Workforce
Explore Careers in the Boating Industry. Think outside the cubicle. Choose your workspace.
As the marine industry grows and prospers, so do the number of career opportunities. According to a recent study completed by Thomas J. Murray & Associates, Inc. for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the number of marine industry jobs in Palm Beach County has increased 16% between 2014 and 2018.
If this growth continues, there will be over 700 new marine related jobs each year in Palm Beach County alone.
JOBS ANNUALLY SUPPORTED BY PALM BEACH COUNTY'S MARINE INDUSTRY
Palm Beach County's Marine Industry annually supports an estimated 21,135 jobs. In the Tri-County area, Retails Trade makes up the highest percentage of job types at 31% followed by Marine Services at 23%, while in Palm Beach County, Marine Services makes up the highest percentage of job types at 31% followed by Retail Trade at 30%
BREAKDOWN OF ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MARINE INDUSTRY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY*
| Marine Services | 6,542 Jobs | $676.3 Million |
| Retail Trade | 6,301 Jobs | $651.4 Million |
| Wholesale Trade | 4,060 Jobs | $419.7 Million |
| Dockage | 2,260 Jobs | $233.6 Million |
| Manufacturing | 1,972 Jobs | $203.9 Million |
*Thomas J. Murray & Associates, Inc, Economic Impact of the Recreational Marine Industry, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, Florida - 2018
TYPES OF JOBS AVAILABLE IN THE MARINE INDUSTRY
- Deckhand
- Detailer
- Management
- Marine Carpenter
- Marine HVAC
- Marine Technician
- Marine Welder/Fabricator
- Office Support
- Sales
Education & Workforce Resources
K-12 Education
RIVIERA BEACH, FL
Students in the Marine Technology Academy learn the theory of marine engine operation and how to service four stroke, two stroke, and diesel engines. This is a very hands-on series of classes that enable students to also learn 12-volt electrical systems. Yamaha Outboard Motor Corporation has partnered with Inlet Grove High School, which will enable students to earn a very prestigious Yamaha University industry certification (Introduction to Outboard Systems). Another component of this program is learning about the ecosystem in which this field operates, through environmental and marine science classes and trips, such as fishing, snorkeling and boating.
LANTANA, FL
Palm Beach Maritime Academy is a Kindergarten through 12th Grade tuition-free Public Charter School with two campuses located in Lantana, Florida. We are a maritime studies and marine science enriched charter school. We were founded 20 years ago on the desire to bring our students to the ocean and to give them an appreciation of the marine world.
BOYNTON BEACH, FL
South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach, FL provides an opportunity for high school students to train for a career in the Marine Engine and Service Industry.
Post-Secondary Education
LAKE WORTH, FL
Through a partnership with the American Boat and Yacht Council, Palm Beach State College offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to train marine service technicians according to industry standards and practices. Students will train in labs and on boats and complete the program with ABYC student certification. The program also prepares students to test for regular ABYC certification, as well as selected Automotive Service Excellence certifications, which are valuable to employers.
USCG Approved Training
LAKE WORTH, FL
AG Specialty Services is a fully approved course provider for the United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center, are on their website as such, complying with the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) regulations for the training of mariners. Courses include Basic Fire Fighting, Boating Safety, First Aid/CPR/AED, Hazardous Materials Regulations, Medical Care Person in Charge, Medical Care Provider, Personal Survival Techniques, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, and Train the Trainer Courses (for Instructors).
The training for mariners allows them to handle any type situation in both domestic and international waters in accordance with the Standard for Training Certification, and Watchkeeping: This is implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard in order to ensure that US Merchant Mariners have the skills and abilities to serve aboard types of seagoing vessels.
STUART, FL
Founded by the late Charles F. Chapman and the late Glen D. Castle, the Chapman School has trained over 20,000 students since opening its doors in 1971. Since its inception, the School has grown from a single vessel to a modern campus of classrooms, labs, dormitories, and large training fleet - both power and sail. The Chapman School is a world-renowned boat school that encompasses 9 waterfront acres in South Florida, located just minutes by water from both the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Atlantic Ocean.
The school's location of less than 90 nautical miles from the Bahamas allowing convenient access to some of the best cruising waters in the Caribbean for our Offshore Training Programs. The Chapman School continues to focus on its mission of providing the highest quality boating education in a "Learn at the Helm" approach for both the novice and experienced, professional and recreational boater.
LAKE WORTH, FL
Maritime Safety Academy is a leading provider of maritime training, specializing in STCW courses, professional and Basic Safety Training for those seeking a career in the Maritime industry.
Our vision is to provide training options that will cater to seafarers and Maritime companies. We aim to push boundaries of traditional classroom options and find ways to make training material relatable, accessible, while maintaining the highest quality standard in the industry.
Other Resources
WEST PALM BEACH, DELRAY BEACH, AND BELLE GLADE, FL
CareerSource Palm Beach County is chartered by the state of Florida and has a dedicated team of career counselors, business coaches and training providers to help area businesses stay competitive through training grants and talent acquisition, and job seekers find new jobs through career assessments, training and employment assistance.
Whether you've got a business looking for the next talented employee, or you're a job seeker ready to start their career, we're here to help.
Website
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Part II (PDF)
ANNAPOLIS, MD
The role of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is to be the essential source of technical information for the international marine industry. We will develop product safety standards, credentialing, education, training, and other tools to equip our members to be successful. Everything we do will support our members to achieve the goal of making boating safer.
MARTINSBURG, WV
The National Maritime Center is responsible for the United States Coast Guard's mariner credentials and licensing. NMC is granted authority through federal mandates listed in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), NVIC, and Coast Guard Policy Letters. NMC is a headquarters unit under the United States Coast Guard who works under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security.
As a world class credentialing program, our staff of highly competent and devoted professionals ensures a safe, secure, economically viable and environmentally sound Marine Transportation System manned by fully qualified U.S. mariners. We accomplish this vision with leading edge technology, strengthened by continuous improvement and stakeholder partnerships.
CHICAGO, IL
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the nation's leading trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers. Collectively, NMMA members manufacture an estimated 80 percent of marine products used in North America.
NMMA is a unifying force and powerful voice for the recreational boating industry, working to strengthen and grow boating and protect the interests of its member companies.