Marine Mechanic Job Description, Key Duties, and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the marine mechanic job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the role by most recruiters/employers.

What Does a Marine Mechanic Do?

A marine mechanic deals with the diagnosis, issues of repair and maintenance of engines, and various mechanical systems in marine vessels.

According to the Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, marine mechanics, who are also called marine technicians work on all types of boats, and are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing sailboats, sport fishing boats, motorboats, and other watercraft .

The scope of their work ranges from small outboard motors to huge inboard engines.

This includes electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems, making sure that everything runs without a hitch for a safe and efficient vessel.

The major duties in a marine mechanic job description often include diagnoses for problems within the engine and mechanical parts, repair for parts not functioning properly, routine maintenance, fitting new equipment, and testing systems at work.

Also, they can facilitate customer service by communicating with the owners of the boat about the repairs and maintenance done along with the parts used, keeping these records, and calling the needed parts for repair.

Marine mechanics naturally work directly under the watchful eye of a service manager or a shop supervisor.

They work in marinas, boat dealers, marina repair shops, commercial shipping companies, and governmental agencies that have a direct interest in maritime operations.

Larger organizations might have a lead over them, with titles such as head mechanic or technical service manager.

A high school diploma or its equivalent qualification is usually needed as minimum qualification to become a marine mechanic.

Most mechanics receive their formal training through a vocational school or community college with a marine technology program.

Job prospects are significantly increased for those holding certifications from such recognized agencies as the NMMA and ABYC.

These also help to garner for the business some credibility as a professional mechanic.

This is one of the most important professions required throughout the world, more so in countries where the maritime industry is huge.

For example, in the United States, marine mechanics become lifesavers of recreational boats, fishing vessels, and commercial ships.

Also, in countries like Australia or the United Kingdom with an expansive coast and maritime activities, the role becomes critical in keeping their naval and leisure industries moving.

Some of the key qualifications employers look for may include experience or technical knowledge regarding marine engines and systems, problem-solving skills, certification in a related field, and hands-on experience through serving an apprenticeship or in any subsequent position in a similar establishment.

Marine mechanics are guided by regulatory agencies such as the NMMA, ABYC, and the USCG to ensure that norms protecting safety and promoting environmental standards in marine operations are abide with.

Marine Mechanic Job Description Example/Sample/Template

The following are key tasks, duties, and responsibilities that typically make up the marine mechanic job description:

• Perform inspections and diagnose engine problems with the aid of diagnostic tools
• Repair or replace defective parts like pistons, valves, and gaskets
• Perform routine maintenance on engines by oil changes and replacing filters
• Repair marine engines by test-running after repairs to ensure that they are running properly
• Install new marine engines, generators, and other equipment
• Do all necessary electrical repairs or replacement of wiring and electrical components
• Repair hydraulic and fuel systems
• Run engine tune-ups to achieve optimal performance.
• Clean and adjust carburetors and fuel injectors
• Overhaul engines, when necessary, to return them to a functional state. Advise clients on any improvisation or upgrading.
• Maintain records of all repairs and servicing
• Inventory all parts and tools on hand
• Order parts and supplies as needed to complete jobs
• Relate to clients regarding technical problems and how to conduct repairs
• Ensure that the operation of the workshop adheres to environmental and safety regulations
• Conduct regular inspections on marine vessels
• Troubleshoot, test and repair onboard electrical systems
• Properly keep service and repair records
• Ensure manufacturer guidelines are followed in conducting repair and maintenance
• Test and repair steering and propulsion systems
• Keep workshop clean and organized
• Keep up-to-date with the changing technology and techniques related to the marine field
• Assist other mechanics or technicians in resolving problems .

Marine Mechanic Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a marine mechanic or are presently working in that role and are making a new resume or CV, then you can create a compelling Professional Experience for your resume by applying the marine mechanic job description example above.

You can express the duties and responsibilities that you have carried out or are presently performing as a marine mechanic in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above sample job description.

This will show that you have been effective performing the functions of a marine mechanic, can can greatly boost your resume and increase your chances of being hired for the new position that you are applying for, especially if it requires someone with some marine mechanic work experience.

Marine Mechanic Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

The following skills, knowledge, and abilities are usually required by employers/recruiters when hiring for marine mechanic positions, this is because they help make a successful career for the mechanic:

• Technical Skills: The mechanic needs to be proficient in diagnosis and repair of marine engines and systems
• Mechanical Aptitude: Understanding of mechanical principles of the operation of the engines
• Problem-Solving: Troubleshooting and resolution of complicated mechanical problems related to the vessel or equipment
• Attention to Detail: Precision in the performance of repairs and maintenance tasks
• Customer Service: Effective communication skills that will allow communication with the clients
• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations related to the marine repairs
• Physical Stamina: This is the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to perform physically demanding tasks.

Marine Mechanic Employment

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, gives employment data for motorboat mechanics and service technicians, which is a related occupational title to marine mechanic.

Data from BLS shows that by May, 2023, the number of motorboat mechanics and service technicians in employment in the United States was 23,230.

However, survey data from Zippia gives the number of presently employed marine mechanics in the U.S. to be more than 16,213.

Employment by Industry

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industries with the highest published employment for motorboat mechanics and service technicians included:

• Other Motor Vehicle Dealers: 8,670
• Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance: 5,120
• Other Amusement and Recreation Industries: 3,630
• Ship and Boat Building: 2,130
• Support Activities for Water Transportation: 950

Employment by State

The BLS May 2023 data also shows that the top States with the most employments for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the United States included Florida and Texas, with 4,290 and 1,560 employments respectively.

Marine Mechanic Salary

According to occupational salary data from Zippia, marine mechanics currently earn $40,580 per year on the average.

However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report for May 2023 shows that the mean annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians was $ 52,620.

Salary by Industry

Zippia gives the industries that pay the highest salaries to marine mechanics in the U.S. to include:

• Manufacturing: $43,459
• Professional: $42,116
• Transportation: $41,111
• Government: $38,741
• Hospitality: $37,098

Employment by State

Also, the Zippia report shows that the State that pay the highest salaries to marine mechanics include Oregon and Pennsylvania, with average salary of $57,632 and $52,674 per year respectively.

Marine Mechanic Job Satisfaction

Not many recent surveys generally deal with job satisfaction among marine mechanics.

However, broader studies have some findings that touch on bits related to addressing the same issue.

Marine Employees Compensation Survey, 2024

The survey reveals compensation and benefits practices for marine employees in shipyard trades and terminal operations.

This outlines issues of total compensation, premium pay, and benefits that weigh most heavily in the job satisfaction of the employees.

It compares public and private sector employees from all the various organizations engaged in marine activities on the West Coast and British Columbia.

Conclusion

Knowing exactly what a marine mechanic does may be important for both the aspiring professional and the employer in order to set job expectations accurately.

This article gives an overview of the duties, skills, and career outlook related to a marine mechanic’s job.

No matter if you are looking to start a marine mechanic career or create an accurate job description for the role, information in this post will help you in either case when working with marine mechanics.