The Marine Systems Program teaches students the skills and knowledge necessary to install, maintain and repair today’s increasingly complex boat systems using established industry standards by organizations such as the American Boat & Yacht Council, U.S. Coast Guard and International Standards Organization. Graduates of the program are certified marine systems technicians prepared to work for manufacturers, service yards, custom builders and yacht owners.

See photos of Marine Systems students at work in their shop.

Course Description

Students in the Marine Systems Program learn the fundamentals of systems starting with basic shop practices such as safety and measurements. Instructors begin many of their lessons in the classroom, where students frequently need to draw on basic math skills to figure measurements and electrical units. Following a lecture in systems theory, students then head to the shop where they learn how to apply their knowledge to actual marine systems. Time is also provided for guided independent study during which students complete assigned projects on their own.

The curriculum moves steadily through basic installations of pumps and valves to increasingly more complex systems. Students take apart and put back together bilge and raw water systems, electrical systems, propulsion systems, sailboat rigging, sanitary systems, steering and control systems and refrigeration systems.

The Marine Systems Program simulates a work environment in a real-world boatshop. Students spend a minimum of 40 hours per week learning about and working on marine systems. Students are encouraged, and required in some instances, to take industry certification exams as part of their training at The Landing School. Instructors also teach and emphasize professionalism in the marine industry.

The curriculum for the Marine Systems Program is comprised of 16 individual subjects ranging from measurements to electrical systems to refrigeration. Each subject employs three phases of learning: a Classroom Phase during which students learn theory, primarily through lectures; a Bench Work Phase during which students learn proper assembly techniques and develop hand-skill proficiency in a shop setting; and an Installation Phase in which students apply their knowledge and skill to the installation of systems in actual boats.

The maximum class size in the Marine Systems Program is 24 students. A student who successfully meets the criteria for graduation from the program is awarded a Diploma in Marine Systems from The Landing School.

The following table outlines the subjects covered in the Marine Systems Program: