Set Sail with a High Demand Career as a Marine Service Technician
Turn your passion for the outdoors and recreational vehicles into a rewarding career with Boat & Watercraft Technician, AAS Degree from Iowa Lakes. This dual-track program equips you with the hands-on training and technical expertise needed to repair and maintain personal watercraft, inboard and outboard engines, stern drives, and snowmobiles. Whether you’re working in a marina, dealership, or launching your own repair business, this program provides the practical experience and industry certifications that set you apart.
Through the Boat & Watercraft Technician, AAS Degree program at Iowa Lakes, you’ll train with state-of-the-art recreational equipment and learn from experienced professionals in our marine service labs. You’ll gain valuable industry experience through our on-the-job training segment, which is supported by leading brands such as Arctic Cat, BRP, Mercury, Polaris, Snap-On, Yamaha, and Volvo Penta.
Explore career opportunities and wage projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Marine and Recreational Vehicle Mechanics Outlook. Ready to launch your career as a marine service technician? Connect with an enrollment coach today and get started in marine repair!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Industry Certifications
Gain Real-World Experience in Recreational Equipment Repair
The Boat & Watercraft Technician AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes prepares students with diverse technical training, ensuring they are ready for high-demand careers in marine service and recreational equipment repair. Key areas of expertise include:
- Inboard and outboard engine repair
- Personal watercraft diagnostics and maintenance
- Stern drive and snowmobile servicing
- Electrical systems, fuel systems, and powertrain technology
Multiple Pathways to Success
- Diploma – Earn a Marine Service Technology Diploma in just three terms and start your career quickly.
- AAS Degree – Continue your training for two years, opening doors to higher-paying roles in dealership management, performance tuning, and service leadership.
With the boating and marine industry thriving, skilled marine and recreational technicians are in high demand. Whether your goal is to work in a marina, join a dealership, or start your own service business, Iowa Lakes provides the technical training, hands-on experience, and industry certifications to help you succeed.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (64 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Training
Internship/Practicum
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
MSE 334 – Marine Electrical Systems
This course will cover the principles of operation and construction of various components in the electrical systems of outboard and sterndrive watercraft. The electrical systems common to the snowmobile industry will also be covered.
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.
Term 4
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
MSE 150 – Shop Management
In this course, students learn proper shop management procedures including parts ordering, inventory, repair order writing, payroll, employee-employer relations, customer relations and communication skills, sales and service in the service center, warranty procedures on marine products, computerized parts/billing systems and waste management procedures.
MSE 252 – Marine Advanced Drivability
In this course students learn how to diagnose different fuel injection systems & their problems as well as know the difference between fuel systems. Students will be able to analyze these fuel systems along with using the latest test equipment. Each student will be able to understand and explain how these systems work. You will also learn how to use failure evaluating procedures.
PAR 113 – Parts Catalog + Lab
This course is an overview of major automotive parts systems, the reading of parts lists, catalogs, price sheets and exploded views will be covered. Identification of manufacturer and their products. Students will gain hands-on experience in cataloging parts. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 5
BUS 130 – Intro to Entrepreneurship
This course emphasizes these processes: understanding how to find, analyze and pursue an opportunity; understanding oneself and personality characteristics of the “entrepreneur,” examining the environment for entrepreneurship. A case and experiential approach is used.
FIN 121 – Personal Finance
The basics of budgeting and buying; the intricacies of home ownership, income tax and investments; the use of insurance, wills, and trusts; and an analysis of how psychological, sociological, and cultural factors affect one’s relationship to the use of money.
MSE 240 – Advanced Marine Rigging
This laboratory course will cover the advanced aspects of rigging of boats, personal watercraft, and trailer setup procedures.
MSE 290 – Advanced Marine Systems
This course will expand upon basic knowledge of electrical and fuel systems. Integration of emerging technologies with emphasis on maintenance of developing electronic control displays and aftermarket systems. The course will cover traditional fuel and electrical technology.
PAR 125 – Parts Distribution and Control
A study of various inventory control systems used by the aftermarket industry. Emphasis in on the use of computer inventory systems both web based and local. Students learn to check inventory, determine slow moving stock, and arrangement of stock.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Boat and Watercraft Technician program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn: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.
- Diagnose and repair or replace marine, snowmobile and watercraft systems and components according to industry standards.
- 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 Boat & Watercraft Technician Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Earn Industry-Recognized Certifications & Advance Your Career
Employers are looking for technicians with specialized training and certifications, and Iowa Lakes provides exclusive access to manufacturer-backed training modules. Students can 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
1.4%
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 |