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Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Last updated: 06/2026
Founded in 1981 and located on the historic Port Hadlock waterfront, the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding provides rigorous, hands‑on training in boatbuilding and marine systems in a full‑time, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday environment that mirrors real industry expectations. The school offers two main programs: a 12‑Month Boatbuilding Associate of Occupational Studies Degree, where students learn fundamental joinery and traditional and modern wooden boat construction, including instruction in composite methods, to prepare them to build, maintain, and repair vessels; and a 9‑Month Marine Systems Diploma, where students learn the complex systems that keep vessels operating safely, including marine electrical systems, plumbing, diesel and outboard engines, corrosion, and propulsion systems. NWSWB also offers 5‑day Marine Systems Intensives for experienced boaters and industry professionals. Students come from Washington State, across the country, and around the world, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds, from those beginning their careers to those transitioning into the marine trades, all drawn to skilled, physical work and problem‑solving. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Colleges and Schools (ACCSC), the school offers Federal Financial Aid and veterans’ education benefits to those who qualify. NWSWB graduates enter fields that value craftsmanship, reliability, and technical skill. Alumni work as shipwrights, boatbuilders, marine technicians, and systems specialists, and many launch their own businesses. Graduates build careers in boatyards, marinas, manufacturing, and related marine service industries throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
42 N Water Street
Port Hadlock, WA 98339-8706
(360) 385-4948
(360) 385-4948 ext. 303
(360) 385-4948
Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding at a glance
Private career school-degree
Academics at Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Programs
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Program name
|
Location
|
Length
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Systems Intensives - Marine Electrical Systems Certificate | Port Hadlock | 5 Days | Yes | No |
| Marine Systems Intensives - Corrosion Certificate | Port Hadlock | 5 Days | Yes | No |
| Marine Systems Intensives - Marine Diesel Engines Certificate | Port Hadlock | 5 Days | Yes | No |
| Boatbuilding 12-Months AOS Degree Associate | Port Hadlock | 12 Months | Yes | No |
| Marine Systems - 9 months Diploma Diploma | Port Hadlock | 9 Months | Yes | No |
| Details |
|---|
|
Program name: Marine Systems Intensives - Marine Electrical Systems Location: Port Hadlock Length: 5 Days ETPL: Yes Workforce Pell: No |
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Program name: Marine Systems Intensives - Corrosion Location: Port Hadlock Length: 5 Days ETPL: Yes Workforce Pell: No |
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Program name: Marine Systems Intensives - Marine Diesel Engines Location: Port Hadlock Length: 5 Days ETPL: Yes Workforce Pell: No |
|
Program name: Boatbuilding 12-Months AOS Degree Location: Port Hadlock Length: 12 Months ETPL: Yes Workforce Pell: No |
|
Program name: Marine Systems - 9 months Diploma Location: Port Hadlock Length: 9 Months ETPL: Yes Workforce Pell: No |
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