Start your Marine Mechanic future today.

A career as a marine systems mechanic is at your fingertips

Do you want a hands-on career where you can solve problems in the real world? The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s 9-month Marine Systems Diploma program can get you into the workforce quickly.

Download Hull Raiser magazine for free and learn where hands-on education can take you.

Marine Systems Program

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s Marine Systems program offers:

  • A compact 9-month intense training program to get you into the workforce quickly.
    Hands-on training teaching CFR, ABYC, NFPA, ABS, and NMEA industry standards.
  • In-the-field training on real boats of all hull construction types; wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and steel.
  • The opportunity to start from your own foundation – no prerequisites other than a high school diploma or GED. The program accommodates all skill levels and backgrounds.

What do graduates have to say?

Adam had a research career studying heart attacks and strokes but wanted to change to a career where he could work with his hands. After graduating from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding program, Adam enrolled in the 6-month Marine Systems program.

I came to the school and found a chance to do something different, gratifying, and real.

The Perfect Location

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located in the heart of more than 100 maritime businesses on Port Townsend Bay and surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Students have access to the Port Townsend working waterfront providing networking with talented and experienced marine craftspeople.

Our graudates

Misha Bogart

Class of 2017 & 2019- State of Alaska

Misha graduated from the boatbuilding program and was was part of the inaugural Marine Systems program class. “Hands down, the most educational thing I’ve done in my life. It’s led to great things. It definitely made me competitive in the workforce.” Shortly after completing the Marine Systems program, Misha was hired by the State of Alaska to maintain their fleet of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement vessels and to captain one of their 85′ boats.

Damian Hill

Class of 2019 - Ebb Tide Tech

“I grew up in a fishing town in Bristol Bay in Alaska, so I came in very much aware of the need for competent marine technicians to maintain these very high horsepower boats with thrusters, all these complex electrical systems, RSW to chill the catch down. When I found out there
was a 6-month program to teach me everything I needed to get an
entry-level job working on the boats, I signed up right away. The
strength of the program is having experts right there, learning from
people with deep knowledge. You can’t get that from a book. It’s hands on. Read more.

Andy Blehm

Class of 2015 & 2019 - AB Marine Systems

“I took the wooden boatbuilding class at NWSWB as a break from software development. I wanted to get out from behind a desk and do something new. The boatbuilding was really fun and interesting, but I didn’t want to give up on 20 years of software experience. Then I heard about the Marine Systems program and I thought, “What if I combined this wooden boat stuff with marine electrical or hydraulics? That would be a pretty
cool skill set. There’s lots of problem solving in Marine Systems and that appeals to me. Read more.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the program?

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s Marine Systems program is a 9-month program. The program starts once in October. School days are from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students are awarded a Diploma upon program completion.

Can I get financial aid?

The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s Marine Systems program is approved for Federal Student Aid including Direct Student Loans and Pell Grants and for Veterans GI Bill® Education Benefits for those that qualify.

Do I need prerequisites ?

Enrollment in the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s Marine Systems program does not require prior experience or prerequisites. Students must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency prior to the first day of class.

What does a Marine Systems career path look like?

Careers are varied but may include marine technician, marine electrical technician, ship’s engineer, marine maintenance technician, corrosion technician, emergency vehicle technician,  and RV electrical systems technician.

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