Launch Your Career with a Marine Service Technology Diploma
Looking for a fast-track path into the boating and marine industry? The Marine Service Technology Diploma at Iowa Lakes provides the hands-on training and technical skills you need to work on boats, watercraft, and recreational vehicles in just three terms. Whether you’re interested in repairing personal watercraft, inboard and outboard engines, stern drives, or snowmobiles, this program will prepare you for an exciting high-demand career in the boating and recreational equipment repair industry.
Train in our state-of-the-art Marine Technology labs at Iowa Lakes, working with industry-standard diagnostic tools and repair equipment. Through real-world instruction and manufacturer-backed training, you’ll gain the expertise needed to service recreational vehicles and marine engines with precision and efficiency. Iowa Lakes also offers an on-the-job training segment supported by top brands such as Arctic Cat, BRP, Mercury, Polaris, Snap-On, Yamaha, and Volvo Penta, ensuring you graduate with valuable industry experience.
Explore career opportunities and industry wage projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Marine and Recreational Vehicle Mechanics Outlook. Ready to set your career in motion? Connect with an enrollment coach today and take the first step toward becoming a marine service technician!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Industry Certifications
Gain Practical Experience in Marine & Powersports Repair
The Marine Service Technology Diploma program is designed to provide technical training in the maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of boats, watercraft, and recreational vehicles. Key training areas include:
- Inboard and outboard engine diagnostics and repair
- Stern drive and snowmobile servicing
- Personal watercraft maintenance
- Electrical and fuel system troubleshooting
Continue Your Education with an AAS Degree
Graduates of the Marine Service Technology Diploma program can advance their skills by continuing into the Boat & Watercraft Technician AAS Degree. This additional training opens doors to higher-paying roles such as service management, advanced diagnostics, and performance tuning technician.
With boating and recreational vehicle sales continuing to rise, skilled marine service technicians are in high demand. Whether you plan to work in a marina, at a dealership, or open your own repair business, Iowa Lakes provides the technical training, hands-on experience, and industry connections to help you succeed.
Program Details
Length
3 terms
Degree
Diploma (40 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
MSE 140 – Marine Rigging I
This course will cover the basic rigging of boats, personal watercraft, and trailer setup procedures.
MSE 144- Marine Engines
This course will cover the fundamentals of engine repair and operation of the internal combustion engine, including two-stroke and four-stroke operations. Also covered will be the lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems as well as the differences between outboard and sterndrive systems.
MSE 151 – Shop Safety and Procedures
Safe shop practices and procedures, including safe equipment operation, proper tool usage, importance of personal protective gear and how to handle emergency situations.
MSE 153 – Fundamentals of Electricity
Basic electrical theory used in the small engine and marine field. Study of Ohm’s Law, electrical symbols, problem solving, types of circuits, usage of a VOM and other electrical test equipment. Lecture and laboratory.
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
MSE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Marine
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment in the marine technology industry.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
MSE 159 – Snowmobile Systems
Snowmobile systems including clutches, suspensions, engines, tracks and other components are studied. Proper service techniques, troubleshooting, assembly and disassembly are covered along with a unit on performance work. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: MSE 151 or MOT 151 – Shop Safety and Procedures
Choose MSE 153 or ELE 332 and MSE 332
Term 2
MSE 160 – Marine Service Maintenance
This course will cover recommended service intervals of outboard and sterndrive engines and industry operations related to service.
MSE 169 – Marine Dr Systems T/L
This course covers operation and construction of Marine Sterndrives, Inboard Drive Systems and Outboard Gear Cases. Also covered will be disassembly, assembly, inspection, troubleshooting, failure analysis, identification, rebuilding drives, adjustments procedures, advance theory and repair procedures as well as performance testing and propeller theory.
MSE 173 – Marine Fuel Systems
Marine fuel systems including carburetion, fuel injection and oil injection are studied. Troubleshooting, testing, adjustments, assembly and disassembly are practiced. Proper service procedures discussed and demonstrated. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
MSE 183 – Personal Water Craft Systems
Theory and hands-on lab for all systems in personal watercraft including jet pumps, engines and steering systems. Repair, troubleshooting and service procedures are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
Gen Ed Elective: 3 credits
Term 3
MSE 932 – Internship
On-the-job experience at a marine or small engine repair facility as a technician, part and service person, or salesperson. The student is evaluated by the job supervisor and the instructor.
Prerequisites: Completion of first year of program
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Marine Service Technology Diploma program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Identify the operational relationships in marine, snowmobile and watercraft components and systems.
- Select appropriate tools and equipment for the task being performed.
- Demonstrate effective use of industry related literature to perform proper repairs.
- Evaluate system performance for repair or replacement.
- Perform preventative maintenance according to recommended factory service schedules.
- Develop accuracy, proficiency, and quality for task being performed.
- Practice safety in the repair and service of marine, snowmobile and watercraft systems.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Marine Service Technology diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Stand Out with Industry Certifications
Employers are looking for skilled technicians with industry-recognized credentials, and Iowa Lakes offers exclusive access to manufacturer-backed training modules, allowing students to earn:
- Mercury Marine & Yamaha certifications
- Polaris & Arctic Cat technician credentials
- Snap-On diagnostic tool certifications
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.8%
Potential Careers
Marinas, National Marine Corporations, Marine Manufacturers, Snowmobile Manufacturer/Dealer Personal, Watercraft Dealerships Parts, Distributors, Sales, Self Employment
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$49,316
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$52,620
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Rick Brichta Assistant Professor | Boat & Watercraft Technician 712-852-5202 | rbrichta@iowalakes.edu |