Applications are Open. Program starts October 1, 2025.
EXTENSIVE HANDS-ON PROGRAM
The 9-month Marine Systems Diploma program offers a compact and comprehensive curriculum to get you into the workforce quickly. Modeled on competency-based training, you demonstrate the work as well as understand the theory behind the work. The program is specifically designed with input from subject matter experts, focusing on skills that employees need in the workplace. The hands-on training follows CFR, ABYC, NFPA, ABS, and NMEA industry standards and relies heavily on safety and workmanship. In-field training happens on real boats of all construction types: wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and steel.
The Marine Systems program gives you the opportunity to start from your own foundation – no prerequisites other than a high school diploma or GED or required. All skill levels and backgrounds are accommodated in this comprehensive program.
Program Overview
The 9-month, accelerated Marine Systems Diploma program revolves around a full-time Monday – Friday daily schedule. Students are able to complete the Diploma degree within a 9-month period. This program starts once annually in October and graduates mid-June.
Fall Quarter: October to December
Marine Systems: Part I-170
In this first course of the Marine Systems program students will research, study, and practice skills in many marine systems disciplines. Our target industries include small to medium sized vessels, both commercial and recreational. All topics will be covered using classroom teaching methods, reinforced with extensive competency-based hands-on learning. After learning boat nomenclature, hand tool use, and shop safety, students will launch immediately into the main program coursework. The main topic of the first quarter will focus on marine electrical systems. All courses will be taught using a broad scope of applicable marine industry accepted standards.
>>Next: Winter Quarter
Winter Quarter: January to March
Marine Systems: Part II-270
In this second course of the Marine Systems program, students build on fundamental knowledge and skills learned in Marine Systems Part I-170 and move onto more in-depth and additional topics. These topics will include additional coursework in marine plumbing, propane on boats, hydraulics, outboard engines, diesel engines, steering and controls, and marine propulsion. All courses will be taught using a broad scope of applicable marine industry accepted standards.
Next: Spring Quarter
Spring Quarter: May to June
Marine Systems: Part III-370
In this third course of the Marine Systems program, students will continue to build-on, study, and practice skills and competencies from prior quarters. Marine Electrical II expands into more technically advanced systems such as inverters, isolation transformers, and solar technologies. This quarter also covers marine heating and refrigeration, marine corrosion, marine environmental stewardship, and fundamental business operations. The course will be taught using a broad scope of applicable marine industry accepted standards.
>> This is the final quarter of the Marine Systems program.
The Marine Systems program is 9-months long and starts once annually in October with graduation the following June. School days are from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Students are awarded a diploma upon completion.
View the School Catalog for more detailed information on scope, sequence, and program description.
To be eligible for enrollment, all students must have:
• Earned a high school diploma or recognized equivalency certificate (GED) prior to the first day of class.
• The physical and health capacity to undertake the day-to-day work.
• The ability to understand written and oral instruction given in English.
Enrollment in programs at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding do not require prior woodworking, boatbuilding, or marine systems experience.
The 9-month Marine Systems program is approved for Federal Student Aid including Direct Student Loans and Pell Grants. This program is pending approval for the use of Veterans Education Benefits.
>> Click here to learn more about financial aid <<
>> Click here to learn more about scholarship opportunities <<
Students are awarded a Diploma upon completion. Our programs are accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by the State of Washington.
The 9-month Marine Systems program prepares students for entry-level employment. Career opportunities are varied and include jobs in boat shops, ship yards, vessel manufacturing, and educational institutions. Skills are transferrable to service of RVs, emergency vehicles, and tiny homes.
>> Click here to learn more about what graduates go on to do <<
The school provides an updated local housing list to all enrolled students. This is a great resource for students, as many of the listed rentals have been rented to Boat School students for years. The list provides a wide variety of accommodations, including RV parking and hook-ups. The school has very limited on-campus housing and students will be informed of availability. Most students choose to live in Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Port Townsend, Chimacum, Marrowstone Island, or Discovery Bay.
Staff is dedicated to supporting students in finding accommodations and sends out dedicated housing availability emails to enrolled students and works one-on-one to connect you with accommodations if assistance is needed. The school is continuously networking with local property owners to grow available housing.
The Perfect Location
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located in the heart of more than 50 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.
