Boating Services Technician

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Dive into a dynamic career.

As a Boating Services Technician, your technical expertise and passion for maritime craftsmanship will converge to maintain and enhance a wide range of marine vessels. From hull maintenance to engine repairs, your skills will ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of boats, contributing to countless nautical adventures and the preservation of marine environments.

In this role you will apply a diverse set of skills to the maintenance and repair of various marine structures and systems. Your role will encompass a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including general maintenance of boat structures, hulls, engines, and on-board mechanical work.

You’ll be tasked with ensuring vessels are in top condition, both aesthetically and functionally, to meet rigorous safety standards and performance expectations. In this multifaceted position, you’ll combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technical knowledge, working on everything from wooden decks to sophisticated marine engines.

Your expertise will be crucial in preparing vessels for voyages, conducting routine maintenance, and addressing unexpected repairs. Additionally, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the marine environment, adhering to and promoting eco-friendly practices in all aspects of your work.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Perform general maintenance on boat structures, hulls, and decking
  2. Conduct repairs and maintenance on marine engines and on-board mechanical systems
  3. Carry out comprehensive pre-voyage checks and preparations to ensure vessels are seaworthy
  4. Maintain the quality of the marine environment by following marina codes and regulation
  5. Respond to boating emergencies and incidents, ensuring safety protocols are followed

While formal qualifications are not always mandatory to start in this field, many employers prefer candidates with relevant training or experience. Employers are often looking for job seekers to take on a formal apprenticeship. Here are steps you can take to become a Boating Services Technician:

  1. Complete high school with a focus on subjects like mathematics and engineering.
  2. Consider undertaking a Certificate II in Boating Services (MEM20322) for an introduction to boating industry skills or a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) for an introduction to manufacturing and engineering.
  3. Research training and apprenticeships, including Certificate III in Boating Services (MEM30919).
  4. Look for opportunities promoted by employers online.
  5. Even if there are no jobs advertised but you have an interest in working with the employer, send through a letter and your resume expressing your interest to work in the industry
Also Known As:
  • Boat Maintenance Technician
  • Marine Service Technician
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a boating services technician include:

  • Market awareness
  • Persuasive communication
  • Problem solving
  • Relationship-building
  • Technical comprehension
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a boating services technician include:

  • Adaptable
  • Attention to detail
  • Solutions-focused
  • Physical stamina
  • Growth-mindset
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Engineering Skills
  • Marine Science
  • Science (7-10)
Core School Subjects:
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Engineering
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Boating Services Technician can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$70,000
Median
$80,000
High
$95,000

A traineeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment as a machine operator. You can undertake the following qualifications as traineeships:

  • Certificate III in Boating Services (MEM30919)

As a trainee you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific industry while earning a salary.

Duration: Traineeships typically last between 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific program and whether you are working full-time or part-time.

Work and study combination: As a trainee, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Eligibility: Generally, traineeships do not require formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

Boating Services Technicians may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions. Advanced qualifications for this position may include:

Qualifications that may help you advance in this role include:

  • Certificate IV in Boating Services (MEM40222)

Holding a degree in human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Undertaking higher level learning at an undergraduate or graduate level in an engineering field would support deeper learning of technical concepts and theories, and support career advancement.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

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