Reinventing a Career in South Florida’s Marine Trades

For many years, my identity was simple. I was a yacht captain. I ran large motor yachts. I worked for great families. I traveled to incredible places. From the outside, it looked like a dream job. In many ways, it was. But life has a way of shifting priorities, and over time, I realized that I needed something different.

The move from yacht captain to yacht systems engineer was not a step backward. It was a step forward into stability, growth, and a future that better supports the life I want for myself and my son.

Life as a Yacht Captain

Being a yacht captain teaches you responsibility fast. You are accountable for the vessel, the crew, the guests, and every decision made underway. You manage budgets, maintenance schedules, safety procedures, and logistics across different countries and regulations.

It is rewarding work, but it is also demanding. Long stretches away from home are normal. Your schedule belongs to someone else. You can miss birthdays, holidays, and important moments without much notice.

Over time, I started to feel the weight of that lifestyle. When my son Jack came into my life, everything changed. I wanted to be present. I wanted consistency. I wanted to build something that would last long term.

Recognizing Transferable Skills

One of the biggest lessons I learned during my transition is that yacht captains have more transferable skills than they realize. Running a yacht is running a small business on the water.

You learn systems. You learn troubleshooting. You learn mechanical awareness even if you are not the one turning every wrench. You learn how electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and propulsion systems interact. You also learn discipline, attention to detail, and how to work under pressure.

Those skills translate directly into the marine trades. They also translate into shore based marine service work where reliability and knowledge matter more than titles.

Choosing the Marine Trades

South Florida offers endless opportunity in the marine trades. Boats need constant care. Systems need maintenance. Skilled technicians are always in demand.

I chose to become a yacht systems engineer because it keeps me connected to the industry I love while allowing me to build a more stable life. Working with Coastal Air Systems has given me structure, predictable income, and the chance to grow my technical skills every day.

Instead of managing guests and itineraries, I now focus on solving problems and keeping systems running properly. There is satisfaction in hands on work. You see results immediately. You know when a job is done right.

Redefining Success

For a long time, success meant size of yacht and level of responsibility. Bigger boats and higher positions felt like progress. Today, success looks different.

Success now means coming home at night. It means being present for my son. It means building a career that supports family life instead of competing with it.

The marine trades offer long term stability. Boats will always need skilled technicians. Systems are becoming more advanced, which increases demand for trained professionals. This path allows growth without sacrificing everything else.

Humility and Growth

Transitioning careers requires humility. I went from being the final authority onboard to being a student again. That was not easy at first.

But humility creates growth. Learning new systems, certifications, and processes keeps your mind sharp. It reminds you that mastery is earned through repetition and patience.

I have gained a deeper respect for technicians across the industry. Their knowledge keeps vessels safe and operational. Without them, nothing moves.

The Value of Consistency

Consistency is underrated. Knowing where you will be next week matters. Having predictable income matters. Being able to plan a future matters.

The marine trades provide that consistency while still offering variety. Every job is different. Every system presents a new challenge. The work stays interesting without the chaos of constant travel.

For someone raising a child, that balance is priceless.

Advice for Others Considering the Shift

If you are a yacht captain or crew member considering a transition, know this. Your experience has value. Do not undersell it.

Take the time to identify your strengths. Be willing to learn. Accept that growth sometimes means starting over in certain areas. The long term payoff is worth it.

South Florida is full of opportunity for those willing to work and learn. The marine industry is bigger than yachting alone. There are many paths that lead to fulfilling and stable careers.

Looking Forward

I am grateful for my years as a yacht captain. They shaped who I am. They taught me responsibility, leadership, and respect for the sea.

I am equally grateful for where I am now. As a yacht systems engineer, I am building a future rooted in skill, stability, and purpose. Most importantly, I am present for my son.

Reinventing a career is not about walking away from the past. It is about using what you learned to build something better. For me, the marine trades are not a backup plan. They are the next chapter, and it is one I am proud of.