Picture yourself stepping aboard a million dollar yacht or a world cruising sailboat ... and you're at work! The recreational marine industry is all about working with boats and yachts; privately owned pleasure craft built for fun, speed and luxury. You can be part of it!

Workplaces are usually on the waterfront - boatyards, marinas and businesses catering to the owners of pleasure boats or smaller commercial vessels. Companies in this industry are usually 'small business' ... privately owned ventures employing between one and 50 people. Most are in the smaller end of this range and very few are larger. They are non-unionized and normally operated by the owner or the owner's manager.

Boatyard Careers

Boatyard companies require a huge range of skills, and flexibility is valued. A small company working with boats and yachts needs people with specialized skills, but who also have the know-how and ability to 'lend a hand' occasionally with many other jobs. Specialty areas include:

• mechanical, including hydraulics, diesel, gasoline, outboard engines
• fine woodworking and structural wood repairs
• composites technicians who work with engineered resins and fabrics
• electrical work with both AC and DC systems
• electronics installations and servicing, including radio, GPS, radar, etc.
• high quality painting, finishing and detailing
• metal fabrication and welding, especially in stainless and aluminum
• sailboat rigging
• canvas work, upholstery and sailmaking
• retail sales, charter boat operators, customer service representatives

Everywhere in BC and Growing

The recreational marine industry is one of the biggest in BC, generating $3.3 billion and supporting over 10,000 direct jobs. Industry companies can be found in almost every coastal and lake country community in BC. The larger firms are centred in the Vancouver area and south Vancouver Island, but it is a growing business, with new companies starting up to meet the growing demand in many parts of the province.

An Expanding Market and Bright Future ...

There are tens of thousands of boats, yachts and light commercial craft in the harbours and marinas of BC. Most boats last for many years and owners spend serious time and money keeping them in good repair. Sales of new vessels are brisk. A strong economy and the inflow of retirees to this province means more free time to enjoy the water, and money to do it with ... a combination that means growth and profitability in the boatyard industry.

... Means Demand for New Workers

Boatyard companies are growing. New ones are starting up. Older workers are retiring. This is the familiar formula that means the demand for new entrants is hot, and getting hotter! People with a strong interest in a marine industry career and a passion for working with boats and the waterfront are in high demand.

New training programs have been introduced to raise the level of quality and customer service available. (see our Training page) Boatyard companies are looking for keen applicants, even if their experience is minimal, for entry level work. People with skill and experience in other fields usually find they can 'cross over' relatively easily into marine industry jobs.

The Recreational Marine Workplace

Boatyard companies are usually small businesses. The 'boss' is usually the owner of the firm, and many employees in the industry get to know their employer well. Owners appreciate the effort and commitment of dedicated employees and good working relationships develop.

Workers in this industry learn to think and work independently. Frequently the workplace itself is aboard the customer's boat, so employees need to be self starters with good customer relations skills.

Employees often find that their co-workers share their interest in boats and/or working in the marine environment. Many get involved in everything from classic boatbuilding to high-tech sailboat racing.

The boatyard industry is a relatively small industry, and employees quickly learn about what other workers in other companies are doing. They become aware of opportunities to advance their career, and some eventually strike out on their own by starting their own businesses.

Whatever your goals in life, if security, recognition of skills and talents, opportunity for advancement, personal satisfaction and an interest in boats are part of your plans ... why not find a career in the recreational marine industry?