Rules, legislation and certificates in boat mechanics
What certificates and requirements you meet, and why they exist
Boat mechanics is a trade where you work with substances, energy and equipment that can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. That's why the education has a number of legally required certificates and rules. They are not bureaucracy for bureaucracy's sake — they are to protect you, your colleagues and your customers.
§Certificates you obtain along the way
As part of the apprenticeship you complete a number of short legally required courses that give you certificates you must have to perform certain tasks. The typical ones are:
- 01Work with epoxy and isocyanates — required because these substances can cause allergies and respiratory damage
- 02Work environment during welding cutting and grinding — protects against smoke sparks and radiation
- 03First aid, including traffic-related first aid
- 04Basic fire fighting — so you can intervene at starting fire.
§The trade council and the executive order
The education's content is not something the individual school comes up with. It is set out in an education announcement and developed by a professional board that represents both employers and employees in the industry. For boat mechanics this work falls under the metalworking and industry field. The board ensures that the education keeps up as technology and regulations change.
§When the work requires authorization.
Certain tasks in and around boats are covered by authorization rules. For example work on fixed electrical installations and work on gas systems onboard can only be performed by persons with the right authorization. As a boat mechanic you perform much electrical and engine work yourself but you must know the boundary for when a task requires an authorized installer — and when it should be referred further.
Similarly, there are environmental regulations for handling waste oil, refrigerants, bottom paint and chemical residues. The waste must be sorted and disposed of correctly, and violations can cost the company dearly. A skilled boat mechanic has the paperwork under control just as well as the engine.
§Keep the evidence even
Some certificates – for example in first aid – must be renewed at regular intervals to be valid. As a skilled worker it is both your and your employer's responsibility to keep an eye on your certificates being in order so you can legally undertake the tasks you are assigned.
“The certificates are your ticket to performing work legally — without them, many tasks simply cannot be done.”