choose an area of expertise
It is widely known that the best boat mechanics in the world all have a particular area of expertise that they focus on.
So, if you want to become a multi-millionaire boat mechanic, choose an area of expertise for yourself.
For instance, you can focus on large boats over small ones or on vessels that function off diesel engines or gasoline engines.
However, make sure that you make a choice that is convenient for you and interests you.
4. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments and technology
You cannot become a successful boat mechanic if you close the door to learning.
Thus, periodically, sign up for more advanced training courses and complete the training they offer.
It will improve your knowledge of this job and enable you to stay connected with the latest technologies used in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On How To Become A Boat Mechanic
You can complete a boat mechanic certificate program in less than a year.
Boat mechanics in Florida make an average salary of $40,000 every year. However, this amount either increases or decreases based on their experience level, specialty, job location, and company they work for.
The boat jobs that pay extraordinarily well are boat captain, boat operator, boat detailer, and dock attendant.
Some of the degrees that you can acquire that will enable you to secure a ship job are a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM).
Conclusion
Being a boat mechanic pays well.
If you’re looking for a career that will take you all over the world and give you plenty of chances to use your technical know-how and knack for fixing things, then maybe you should think about becoming a boat mechanic.
However, before you decide if a boat mechanic is a career you would love, you must know what a boat mechanic career is all about; this article has provided all the valuable information about a career as a boat mechanic.
Moreover, to succeed in this job, apply the tips discussed above.
Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.
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