Wooden & Composite Boatbuilding and Marine Systems Programs, and Marine Systems Intensives in Port Hadlock, WA
Located at Port Hadlock WA, the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (NWSWB) is committed to providing men and women of all ages a quality education in wooden and composite boatbuilding and Marine Systems. The school strives to impart sound, practical knowledge in traditional maritime skills, using wooden boats as the training medium.
Full time programs at the boat school include nine-month diploma programs and twelve-month degree programs for an Associate Degree of Occupational Studies (AOS).
The noncredit courses include full-time weekday courses in conjunction with experts in related maritime trades, evening and weekend Supplemental courses and a number of Workshops varying in length from one day to several weeks.
The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSC).
Training Programs
Boatbuilding Programs
- AOS Degree in Boatbuilding (Accelerated, 12 months): This comprehensive program trains students to build a variety of boats using traditional wooden boat construction techniques and wood composite methods. Traditional construction techniques include both carvel and lapstrake methods of planking. Wood composite techniques include using strip planking, stitch-and-glue, plywood, cold molding, vacuum infusion, foam core and laminating techniques. Completion of the 12-month AOS degree program in Boatbuilding prepares students for entry-level employment opportunities in boat shops and vessel manufacturing. Graduates find entry-level employment in boat shops, ship yards, and more.
Marine Systems Program
- Diploma in Marine Systems (9 months): The Marine Systems program is a competency-based education designed to teach skills needed by and to meet the demand for entry-level marine technicians. The program strikes a balance between a theoretical and a hands-on approach to provide students with necessary skills to enter the expanding market for marine systems technicians. The program covers tasks integral to marine systems installation, service, and repair in topics such as Electrical and solar systems; electronics; corrosion; diesel, outboard and electrical propulsion; steering and controls; hydraulics; plumbing; and heating and air-conditioning. Completion of the 9-month Diploma program in Marine Systems prepares students for entry-level employment opportunities in the marine trades with an emphasis on marine systems.
Marine Systems Intensives
- Marine Electrical Intensive (5 days): Students will be introduced to hazards related to working with electrical systems aboard vessels and will learn common industry best practices for identifying components of electrical systems. Students will learn to use meters to test marine electrical systems and will design, build, and test real-world electrical systems, including both DC and AC components. Students will learn about shore power components and real-life safety issues.
- Marine Corrosive Intensive (5 days): As a student you will learn how to properly conduct a corrosion survey aboard vessels of varying hull types and learn enough basic electrical and corrosion fundamentals to understand how a boat’s electrical system affects corrosion aboard. You will learn about environmental factors that promote corrosion and affect the rate of corrosion and about cathodic protection and how it’s appropriately applied. You will also practice taking corrosion potentials aboard a variety of vessels.
- Marine Diesel Engine Intensive (5 days): Students will be introduced to diesel engines and how they operate. Each student wills be provided a Beta diesel engine to work on during the course. Students will learn in-depth about fuel systems and get practical experience performing hands-on engine maintenance tasks. Working on these functioning engines, students will learn how to diagnose and troubleshoot common problems. Students will also learn how to properly install an engine and how to recognize faulty installations.
Workshops
- Outboard Maintenance and Troubleshooting (3 days): This course provide both conceptual and hands-on instruction. Students will handle system components, watch demonstrations, learn to describe a system’s components and how they function, and will be able to perform specific tasks using industry best practices.
- Marine Electronics - Installation and Operations (3 days): This workshop provides instruction in the installation and operation of key marine navigation instruments, including Depth Sounders, GPS units, Chart Plotters, Radar, AIS, and VHF radios.
- Shorepower, Marinas, and How to Protect Your Vessel and Crew (3 days): This 3-day workshop will introduce the fundamentals of electrical systems as they relate to vessels and waterfront environments, with an emphasis on understanding the risks and pathways of electric current in water and aboard boats. A central focus will be on Electric Shock Drowning (ESD), including what it is, how it happens, and why it poses a serious hazard to boaters and swimmers.
Related Online Programs
CAPTAINS LICENSE ONLINE- USCG Approved Online Captain and Master upto 100 Ton License Programs & Study Guides - Founded in 2002 and located in Pennington, NJ, Mariners Learning System (MLS) provides U.S. Coast Guard Certified Licensing Courses with flexible online training.
OUPV (6-Pack) | Master 25/50/100 Ton | Endorsements | Military / Responders
BOATHOWTO provides technical knowledge in marine diesel engine maintenance and boat electrics for sailors and boaters around the world. The boat and marine electrics programs aim to empower boaters with the knowledge and skills to maintain marine electrical systems. NWSWB Marine Systems students enjoy full access to BoatHowTo electrical courses.
Marine Diesel Engine | Beginner Boat Electrics | Advanced Electrics
Last udated: Mar 12, 2026