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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a marine technician. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a marine technician.

 

Who is a Marine Technician?

Maritime Technicians are professional Scientists or Technologists, who harness, exploit, manage, utilize or use marine science or marine technology in the pursuit of research, wealth creation, and/or the provision of services in the marine sector. Marine Technicians are concerned with applying established methods and processes to solving actual scientific and technical difficulties. As a marine technician, you must repair and fix electrical and plumbing systems on boats, yachts, and other aquatic vehicles. To do this, you work with mechanical systems, repair broken components, conduct routine maintenance to maintain everything in excellent working order, and run diagnostics to solve issues. You may also be requested to install new systems, update current systems, run operational testing, and recommend adjustments. You are responsible to record all inspection and repair activities, test the outcomes of work completed, and purchasing materials as needed. Many marine technicians deal directly with consumers, thus customer service skills are crucial.

Maritime technicians are responsible for the maintenance and repair of marine vessels. They often operate on boats that move merchandise or people across big bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes.

 

Marine technicians may be engaged in a broad variety of operations while on the job. They may aid with basic maintenance duties like cleaning or lubricating equipment, but they may also be called upon to conduct more intricate repairs when something goes wrong.

They hold managerial or technical responsibility and are qualified to employ creative aptitudes and talents within specific sectors of science and technology. Marine Technicians contribute to the design, development, production, commissioning, operation, or maintenance of goods, equipment, processes, research, or services. Marine Technicians are expected to implement safe methods of work and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. Marine Technicians continue to enhance their knowledge, understanding, and competence to a high degree and are obligated by the SUT and/or MTS Code of Conduct.

 

Marine Technician Job Description

Below are the marine technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. The employer can use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of a marine technician include the following;

• Test and guarantee the consistent functioning of marine engines.
• Examine and resolve any faults in the electrical systems.
• Undertake minor repairs of ship engines.
• Perform electrical AC system maintenance and plumbing repairs.
• Repair or replace damaged or-out engine components.
• Maintain accurate and complete service records and documentation.
• Analyze motor performance and recognize faulty indications.
• Visit docking points to examine boats.
• Conduct operational tests.
• Change oil and filters and other components during maintenance inspections.
• Adjust the carburetor and water tanks for smooth operation.
• Use hand tools for repairing generators and altering electrical systems.
• Determine the efficacy of cooling systems using thermometers.
• Fix hydraulic systems.
• Perform maintenance on engines, auxiliary equipment, and machinery.
• Perform repairs on damaged equipment.
• Record information regarding fuel use, oil changes, and other maintenance tasks to verify that equipment is working correctly.
• Inspect equipment to find defects or other difficulties.
• Clean boats and equipment to avoid rust or other damage.
• Maintain equipment inventories, ordered supplies, and track repairs.
• Perform basic maintenance on maritime boats such as cleaning, painting, and repairing hulls.
• Perform safety checks to verify that equipment is in excellent operating condition and satisfies regulatory standards.
• Repair engines, motors, pumps, valves, pipelines, electrical wires, and other components of boats or ships.
• Clean, repair, and maintain all sections of the boat or vessel.
• Read through repair and installation orders to assess the material, time, and equipment necessary.
• Scrape away old paint, barnacles, and debris from boats.
• Remove and repair rotting or rusty portions of the vessel.
• Construct replacement components utilizing drawings, saws, and different hand and power equipment.
• Test engines, propellers, steering, and navigational devices.
• Mix and apply paint, wax, and gel coatings.
• Liaise and discuss with the supervisor and other necessary experts and suppliers.

 

Qualifications

• Degree or certificate in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Proven work experience as a Marine Mechanic or related role in the Engineering department.
• Complete understanding of maritime engines and electrical systems.
• Understanding of safety measures and procedures.
• Excellent technical and mechanical capabilities.
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting ability.
• A detailed-oriented and extremely driven person.
• Good physical dexterity and mental stamina.
• Ability to work for long hours on both, land and sea.
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently.
• Good communication skills.

 

Essential Skills

• Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is the capacity to recognize and fix issues. Marine professionals employ troubleshooting abilities while diagnosing engine difficulties, fixing electrical components, or addressing any other mechanical problem that may emerge on a boat. This might entail finding malfunctioning equipment, establishing the source of a problem, and designing remedies. For example, if a marine mechanic observes that one of their gauges isn’t functioning correctly, they may be able to establish that it requires new batteries and replace them appropriately.
• Fiberglass Repair: Fiberglass repair is a technique that marine workers employ to mend boats. They may need to repair fiberglass when they replace components or when the boat experiences damage from weather conditions, accidents, or other situations. Marine experts may also train clients on how to repair their boats using fiberglass and resin.
• Boat Maintenance: Marine technicians must have a thorough grasp of boat repair to be successful in their jobs. This includes information on the numerous pieces that make up boats, how they operate and what sorts of materials are used to manufacture them. Marine technicians also utilize their boat-maintenance expertise while completing periodic checks on boats. They may need to detect any flaws with the boat’s construction or equipment so they may be corrected before it causes harm to the vessel or its passengers.
• Hull Repair: Marine specialists may need to repair the hulls of boats, which might involve repairing or replacing damaged fiberglass. This involves knowledge of how to handle equipment and materials for boat repair, as well as a comprehension of maritime building. Marine technicians also need to understand how watercraft propulsion works so they can diagnose difficulties with propellers and other elements that impact a boat’s ability to travel through water.
• Customer Service: Customer service skills are vital for marine technicians since they regularly engage with clients directly. This implies that these experts need to be nice and approachable, as well as informed about the goods or services they provide. Customer service skills also assist them to fix any concerns their consumers may have.
• Time Management: Time management is the capacity to organize and execute work in a manner that guarantees you reach your objectives. As a marine technician, it’s crucial to manage your time properly so you can perform all of your obligations on time. For example, if you’re dealing with an electrical system, you need to make sure you have enough time to safely test the system before going on to the next operation.
• Outboard Motors: Marine technicians frequently need to know how to repair and maintain outboard motors, which are the engines that power boats. This is a vital skill since it may help you obtain a job as a marine technician and also enable you to work on your boat or someone else’s. You may learn about outboard motors at school and then continue to enhance your abilities by working with them in a job or learning from other sources like books or online courses.
• Attention to Detail: Marine technicians must be able to follow directions exactly while doing repairs on a boat. This guarantees that they can accomplish their responsibilities precisely and securely, which helps protect the safety of boaters who utilize these boats. It’s also crucial for marine technicians to pay attention to detail while reading equipment manuals or learning about new technologies to them effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Marine technicians utilize their analytical talents to solve issues and make judgments. They examine data from tests they do on equipment, for example, and interpret the findings to decide what steps to take next. They also study client wants while maintaining automobiles and strive to discover solutions that suit those needs.
• Mechanical Skills: Nautical technicians employ mechanical expertise to repair and maintain marine equipment. This involves knowing how engines, pumps, propellers, and other equipment function together. It also requires learning how to spot typical difficulties with this equipment and the tools required to remedy them. Marine technicians typically need to do fast repairs on-site, so they must have a broad variety of mechanical abilities.
• Stern Drives: Stern drives are the capacity to stay cool and concentrated under stressful conditions. Marine technicians typically deal with gear that may be harmful if not handled correctly, so they must have a level head whether working on equipment or doing jobs aboard boats. The stern drive also refers to keeping devoted to your job as a marine technician, which involves patience and tenacity.
• Electrical Systems: Maritime technicians employ electrical systems to operate and repair marine boats. They need to understand how these systems function, including the many kinds of electrical equipment and wiring used on boats. Marine technicians also employ electrical abilities while doing jobs like repairing or replacing electrical components.
• Inboard Motors: Inboard motors are the most popular form of marine engine. They’re typically utilized in smaller boats and may be mounted within the boat’s hull, which is termed an inboard installation. Marine technicians need to know how to repair and maintain these sorts of engines so they can keep boaters safe on the sea.
• Engine Maintenance: Marine technicians must have an understanding of engine repair to work on boats. They need to learn how engines run and what components they need to fix or replace. Nautical technicians often employ their engine repair expertise while dealing with other marine equipment, such as water pumps, propellers, and fuel systems.
• Trailers: Maritime professionals typically utilize trailers to transfer boats and other marine equipment. They also need to know how to operate a forklift, which is used for loading and unloading merchandise from trucks. Marine technicians may also be responsible for maintaining the company’s fleet of vehicles, including tow trucks and delivery vans.
• Plumbing Systems: Maritime professionals may need to know how plumbing systems function to repair and maintain marine boats. Understanding the various kinds of plumbing, such as fresh water and salt water, may help you understand how to address faults in Messel’s plumbing system. You may also need to learn about the many pieces that make up a plumbing system, like pumps, valves, and pipelines.

 

How to Become a Marine Technician

• Earn a high school diploma or equivalent: Marine technicians normally require a high school education or equivalent to get started in the sector. Some vocational institutions provide marine technician training programs that might help you obtain fundamental skills and information about marine technology. You may also consider taking courses in math, physics, and engineering to further prepare yourself for this professional path.
• Consider finishing a marine technician training program at a vocational school: Marine technician training programs are offered at vocational institutions, which may give certifications or associate degrees in marine technology. These programs teach students the essentials of boat maintenance and repair via classroom teaching and hands-on practice on school boats. Students also study boating safety, navigation, tides and currents, weather patterns, and other subjects relevant to maritime science.

If you wish to work as a commercial marine technician, consider enrolling in a school approved by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCA). This certification verifies that the program fulfills industry requirements for education and training.

• Get on-the-job training via an apprenticeship or entry-level employment: Marine technicians might join the sector via an apprenticeship or entry-level position. Apprenticeships are sometimes given by firms to teach new workers specialized skills, whereas entry-level positions provide broad on-the-job training. Entry-level work may be found in marine equipment and supply shops, boat yards, and marinas.

On-the-job training normally lasts one to two years. During this period, you’ll work under the supervision of experienced marine technicians who will educate you about different parts of the profession. You may also learn how to utilize diagnostic tools and execute basic maintenance activities.

• Obtain certification from the National Marine Technicians Association (NMTA): The NMTA is a professional organization that gives certification to marine technicians who complete its qualifications. To earn certification, you need at least an associate degree in maritime technology or comparable training and experience. You also need to pass a test on boat systems and equipment.

The NMTA’s accreditation is valid for three years. To renew your certification, you must complete continuing education classes.

• Join professional groups such as the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA): The Marine Retailers Group of America (MRAA) is a trade association that represents marine equipment and boat retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Membership in the MRAA may assist marine technicians to locate work and acquire training and certification via its education programs. The MRAA also offers members access to insurance and legal support, as well as legislative lobbying for matters impacting the maritime sector.
• Stay up to speed on changes in technology and innovations in the sector: Technology is continuously developing in the maritime sector, and new advances may make it simpler for boaters to enjoy their time on the water. For example, GPS devices have gotten more refined over the years, making it simpler for sailors to navigate their way around new locations.

Marine technicians should remain up to speed on these advancements so they can serve their clients with the most recent technology available. They may also need to learn how to fix or maintain new equipment when it becomes available.

• Maintain your certification by completing ongoing education requirements: The NMTA requires marine technicians to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Continuing education may help you retain your skills and knowledge by allowing you to learn about current advancements in the field.

For example, if you operate on boats that utilize diesel engines, you may want to attend classes on servicing these sorts of engines. You may also wish to attend lessons on issues such as corrosion prevention or yacht maintenance.

 

Where to Work as a Marine Technician

Marine technicians operate in several locations, including marinas, boatyards, and private houses. They may also work on board boats and ships. Most marine technicians work full time, and some may work overtime, particularly during the hectic summer season. They may operate in various weather situations and must be able to move large stuff. Marine technicians normally work in well-ventilated environments, however, some may be exposed to fumes from boat engines and other chemicals. They also may be exposed to dangers from working with power tools and other equipment.

 

Marine Technician Salary Scale

The average marine technician’s income in the USA is $49,725 per year or $25.50 per hour. Entry-level occupations start at $39,000 per year while most experienced professionals get up to $68,250 per year

The average marine technician wage in the United Kingdom is £37,072 per year or £19.01 per hour. Entry-level occupations start at £29,453 per year while most experienced individuals get up to £55,000 per year

The average marine technician pay in Canada is $57,643 per year or $29.56 per hour. Entry-level occupations start at $46,800 per year, while most experienced professionals earn up to $67,500 per year

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