The Marine Systems Program teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to install, maintain and repair today’s increasingly complex boat systems using established industry standards.

Career Options for Graduates
The curriculum prepares students to work as marine systems technicians for manufacturers, service yards, custom builders and yacht owners.

Course Description

Students in the Marine Systems Program learn the fundamentals of boats’ systems starting with basic shop practices such as safety and measurements. Instruction emphasizes the interdependency of marine systems with boat design and construction.

The curriculum 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.

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.

Syllabus
The following modules are taught through lecture and lab work as part of the Marine Systems Program:

• Shop methods and materials
• Fiberglass repairs
• Propulsion
• DC electrical
• Plumbing, pumps and seacocks
• Marine electronics
• Mechanical special topics
• AC electrical
• Refrigeration

Classroom Size
The maximum number of students enrolled at one time in the Marine Systems Program is 30.