If you like the idea of working in and around boats, the marine industry offers a huge variety of jobs that will interest you. There is a growing need for trained and enthusiastic people to enter the marine industry in South Australia.

If you would like to find out more about the types of careers available in the marine industry, you can start by browsing through the sections below. 

Boat building | Fit-out and refit | Component Manufacture |

Slipways and Repairs | Sail Making |
| Marinas |  Useful links |

Boat building

If you’re into boats that are powerful, innovative or just plain beautiful, then boat building may be the career for you.

Using the latest computer software and advanced composites and polymers, you could design and construct the next generation of luxury cruisers or super-fast luxury maxi yachts, and everything in between.

Or you may apply your skills and ideas to the new breed of sports fishing craft, or even follow timeless maritime traditions by working on handcrafted timber boats.

There is almost no limit to where you might work with boatbuilding skills.

Fit-out and refit  (back to top)

Once the hull of a new boat has been built, there’s plenty of work to be done to fit it out and finish it – constructing, assembling or installing all of the interior and above-deck components are all jobs that need to be done before a boat can be taken out on the water.

Boats are also often brought in for internal refurbishments, maintenance or improvements.  Refitting boats includes jobs like overhauling, detailing, trimming, engine and transmission maintenance, boat plumbing and electrics.

Working with all sorts of materials and construction techniques makes fit-out and refit challenging, diverse and interesting.

Component manufacture  (back to top)

Boats use many vital components that are not part of the main structure – such as winches, anchors, windows, electronics, propellers and hydraulic systems.

Whether used for work or play, boats also need exhaust and cooling systems, marine lights, steering, fuel systems and drive parts.

In this career path you could develop skills in hydraulics, plastics, composites, metals or electronics to specialize in making particular marine components working for one of the many thriving companies that supply these parts.

Slipways and repairs (back to top)

Slipways and repair shops provide great opportunities to work with a wide range of boats and the variety of jobs is almost endless.

Welders and boilermakers specialise in metal boats and repair; marine mechanics and technicians service and maintain engines; riggers overhaul and replace rigging on yachts; while shipwrights will work on all types of boats; there also even opportunities to operate heavy machinery such as cranes, lifting boats out of the water and transporting them to storage.

Sail making (back to top)

Using the wind as propulsion depends on the aerodynamics of the sails that power a sailing boat.  Shape, angle, wind speed and direction all have their part to play in determining the optimum sail configuration.

Today’s ocean racing yachts are capable of maintaining speeds exceeding fifteen knots and the fastest catamarans have now reached 46 knots.  This is largely due to the science of performance sail making.  Sail makers use the latest 3D sail design and production software and biminis to mould shapes and panel layouts for performance sails.

Marinas (back to top)

The marina is often a hub for boat sales, charter and hire, as well as the most common home for a boat once it is in service.  A marina will be buzzing with activity on weekends when boat owners descend upon the waterways for recreation or racing.

Working at a marina means an active outdoor lifestyle serving the needs of people who hire boats, lease berths and moorings, or who want to purchase accessories or boats.

Marinas will often incorporate repair facilities and boat builders, so you could easily find yourself working in one of a huge variety of roles at a marina. 

Useful links (back to top)

Apprenticeship links.  Apprenticeships and traineeships are available in a number of fields in the marine industry, including sailmaking, marina operations, boat design and construction and boat sales.  As an apprentice, you will be employed in the marine industry, so you can earn as you learn.

For more information visit www.newapprenticeships.gov.au

Marine career links.  Career websites are also a good starting point to find out more about working in the marine industry.

Try http://jobsearch.com.au, http://mycareer.com.au or http://careerone.com.au.