Maritime instructor
Also known as: occupational boating instructor, maritime training instructor, boating instructor, instructor in maritime training, maritime trainer, specialist maritime training instructor
About this occupation
Maritime instructors teach all those occupationally piloting a boat or a ship, such as skippers and ship captains, how to operate their inland water boats or maritime ships according to regulations. They teach their students theory and techniques on how to optimally pilot, steer and navigate, and maintain their specific boat or ship, observe and evaluate the students' practice. They also focus on non-steering related subjects such as customer service (in case of person transportation) and safety measure regulations.
A specialisation of vocational teacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply intercultural teaching strategies
- monitor developments in field of expertise
- prepare lesson content
- health and safety measures in transportation
- give constructive feedback
- assessment processes
- vessel safety equipment
- assess students
- curriculum objectives
- recognise abnormalities on board
- apply teaching strategies
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Teachers and Instructors, All Other (O*NET 25-3099.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
US median pay: US$66,140 a year (2025), 113,790 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.