The Yamaha Maintenance Certification Program (MCP) was created through a collaboration between Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit and the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium (AMEC). The program’s goal is to provide training and employment opportunities in marine service technology across Alaska, with a focus on remote areas. This initiative aligns with the Alaska Maritime Workforce Development Plan.

Alaska’s maritime industry is significant, with 6,640 miles of coastline—more than all other 49 states combined—and contributing over 60% of the nation’s seafood harvest. This vital sector generates millions of dollars for Alaska’s economy. However, a significant shortage of marine technicians has resulted in long wait times for boat repairs. The industry average for warranty repairs is 54 days, far longer than in the automotive industry. In Alaska, due to heavy commercial usage and logistical challenges, Yamaha outboard products are often replaced rather than repaired. To address this, Alaska’s communities need a skilled workforce to maintain the boats and outboards that sustain a healthy, sustainable maritime industry.

The program was inspired by the late Congressman Don Young, who encouraged Yamaha to focus on addressing the shortage of technicians in remote areas. The agreement was officially signed in August 2022 by Governor Mike Dunleavy, University of Alaska President Pat Pitney, and former Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) Commissioner Dr. Tamika L. Ledbetter.

AMEC hosts periodic Train-the-Trainer courses to prepare Yamaha MCP Instructors to teach outboard motor maintenance across Alaska.

Affiliate Partners of the AMEC Partnership, through a formal agreement, can purchase Yamaha outboard motors and tools at cost, access specialized curriculum, and connect with a network of institutions establishing similar training programs.

Students begin the training program with an online course, Introduction to Outboard Systems (ITOS), offered through four designated sites. The curriculum then progresses through MCP levels 1-4. These courses combine theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory training, covering concepts, operations, service, and maintenance of 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard engines.

Industry Certifications: 

This program prepares students for the following Yamaha certifications: 

• Yamaha ITOS 

• Yamaha MCP-Portable 

• Yamaha MCP-Midrange 

• Yamaha MCP-Inline 

• Yamaha MCP-V Engine 

Program Organization: 

Course	Approximate Number of Weeks*	Approximate Hours
PART 1:
ITOS	2	60
MCP-Portable: *	3	90
MPC-Midrange: *	3	90
PART 2:
MCP-Inline: *	3	90
MCP-V Engine: *	3	90
* MCP courses are 2.5 week instruction (75 hrs.) and 0.5 week for preparation and final exam.

*Note: Organizations will hold courses in a variety of ways (intensives, weekend courses, etc.)