Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) - Technical & Vocational Education Marine Tech

Technical,Vocational and Career Training & Education in Marine Technology, Boat Building & Manufacture and Maritime Professional Courses in Wilmington

Established in 1958 and with campus in Wilmington, North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is a public community college that offers education and training services through numerous Technical & Vocational curricula in such broad areas as health care, business, engineering technologies, computer sciences, architecture/construction/ interior design, law enforcement and numerous other fields.

The college also provides College Transfer / University Parallel studies in the freshman and sophomore years of baccalaureate programs, and a host of Continuing Education programs that can be broadly clustered into such categories as Basic Skills, Occupational Extension, and Community Services / Self-Supporting classes that may include a wide range of avocational interests.

With over 27,000 students, CFCC is one of fifty-eight institutions comprising the North Carolina Community College System. Several CFCC technical and vocational programs are unique to southeastern North Carolina and to the state as a whole, and the College therefore serves as a regional provider of workforce training.

Cape Fear Community College is accredited by the Commission on College of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.

Marine Technology Programs

• AAS Degree in Marine Technology (69 credits): Marine Technology students are required, for completion of their degree, to complete 5 separate training cruises. The curricula prepare individuals for a variety of marine-related occupations such as marine conservation, water analysis, marine scientific research support and commercial fishing. Individuals will be prepared as naturalists within the ecotourism industry and be trained in observational and measurement techniques aboard a variety of vessels including ocean-going research vessels.
• Marine Technology Certificate Pathway (CTE): The curricula prepare individuals for a variety of marine-related occupations such as marine conservation, water analysis, marine scientific research support and commercial fishing. Individuals will be prepared as naturalists within the ecotourism industry and be trained in observational and measurement techniques aboard a variety of vessels including ocean-going research vessels. Course work includes a unique blend of traditional and contemporary vocational, technical, and scientific marine education.

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Programs

• AAS Degree in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology: This curriculum provides training for individuals interested in becoming technicians who service and maintain the propulsion systems of boats and other types of marine and industrial equipment. The course work includes the maintenance and repair procedures of mechanical, Electrical, hydraulics equipment used on marine systems. Students will inspect and test equipment to determine the cause of faulty operation, and then repair and replace defective parts.
• Diesel (Onsite) Power Generation Technology Diploma: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as Heavy-Duty Trucks over one ton classification, buses, ships, railroad locomotives, and equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.
• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Diploma: The program contains Diesel Engines, Marine Engines, Transport Technology, Transport Electricity, Marine Power Trains, Diesel Fuel & Power systems etc.
• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Certificate: The program contains Diesel Engines, Marine Engines, Transport Technology, Transport Electricity etc.
• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology CCP: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain diesel engines in vehicles such as Heavy Duty Trucks over one ton classification, buses, ships, railroad locomotives, and equipment; as well as stationary diesel engines in electrical generators and related equipment.

Boat Manufacture and Service Programs

• Boat Manufacture and Service Diploma: The Boat Manufacture and Service Technology program prepares students for employment in the manufacture and service of boats. Students learn the basics of boat design and the implementation of those designs in various components and/or complete boats or yachts. Graduates may find employment with boat/yacht manufacturers, service yards, dealerships doing commissioning work, and companies doing custom boat building.
• Boat Building Pathway CTE: The Boat Building curriculum prepares individuals for employment in the boat building and boat repair industry. Today’s boat builders are highly skilled craftspeople who can create complex shapes out of wood. Course work includes reading boat plans, lofting, setting up the building jig, fashioning the structural timbers, and different planking techniques.

Wooden Boat Building Programs

• Boat Building (Wooden) Diploma: Course work includes reading boat plans, lofting, setting up the building jig, fashioning the structural timbers, and different planking techniques. Interior joinery, exterior joinery, and yacht rigging is also covered. Graduates may find work with yacht manufacturers, and boat maintenance and repair yards.
• Boat Building (Wooden) Certificate: Topics include - Boat Building and Marine Drafting etc.

Workforce Development Programs

Marine Captain Courses

• Marine Captain’s OUPV License Preparation (64 hours): This course provides students with the information necessary to take the US Coast Guard examination for licensing as an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) up to 100 gross tons,
• Marine Captain’s OUPV License Examination: This class will administer the Coast Guard’s Marine Captain’s License exam. It is only for students who have successfully completed the 64-hour Marine Captain’s OUPV course.
• Upgrade to Master’s License Preparation: This course provides students with the knowledge required to upgrade from an OUPV license to a Master’s License for vessels up to 100 gross tons.
• Master’s License Examination: This class will administer the Coast Guard’s Master License exam. It is only for students who have successfully completed the 24-hour Master’s License course.
• Assistance Towing Endorsement: This 4-hour session is provided for students who have attained, or are in the process of obtaining their US Coast Guard Captain’s or Mate’s license for vessels of 200 gross tons or less.
• Celestial Navigation: This course will cover the theory and technique of finding one’s position at sea through sextant observations of celestial bodies.

Marine Outboard Programs

• Outboard Systems (13 weeks): This 13-week Yamaha Marine University approved course will provide 96 hours of instruction related to the core skills used by mechanics for marine outboard systems. Students can expect to learn the basics of boating, fuel system components, outboard electrical systems, as well as a fundamental understanding of the marine industry, and marine service careers.

With over 26,500 students enrolling in classes every year, Cape Fear Community College is an open door, multi-campus, comprehensive community college that strengthens the academic, economic, social and cultural life of the citizens of New Hanover and Pender counties. Several CFCC technical and vocational programs are unique to southeastern North Carolina and to the state as a whole, and the College therefore serves as a regional provider of workforce training.

• Campus: CFCC’s Wilmington campus is located in downtown Wilmington and the North Campus is located in Castle Hayne. CFCC offers classes at the Burgaw Center and at the Surf City Community Center in Pender County.
• Accreditation: Cape Fear Community College is accredited by the Commission on College of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.
• Graduate Success: According to the most recent graduate employment survey, 98% of CFCC graduates reported that they were employed full-time or were continuing their education at a higher level.
• Economic Impact: For every dollar spent towards the operation of CFCC, $2.36 is returned back into the local community. CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million in business sales and $192 million in labor income, according to a recent study released by the NC Community College System.
• Career Connection: CFCC's Career Connection is a free job placement service for current Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) students and graduates.
• Center for Business, Industry, and Government: The Center for Business, Industry, and Government, which is part of our Continuing Education Department, offers seminars and customized industry training for individuals and businesses in New Hanover and Pender counties.
• Housing: CFCC does not have on-campus housing. Upon request, the Admissions Office will provide a copy of the local Apartment Finder booklet, which contains information about various apartment complexes in the area.

LAST UPDATED ON Aug 9, 2021