Marine Technology Instructor Josh Marlow works on a boat engine while students sitting in the boat observe. (Provided photo — Sarah Poupore)

SARANAC LAKE — Recognizing a growing demand for skilled marine mechanics in the region, FEH BOCES partnered with Saranac Lake Central School District to launch a new marine technology program at the start of the 2025-2026 school year aimed at supporting the local boating community, the marina workforce and tourism.

“We are thrilled to offer our students another exciting path towards a bright future as well as strengthening our relationship with our component districts,” CTE Director Shawn McMahon said. “Within the 10 school districts FEH BOCES supports, the Tri-Lakes area presents distinct geographical features and communities that make a program such as Marine Tech a natural choice to foster at SLHS.”

The program, located at Saranac Lake High School, quickly reached full enrollment with students eager to gain hands-on experience and industry recognized credentials.

Students in the one-year, senior program will earn certifications from both Mercury and Honda and will gain experience working at local marinas. The program’s popularity and strong community support reflect the local need for marine technicians in the Tri-Lakes area, which includes Lake Placid, Long Lake, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake — home to a vibrant boating community and numerous marinas.

By partnering with FEH BOCES, the program is accessible to students from Lake Placid, Long Lake, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

Marine Technology Instructor Josh Marlow, an experienced marine mechanic and educator, saw firsthand the great need for marine mechanics in the area and proposed the joint FEH BOCES-Saranac Lake program.

“The course filled up almost immediately with seniors. Our capacity is 15 seniors and we currently have juniors planning to enroll in the program so it looks like we will be full again next year,” Marlow said. “Neighboring schools are also hearing about the CTE program asking how they can get into it.”

Marlow said local businesses and marinas loved the idea as they also recognized the need for marine technicians.

“The reception has been overwhelming,” Marlow said. It’s going to be a home run, and I think everyone knows it.”

The curriculum is hands-on from day one. Students earn their New York state Boater Safety Certification within the first week and dive into practical training using tools ranging from basic wrenches and ratchet sets to diagnostic software for fuel-injected engines. Other topics include 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine operation, outboard engine systems, outboard hull service, trailer lighting service, trailer wheel bearing/tire service, outboard winterization, shrinkwrapping and more.

Students also participate in work-based learning at local marinas such as Fogarty’s Lake Flower Marina, Tri-Lakes Marina and Spencer Boatworks where they will work with professionals and test drive boats on local lakes.

During the winter months, students will continue their hands-on learning working on engines in the classroom and going through guided online academies.

“Going into the marina and seeing the big, crazy boats and doing things we wouldn’t be able to do on the smaller boats and engines we have in the classroom is really fun,” said student Connor Gillis. “This education will be a great fall back if I need it, especially if I live locally. I will always have this knowledge.”

“I didn’t know anything about engines before starting this program and I am already picking up a lot in just this past month,” student Mikkel Denkenberger said. “Going into real marinas, working there and seeing how it works outside the school program has been a highlight for me.”

According to Marlow, the expected outcome for students enrolled in the program is that graduates will have the knowledge and skills to be able to run their own business, whether it is a marine business as a mechanic or in a different role. Marine Tech students earn a college credit for business through North Country Community College.

“A big aspect of the Marine Tech program is that students would conduct mock billings for all the work they do for me in class,” Marlow said. “They would keep track of the taxes, profit margins, sales tax, income tax, all of those aspects of ‘how would you build this job out.’ Additionally, they would invoice work completed and learn about liability insurance.”