spring of 2022 . Upon graduating , Ensminger started her own marine electrical business , Shore Power Marine . “ I have a mobile shop in my van now but have plans for something bigger in the future .” She also has plans to earn her ABYC Marine Corrosion certification in the future .
“ It ’ s really gratifying finishing an installation and seeing the customer go off and have whatever adventure they ’ re wanting to have ,” said Ensminger when asked to share some of her most memorable moments in her education and career as a marine electrician . “ I ’ m an adventurous person , and whatever I can do to help other people to get to have those adventures is so gratifying .”
Along with an ABYC Marine Corrosion Certification , Ensminger said she is also “ working towards helping to build an organization of women to address some of the issues in the industry .”
“ We have a solid community and good platforms here in Port Townsend like the Wooden Boat Festival ,” she said , “ and being so close to Seattle , there are ways we can bring some change .”
Annette Nelson
Marine Service Technology Student Fort Myers Technical College Fort Myers , Florida
ABYC Certifications : Marine Systems ( In progress )
“ If you love the boating environment , the people and the atmosphere , definitely look into this industry as a choice for a future career .”
Like many other women who find themselves in the marine industry , it was not Annette Nelson ’ s first career . “ My background started in the building industry ,” Nelson said . “ I worked for three prominent home builders after earning an AS in Computer Science . I did the permitting of communities , some accounting and purchasing in the field of home building construction .” Before earning her Associates Degree , Nelson had also attended cosmetology school . “ The recession hit our building industry very hard . I returned to hairdressing for many years before deciding to make this big change .”
“ While hairdressing , I had a client who would often talk about her son who is a local
Marine Mechanic . She would speak of how well he is doing and the fact that he loves what he does . I love boats and boating , so I decided to look into it .” And looked into it , she did ! Nelson is currently enrolled in the Marine Service Technologies Program at Fort Myers Technical College , in Fort Myers , Florida . As a student at FMTC , Nelson is in the process of earning her ABYC Marine Systems Certification , along with certifications from Yamaha and Mercury .
Nelson ’ s most memorable day so far is her very first day of class . “ I was terrified I would be the only woman , which I was , but my instructor ( Mr . Esterline ) was excited that I was there ! It made me feel like I belonged and still , every day , I feel like it was the best decision I ’ ve made .” After she completes the Marine Service Technologies Program at FMTC , Nelson is most interested in pursuing engine service work and plans to remain in the Fort Myers Beach area .
Laura Moon
Marine Maintenance Technology Student Skagit Valley College Friday Harbor , Washington
ABYC Certifications : Gasoline Engines
“ Some of my most valuable experiences have come from the things I ’ ve accomplished while incredibly anxious .”
Laura Moon bought her first boat in 2020 with the intention of fixing it up on her own , but quickly found the task overwhelming and difficult for one person . She had worked around boats in the past , though not
necessarily as a service professional . Still , most of her career had been “ anywhere [ she ] could get on boats .” Feeling inspired after buying the boat and talking with friends in the marine industry , Moon decided to enroll in the Marine Maintenance Technology Program at Skagit Valley College . “ I don ’ t think I would have found [ the program ] on my own ,” she shared as a nod towards those friends and peers who directed her to SVC .
Like many others , Moon never saw herself going down the college or higher education path . And yet , Moon will graduate in mid-June with an Associate ’ s Degree in Marine Maintenance Technology . “ The people I have met there and worked with have been so wonderful and I have learned so much from them .” One of her most memorable moments as a student , Moon said , was going into a practical engine exam , so nervous and thinking she was completely unprepared , only to realize once it was her turn to show off her skills , she knew everything she needed to know .
“ One thing I ’ ve learned from fellow students – a lot of others have grappled with perceived barriers to the industry . Whether it ’ s age , unfamiliarity with boats , language , educational , or fi- nancial struggles . But we showed up and learned most of it was in our heads ,” said Moon . “ I ’ m still scared sometimes but I ’ m doing it anyway .”
Moon recently started working for Northwest Rigging , where she is excited to continue working after graduation alongside Quinn Olson , one of her instructors from SVC . “ I am going to miss engines eventually , so at some point I will switch back .”
Adrienne Hurst is the Marketing Coordinator at the American Boat & Yacht Council . She spent her childhood and adolescent years boating on the Chesapeake Bay with family and friends . Adrienne worked at a local ABYC Member marina as Dock Master throughout college . After graduating from the University of Mary Washington , Adrienne chose to pursue a marketing career in the marine industry and landed at ABYC in January 2023 .
www . boatingindustry . com june 2023
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