Initiatives

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program

Earn While You Learn

Working with the Florida Department of Education and Atlantic Technical College, MIASF established the State's first registered Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program. This two-year program provides apprentices with a strong foundation of shipyard skills to jump-start their careers in the marine industry.

The Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program offers a high-wage, high-skilled, and high-demand career path that meets a critical need for workers in the marine industry. Its robust curriculum covers rigging, forklift operation, pipefitting and plumbing, welding and fabricating, carpentry, painting, HVAC, and more. A skilled workforce is essential to the industry's continued growth, and this program represents the first step in preparing the next generation of marine trade professionals.

Program Highlights

Program Length: 2 Years
Classroom Instruction
On-The-Job Training
Nationally Recognized Credentials

Apprentices Will Learn

Basic Electric AC/DC
General Maintenance
Hydraulic Systems
Pumps & Plumbing
Running Gear & Machining
Shipyard Lifting
Shipyard Safety
Welding & Fabrication
Woodworking & Carpentry
Workplace Employability
Yacht Painting
HVAC

How to Apply: Steps

1st: Build Your Resume

Your resume is your first impression. Make sure it's professional, clear, and up to date. Have it saved as a PDF under 5MB.

2nd: Submit Your Resume

Submit your resume through our online form to be shared with participating employers.

3rd: Get Connected with an Employer

If selected, you’ll begin working full-time with one of our employers while preparing for classes in January.

4th: Start Your Training

Apprentices attend class one evening per week at Atlantic Technical College, paired with full-time employment for on-the-job training. Over two years, you’ll gain skills in welding, hydraulics, carpentry, yacht painting, HVAC, and more.

5th: Earn Your Credentials

Throughout the two-year program, apprentices earn industry-recognized certifications: AED/CPR, OSHA Maritime-10, and Forklift, and graduate with a diploma from Atlantic Technical College (ATC) and certification from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).

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YSTAP Class Content

Participating Companies

Submit Resume Contact Us About this Program

Salty Jobs

Salty Jobs™ is a three-time Telly Award-winning educational video series created by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida in 2016. Its vision is to raise awareness of the exciting and rewarding career paths available in the marine industry through the production and distribution of engaging, hands-on content. Each episode features real-world marine professionals and showcases the wide range of opportunities across the sector. Salty Jobs helps amplify visibility for marine careers and encourages the next generation to explore the industry by sharing these stories with a broad and growing audience.

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9M+ Views on Youtube

14K+ Subscribers

80M+ Impressions

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Designation

In 2016, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) was approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce to operate a marine industry subzone as part of Foreign Trade Zone No. 241. This 16-site subzone is the first recreational marine FTZ in the United States, created to support the region’s vibrant and growing marine sector.

Participating sites work directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to meet requirements for restricted access, security, and inventory controls. Once approved, these sites are treated as outside of U.S. Customs territory, allowing businesses to defer, reduce, or eliminate duties on imported goods such as yachts, parts, and equipment. The flexible structure allows sites to activate or deactivate based on business needs.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Designation photo

Today, multiple marine businesses across the region are included in the FTZ:

Active FTZ Locations

Suntex Marinas: Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Bradford Marine
Pier Sixty-Six
Seahaven Superyacht Marinas
Universal Marine Center
Safe Harbor Marinas: Lauderdale Marine
Center, Rybovich

Coming Soon

17th Street Yacht Basin
Sunrise Harbour
Two dealer-owned facilities
One builder-owned facility

The FTZ program supports MIASF’s mission to strengthen South Florida as a global marine hub, helping businesses lower operational costs, remain competitive, and grow their global reach.

In 2016, MIASF was approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce to operate the first recreational marine Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) in the United States, part of FTZ No. 241. The program allows participating marine businesses to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported yachts, parts, and equipment used for refit, repair, storage, and sale.

The FTZ strengthens South Florida’s position as a global marine hub, reducing costs for businesses and expanding international trade opportunities.

Job Board

Posted	Company	Job Name / Location	Full or Part Time / Salary
10/27/2026	Bayside Canvas And Yacht Interiors	Office Manager / Administrative Assistant / Fort Lauderdale, FL	Full Time /	Details
10/13/2026	Freedom Yacht Services	Yacht Detailer / Fort Lauderdale, FL	Full Time / Competitive pay, experience and qualification based	Details
10/07/2026	Sailorman	Part-Time Social Media & Website Assistant / Fort Lauderdale, FL	Part Time / $17-$20+ per hour	Details
09/29/2026	EC Ruff Marine Inc.	Shop Foreman / Facility & Operations Support Specialist / 1771 SW 7th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL	Full Time / Competitive pay, based on experience and qualifications	Details
09/29/2026	EC Ruff Marine Inc.	Qualified Marine Technician / 1771 SW 7th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL	Full Time / Competitive pay, based on experience and qualifications	Details
09/29/2026	EC Ruff Marine Inc.	Receptionist / Administrative Coordinator / 1771 SW 7th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL	Full Time / Competitive pay, based on experience and qualifications	Details
03/25/2026 Modified: 09/24/2026	Hartman Yacht Maintenance, Inc.	Mobile Marine Repair Technician / Palm Beach, FL	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
03/25/2026 Modified: 09/24/2026	Hartman Yacht Maintenance, Inc.	Mobile Marine Repair Technician / Miami, FL	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
03/25/2026 Modified: 09/24/2026	Hartman Yacht Maintenance, Inc.	Mobile Marine Repair Technician / Fort Lauderdale, FL	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
09/22/2026	Derecktor of Florida	Marine Plumber / Dania Beach, FL	Full Time / $20 - 27/hour	Details
08/27/2026 Modified: 09/17/2026	High Seas Hydraulics	Marine Hydraulics Field Service Technician / Fort Lauderdale, FL	Full Time / $20.79–$29.06/hour, depending on experience	Details
03/19/2026 Modified: 09/17/2026	G&G Luxury Yachts	Marine Electrical Technician / Miami-Fort Lauderdale Area	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
06/08/2026 Modified: 09/17/2026	Bob Hewes Boats	Yamaha Outboard Sales Specialist / North Miami	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
06/08/2026 Modified: 09/17/2026	Bob Hewes Boats	Yamaha Outboard Marine Mechanic / North Miami	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
07/20/2026 Modified: 09/17/2026	Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Inc.	Field Service Technician / Fort Lauderdale, FL	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
08/21/2026	Palm Harbor Marina	Marina Office Manager / West Palm Beach	Full Time / Competitive	Details
08/18/2026 Modified: 08/21/2026	MAN Engines and Components, Inc.	Trainer / Technical Instructor - MAN Engines Academy (USA) / Pompano Beach, FL	Full Time /	Details
06/02/2026	De Keizer United States	Electrical Field Service Technician / Riviera Beach	Full Time / Competitive Pay	Details
05/04/2026	JJ MARINE AND PROPELLER SERVICES	Machinist / Fort Lauderdale	Part Time / $45-$55/h	Details
03/10/2026	YMS Services, LLC	Marine technician south florida / South florida	Full Time / Competitive pay	Details