Students looking for training in watercraft repair will find certificate and associate's degree programs listed under marine mechanic and technician training or small engine maintenance and repair. These programs are often available at community colleges, career academies and technical institutes.
10 Personal Watercraft Repair Schools
This list of colleges identifies some schools offering personal watercraft programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Undergraduate Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $4,200; Out-of-state $4,700 |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk, VA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-state $5,561; Out-of-state $11,489 |
| Kingsborough Community College | Brooklyn, NY | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-state $5,252; Out-of-state $8,132 |
| Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington, NC | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-state $2,748; Out-of-state $8,892 |
| Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $2,830; Out-of-state $8,952 |
| Massasoit Community College | Brockton, MA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-state $4,824; Out-of-state $9,768 |
| Coastal Carolina Community College | Jacksonville, NC | 2-year, Public | Courses | In-state $2,462; Out-of-state $8,606 |
| Lakes Region Community College | Laconia, NH | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $7,168; Out-of-state $15,968 |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah, KY | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $4,248; Out-of-state $14,400 |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga, TX | 2-year, Public | Diploma | In-state $4,063; Out-of-state $15,727 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
There are some key factors to consider when selecting a personal watercraft repair program.
- While the standard curriculum of a program includes boat repair and maintenance, students may also want programs that teach marine welding repair for small commercial and recreational watercraft.
- The length of time in school varies, with career certificates often taking from 12-18 months to complete, while associate degree programs usually last two years.
- Lab facilities should offer workstations with adequate space, proper diagnostic instruments, demonstration equipment and hand tools.
- Internship opportunities enable students to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit.
Marine Maintenance Career Certificate Program
Marine maintenance certificate programs train students to diagnose and repair common problems. Some programs also teach fiberglass molding and hull repair techniques. Other programs expect students to demonstrate work skill proficiency in the field or require an internship before the certificate is conferred.
Associate Degree in Maritime Technology
An associate degree in boat repair and maintenance will prepare students for entry-level positions inspecting, repairing, and performing routine maintenance to gasoline or diesel-powered boats. Graduates of these programs may find employment with boat dealerships, marinas, parks and recreational areas, law enforcement and commercial touring boats.
Several colleges officer certificates and associate's degrees in marine maintenance. Earning one of these credentials can prepare graduates to enter the watercraft repair field.
