How to become a Marine Technician

Also called: Marine Mechanic

Maintains, tests and repairs inboard, outboard and small diesel marine motors, and the mechanical components of vessels, such as jet propulsion systems, fuel systems and electric motors starting and charging systems.

Main tasks

• Conducts diagnostic assessments on marine engines and equipment to identify issues and determine the necessary repairs
• Carries out repair, replacement and maintenance on small marine engines, outboard motors, propulsion systems and other related equipment
• Installs and configures marine electronics, navigation systems and related equipment, ensuring proper integration
• Conducts performance tests on marine systems and components to ensure compliance with maritime standards and regulations

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Boating Services. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Boating Services (MEM30919); Certificate IV in Boating Services (MEM40222); Diploma of Marine Engineering (MAR50120); Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR30824); Certificate II in Boating Services (MEM20322); Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) (MAR20424); Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology (AUR30520); Certificate I in Boating Services (MEM10222)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $84,344 a year
• About 111,200 people work in this job group now, and about 119,500 are projected by 2035. (+7.5%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Agricultural Mechanic
• Bicycle Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Electric Vehicle Technician
• Motorcycle Technician
• Small Engine Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Marine Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Boating Services; Certificate IV in Boating Services; Certificate III in Boating Services.

How much does a Marine Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $84,344 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Marine Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 111,200 to about 119,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Marine Technician?

Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Boating Services; Certificate IV in Boating Services; Certificate III in Boating Services.

Will AI change the work of a Marine Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04