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MARINE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
In the heart of Cecil County, where the waters of the Chesapeake Bay blend seamlessly with
the bustling marinas, a new educational initiative is making waves. Cecil College’s Marine
Service Technology program, launched in 2023, offers a fresh approach to training the next
generation of maritime technicians.
Local marinas have been grappling with a shortage of qualified marine technicians for
years. As the maritime industry continues to thrive in the area, driven by a vibrant boating
community and the region’s long history of maritime trade, the need for trained service
technicians has become even more pressing.
“Cecil College prioritizes staying attuned to the demands and shifts in the industry. The
evident need for an expanded marine technology workforce was a clarion call for us,
one that we could not ignore,” said Dr. Miles Dean, Dean for Continuing Education and
Workforce Development. That’s where Cecil College stepped in with its new Marine Service
Technology program.
In a groundbreaking move, Safe Harbor Marinas invested in constructing a modern
training facility at the Bohemia Vista Marina, located at 140 Bohemia Vista Marina Road in
Chesapeake City, Md. The facility now serves as the hub of operations for the Marine Service
Technology program, providing students with real-world, hands-on training in a working
marina environment.
“The partnership between the College and Safe Harbor Marinas is a perfect example of
how industry and education can work together to solve real-world problems,” says Capt.
Bill Weyant, the program’s instructor. “Not only does this facility offer students access to
cutting-edge tools and equipment, but it also places them in a live environment where
they can see how things operate in the field.”
The Marine Service Technology program is designed to provide students with a thorough
understanding of the marine service industry, including the fundamentals of both inboard
and outboard engine maintenance, electrical systems, plumbing, boat safety, and industry
standards. The program follows the curriculum established by the American Boat and Yacht
Council (ABYC), a respected authority in the marine industry.
The curriculum is divided into two segments: Marine Service Technician I and Marine
Service Technician II. Over the course of 24 weeks, students engage in hands-on training
with real engines, electrical systems, and plumbing components. The program’s emphasis
on practical experience means students are not just learning theory, they are gaining the
skills needed to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain the complex systems found on modern
boats. Since its launch, many students from
the inaugural class have been employed
by local marinas, working as technicians
who meet the growing demands of the
industry. Graduates of the Marine Service
Technology program earn their Marine
Service Technician Certificate, a credential
that equips them with the specialized
knowledge and practical experience
needed to excel in the field.
The success of the Marine Service
Technology program is not only rooted
in its high-quality curriculum but also in
strong community and industry support.
The Upper Shore Regional Council provided
crucial funding. In late 2023, the Council
allocated an additional $100,000 to help
further establish and expand the program.
In addition to financial support, industry
partners like the American Boat and
Yacht Council (ABYC) have contributed
valuable resources. The generosity of local
businesses includes donations of engines,
parts, supplies, and much more.
The Marine Service Technology program
is a shining example of how community
colleges can respond to local workforce
needs by forming strategic partnerships
with industry leaders. The success of this
program underscores the importance of
adapting educational offerings to meet the
evolving demands of today’s economy.
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