How To Become a Marina Manager

If you’re someone who loves being near the water, a career in marine technology might make sense for you. Potential paths include becoming a marine technician or boat rigger, with opportunities to work your way up to a role as a marina manager, also called a marina service manager.

Marina managers are important, as they help to oversee the operations of the entire marina and help ensure things are running smoothly. Given the nature of the job, it’s helpful to have a background in a field like marine technology, and that’s where training like that found in UTI’s Marine Technician Specialist program can help you build foundational skills in marine systems, maintenance and service operations.¹

Think you might be interested in becoming a marina manager? Keep reading to learn more about the position, job duties and the steps you can take to become one.

What is a Marina Manager? 

A marina manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a marina, dock or harbor that provides boat storage, fuel and maintenance services. They manage staff, handle budgets, coordinate services like refueling and repairs, and ensure customers have a safe, enjoyable experience.

This role combines business management, customer service and technical knowledge of marine systems. Many marina managers come from a background in marine mechanics or marine technology, giving them a firsthand understanding of the boats and systems under their supervision.

Marina Manager Job Description

When considering a career as a marina manager, knowing the responsibilities of the role can help you make an informed decision. Marinas serve as designated harbors that provide moorings to secure yachts and small boats. They typically offer supplies, repairs and refueling.

As a marina manager, you help ensure the successful operation of all facilities and services. You help manage team members and provide quality customer service to those who dock at your location.

Apart from overseeing operations, some of the essential daily tasks a marina manager might be responsible for include:

• Keeping up with building and grounds maintenance.
• Complying with government regulations regarding operations.
• Maintaining relationships with agencies and vendors.
• Responding to and handling customer disputes.
• Overseeing all long-term dock leasing.
• Approving and managing an annual operating budget.
• Checking and ensuring proper maintenance of marina equipment.
• Reviewing and updating emergency procedures.
• Enforcing vessel hauling and launching procedures.
• Hiring and training employees.
• Taking reservations from boaters and maintaining records.

The day-to-day duties in your role as a marina manager will vary, but your main priority would likely be to oversee and guide the service of the yard crew and team that provide moorage and refueling services.

Marina Manager Salary and Job Outlook

One of the main things you’re probably wondering about is what kind of income you have the potential to earn as a marina manager.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a great resource for information regarding the outlook and salary for certain positions. While there isn’t any specific data for marina managers or general managers, there is insight that can be taken from the data provided for marine mechanics and technicians. These are roles often held by those who eventually work their way up to positions as marina managers.

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for motorboat mechanics and service technicians in the United States was $54,950 in May 2024.³¹ This means half of marine technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that a marine technician's salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Requirements for Becoming a Marina Manager

If becoming a marina manager is on your to-do list, it’s important to take steps now to prepare. As mentioned, having a background in the industry and familiarity with marine technology is important and will give you foundational knowledge you can build upon.

Build a strong foundation in the marine industry 

Many marina managers start out as marine technicians or mechanics, gaining familiarity with the systems, tools and workflows used in daily marina operations. This technical background provides a strong base for understanding both customer needs and team management.

Get formal training through a marine trade school 

Training at a trade school like UTI can prepare you for entry-level marine careers that lead to management opportunities later.⁷⁷ UTI’s Marine Technician Specialist program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training on real boats and engines.¹⁸

The program’s courses cover a range of topics designed to help students become familiar with marine systems and components. For example, the Electrical Systems course teaches students how to diagnose and repair wiring, charging, and starting systems, knowledge that’s essential for anyone managing service teams or overseeing maintenance operations at a marina.

Develop hands-on skills in marine systems 

Experience with engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, and hull repair helps you understand the daily work your future team will perform. It also builds credibility when you eventually take on a leadership role.

Understand service department operations and procedures 

At UTI, the Service Department Operations & Consumer Communication course introduces the fundamentals of service department management such as inventory control, repair orders and customer communications. This knowledge is essential for anyone planning to oversee marina staff or operations.

Gain real-world experience before moving into management 

Hands-on experience in technician roles builds your confidence and helps you develop practical problem-solving skills. From there, advancing into supervisory positions is a natural next step before becoming a full marina manager.

Prepare for a rewarding career in marina management 

With time, technical skill and leadership development, you can move into management and play a key role in the success of a marina. This path takes dedication, but it can lead to a stable, fulfilling career surrounded by the water you love.

Why You Should Become a Marina Manager 

Work in a dynamic, outdoor environment 

As a marina manager, your office is often the dock. You’ll spend time outdoors, balancing administrative duties with hands-on oversight — perfect for those who prefer active, engaging work.

Combine technical knowledge with leadership skills 

This role lets you put your marine systems knowledge to work while leading a team, managing budgets and improving operations. It’s a great blend of technical and managerial skills.

Build relationships within the boating community 

You’ll interact with boat owners, crew members, vendors and local businesses daily, building a strong network in a close-knit, community-driven industry.

Enjoy career stability

Coastal and lakeside marinas remain in steady demand. Skilled, knowledgeable managers are essential to keeping them running efficiently, which can lead to long-term career stability.

Turn your passion for the water into a career 

If you love marine environments, this is a way to make that passion part of your livelihood — helping others enjoy safe and well-maintained marinas.

Prepare for a Career in the Marine Industry at UTI

Ready to build the foundational knowledge you need for a career in the marine industry? You can enroll in UTI’s program today and take steps toward a new career!¹

You can graduate from the Marine Technician Specialist training program at UTI in less than a year, prepared for an entry-level career in the industry.⁷ To find out more, request information here or call us at 1-800-834-7308.

UTI Orlando: Marine Mechanic Training Campus

UTI’s Orlando campus offers the Marine Technician Specialist training program in a state known for its year-round boating culture. Students train on industry tools and equipment and have an opportunity to network with local employers.

Schedule a campus tour to see the labs and learn how you can start toward a marine career in Orlando.