Kawasaki hosted distributors from around the globe at the WGP # 1 Waterjet World Series in Thailand in December . Hiroshi Ito , president and CEO of Kawasaki Motors , shared Kawasaki ’ s commitment to the personal watercraft segment by previewing multiple new models including the all-new Jet Ski SX-X160 stand-up watercraft .

The Jet Ski SX-X160 leverages the racing prowess of the Jet Ski SX-R160 but is a more approachable ride with a fixed handlebar control like a Kawasaki favorite , the Jet Ski X−2 from the 1980s .

“ Kawasaki was a pioneer in the powersports industry creating the first Jet Ski and built a completely new style of water-based

leisure activity ,” Ito says . “ Kawasaki intends to expand our PWC business supported by a robust model lineup , expanded marketing campaigns and our continuation of strong sales programs .”

Kawasaki also previewed future updates to the Jet Ski STX160 series with exciting updates coming later in 2025 .

Kawasaki reveals the all-new Jet Ski SX-X160 stand-up watercraft . Photo courtesy of Kawasaki

Yamaha Marine has helped place more than 500 graduate technicians into Yamaha marine dealerships through its Yamaha Marine Technical School Partnership program ( TSP ) and workforce development efforts . The achievement was a joint effort of Yamaha ’ s service and government relations teams to boost the number of qualified technicians in the field and deliver premium service experiences to retail customers .

“ During the last 10−plus years , the marine industry faced a shortage of skilled technicians due to the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified service personnel . Yamaha developed the TSP program and worked closely with state regulators to meet that challenge ,” says Kenyon Ward , senior Workforce Development Specialist . “ The fact that our government relations efforts and TSP program helped facilitate the placement of 500 qualified technicians with Yamaha dealerships proves we are making a difference . We will continue working with state legislators and

investing resources into technical schools to make the workforce stronger .”

Developed in 2015 , Yamaha ’ s TSP program aims to develop a stronger marine technician workforce through a certified curriculum , Yamaha systems access and product donations used in the classroom for hands-on training . The facilitation and growth of Yamaha Marine ’ s technical school relationships led to the development of Yamahasponsored curriculum available to technical schools for use in the classroom . The first curriculum , titled : Introduction to Outboard Systems ( ITOS ), which includes textbook materials and hands-on learning for students who wish to start a career as a marine industry technician . Students who successfully complete the

course receive Yamaha Marine ’ s Introduction to Outboard Systems Certification .

A significant number of these technicians enter the dealer network as Maintenance Certified Technicians , due to the Maintenance Certification Program ( MCP ) implemented by leading technical schools . In 2021 , Yamaha ’ s service and government relations teams helped Yamaha become the first marine outboard manufacturer to place Maintenance Certifications on

Florida ’ s CAPE funding list . Florida ’ s CAPE program incentivizes schools to offer industry-recognized certifications that

Yamaha Marine has helped place more than 500 graduate technicians into Yamaha marine dealerships . The achievement was a joint effort of Yamaha ’ s service and government relations teams . Photo courtesy of Business Wire

students can earn to secure high-wage , highdemand careers by providing performance awards for workforce development . In 2024 , Florida students earned 528 Yamaha Marine Certifications through CAPE , contributing to over $ 250,000 in funding for schools since 2022 . This initiative has helped approximately 141 certified technicians join Yamaha marine dealerships .

In 2023 , Yamaha partnered with the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium ( AMEC ) to establish an infrastructure for Yamaha Marine products training across the state , specifically in remote regions . The agreement expands the reach of the Yamaha Tech School Partner ( TSP ) program . To date , there are eight Alaska school members and more than 40 students who have completed Yamaha ’ s Introduction to Outboard Systems course .

For more information about the YTS program or to find a Yamaha TSP school partner near you , visit ymutechs . com or contact YamahaTSP @ yamaha-motor . com .