How to Become a Marine Diesel Mechanic

From the early European explorers who set sail toward undiscovered lands, to families hauling boats to a weekend lake getaway, the lure of the water has captured people’s attention and their imaginations.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you love the water and the hum of boat engines as well. Maybe you want a career where you can work on boats as a marine diesel mechanic.

You’re in luck.

Unlike for those early explorers, there’s a map and a crystal-clear route available that can help you prepare for a career destination.

The Importance of Marine Diesel Mechanics

A marine diesel mechanic, also sometimes known as a marine diesel specialist, is an expert in the maintenance and repair of vital machinery and other important systems that keep a boat running. Whether there’s a stuck fuel rack, a problem with overheating, or any of the myriad of other things that can break down in the mechanical systems of a boat, a diesel mechanic can figure out what the problem is, how to solve it and then fix it.

From the most weather-beaten fishing boat to the shiniest yacht, a marine diesel mechanic keeps them running. Sure, a captain may steer the ship, but a marine diesel mechanic is the one who makes sure it gets out of the harbor (and returns).

Do You Need Experience?

Our marine diesel mechanic school is designed for people with experience working on engines as well as people who have never picked up a wrench.^1.3 There’s no need to be intimidated if you feel like you won’t live up to expectations. We’re here to teach you everything you need to know to prepare for a career as a marine technician.

Does having some real-world experience working on boats help when you attend an accredited program? Sure. But it isn’t critical by any means.

One way to get some experience before you enroll in a certified marine diesel engine program is by applying for an apprenticeship. There may be boat dealers, marinas or other watercraft-related businesses in your area.

Give them a call or stop by and see if they offer any apprenticeships or entry-level positions. And though it may be tough in the beginning, be persistent. You never know when a new opportunity may open up.

Programs like the ones offered at Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) can help you prepare for a career as a marine diesel mechanic no matter your level of experience. All you need is a high school diploma or the equivalent.

READ MORE: ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MMI

What an Education From MMI Could Give You

“If you use the two keys of being proactive and being willing to learn and listen to others in the field who have expertise, it will help you have a successful path to the future,” said David Hart, Training Technology/Curriculum Team Leader for Mercury Marine.

MMI can help give you the formal education and training you need to become a marine diesel mechanic. We provide 6 weeks of diesel-specific training within our 51-week Marine Technician Specialist program, which includes the Diesel 1 & 2 classes, as well as Volvo Penta training.⁷

Through hands-on training and classroom instruction, you will get the education you need to solve the problems that come up in diesel-engine boats.¹⁸ And better still, you’ll only be taking the classes that matter in becoming a marine diesel mechanic.

“The first piece is to take advantage of all the training that’s available and do that proactively.”

David Hart, Training Technology/Curriculum Team Leader, Mercury Marine

MMI won’t put just any old engines in front of you. You’ll learn about and train on engines from leading manufacturers like Honda Marine, Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine, Volvo Penta and Yamaha Marine. It’s this type of education and training that can help applicants stand out when it’s time to apply for jobs.

And these relationships have their own unique benefits, like the one we have with Mercury Marine, which offers students the opportunity to complete online and hands-on training to achieve a provisional Mercury Outboard certification while attending the MMI Marine program.

With more than 50 years of technical training, we know what we’re doing. And we’re here to prepare you with the education you’ll need to compete in the job market.

READ MORE: MARINE TECHNICIAN SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Marine Diesel Mechanic Salary

When you’re thinking about whether a career as a marine diesel mechanic is right for you, it can be helpful to consider factors like salary.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) can be a useful resource for this information. While they don’t offer specific figures for marine diesel mechanics, they do offer some insight into the salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians, which can still offer a gauge for your potential.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the United States was $48,280 in May 2022.³¹ This means half of marine technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Getting Certified as a Marine Diesel Mechanic

Having education and training as a marine mechanic will help prepare you for pursuing certification. MMI’s marine diesel mechanic school helps give you a foundation that may help you in becoming certified. And before you choose a certification program, make sure you have the skills and prerequisites needed to enroll.

There are a number of marine organizations and manufacturers that offer certification programs. Most offer a mix of seminars and coursework, ending with a final exam that will determine if you’ve earned the certificate.

Train to Become a Certified Diesel Mechanic

In just 51 weeks, you could finish the program and be on your way toward a career as a marine diesel mechanic!

That’s only 357 days. Imagine it. In less than a year you can transform your life.⁷ Your new workspace could be at a boat dealer or even at a marina. Attending MMI can help you prepare for the career you’ve dreamed about.

So, what are you waiting for? Request more info today or call 1-800-834-7308 to get in touch with an Admissions Representative!