MDA is a boat detailing academy focused on practical, hands-on vocational training, education, and mentoring in all aspects of marine detailing.
Training is primarily outside the classroom in an on-the-water marina environment and includes a mix of half-day, full day, two-day, weekend, and five-day modules focused on recreational boats under 90ft.
If you have ever dreamed of becoming a full-time crew member or an expert in boat detailing in the marine yachting industry, a course from the MDA Marine Detailing Academy is definitely for you.
Training Modules
Our training modules have been developed by a highly skilled team based on years of experience and cover a wide range of topics. Each course offers training in an essential part of boat detailing for all experience levels. Our wide variety of course material offers something for everyone: from entry-level beginners interested in starting a career in the marine yachting industry, to experienced yacht captains looking to up-skill their crews, to car detailers, boat detailers, and boat owners looking to improve their knowledge of detailing.
One of the joys and challenges of the marine industry is being able to work outside. All our courses are designed to be completed fully hands-on in a marine setting (in the water or on a boat lift) at the specific boat designated to be detailed.
Latest available training dates and prices available upon request.
Introduction to Boat Care
Explanation and handling of boat wash equipment, safety awareness, and 14-step basic boat washing techniques.
2 Days
Decks
Teak deck cleaning systems including 1-step, 2-step, and other hard surface cleaners. Cleaning of synthetic teak.
1/2 to 1 Day
Basic Vinyl, Stainless, Glass & Plastic Surfaces
Stainless, glass, and plastic enclosure polishing products and techniques. Cleaning vinyl cushions.
1/2 Day
Hull Sides on a Float
Connecting to a hull. Washing the hull sides utilizing a float. Set up for buffing a hull.
1 Day
Basic Rotary Gelcoat Compounding
Safety and handling aspects of a Makita Buffer, wool and foam pad uses, selecting the correct compound through a test spot, basic compounding techniques on light oxidized gelcoat boats using an electric Makita Buffer.
1 Day
Advanced Rotary Gelcoat Compounding
Advanced buffer compounding techniques on heavy oxidized gelcoat boat, using an electric Makita Buffer.
1 Day
Basic Orbital / DA Compound & Polishing
Types of foam pads, machine polishing techniques with an electric Orbital or DA.
1 Day
Paint Techniques with Orbital
Basic compounding techniques on painted surfaces.
1 Day
Wax Applications
Pros and cons of waxes and sealers over ceramic coatings, application of waxing and sealants, with/without a buffer.
1/2 Day
Ceramic & Protective Coatings
Application of ceramic and other protective coatings.
1 Day
DA Wet Sanding
Equipment, selecting grade of paper, wet sanding techniques with a DA.
1 Day
Business Skills 1 – Scheduling
How to schedule multiple projects and crew using of Microsoft Excel.
1/2 Day
Business Skills 2 – Quoting & Marketing
How to price / quote on a job. Marketing ideas to grow your business.
1 Day
Benefits
Student benefits from the academy include:
- Attendance certificate
- Graduate photo posted to the company website
- Access to free mentoring support via phone and Facetime for the first three months (with an option to continue through a subscription service)
- Access to the Company’s free local recruitment service; interviews will be set up with local detailers or the offer will be extended for a detailing position at Ten-Tex Boating for a guaranteed minimum of three months.