TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School District (OCVTS) Toms River campus proudly hosted the New Jersey SkillsUSA Championship Competition in Marine Service Technology on March 20, 2025. This prestigious event brought together top high school and post-secondary students from across the state to showcase their expertise in marine mechanics, diagnostics, and repair.

SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to equipping students with the leadership, teamwork, and technical skills necessary for career success. As a cornerstone of career and technical education, SkillsUSA fosters workforce development by connecting students with industry professionals and providing opportunities for hands-on learning.

As part of the New Jersey SkillsUSA Championships, marine service competitors participated in hands-on technical challenges, showcasing their skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting problems, working with outboard engine systems, computer diagnostics (YDIS), cranking systems diagnostics, fuel systems, inspection of internal carburetor parts, watercraft compression testing, lower unit testing and precision measuring—all while adhering to strict safety procedures. With over 115 career-skills events held statewide, the competition serves as a gateway for students to advance to the highly anticipated National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), taking place in Atlanta, GA, from June 23-27, 2025.

This year, OCVTS proudly fielded four competitors in the Marine Service Technology category: Max Bass, Thomas Naia, Nathan Caloiaro and Jack Engelken. Additionally, Sussex County Technical School District (SCTS) was represented by Nathaniel Deardorff and Charles Digiaimo. These students demonstrated remarkable skill and determination as they competed for top honors and the opportunity to represent New Jersey on the national stage.

The competition was expertly coordinated by Jesse Dayton, the District Service Manager of Yamaha Motor Corporation, and Robert Berenwick, the Marine Service Technology Instructor of OCVTS, whose dedication was instrumental in every aspect of the event’s success. The judges consisted of Dave Broadbent, Senior Director of Business Development from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), and William Polperio, Cooperative Education Coordinator of OCVTS. Their expertise ensured a rigorous and fair evaluation of the competitors' abilities, highlighting the high standards of excellence in marine service technology.

The New Jersey SkillsUSA Championship is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of excellence in career and technical education. The event was overseen by New Jersey SkillsUSA State Director Ralph Starace, ensuring a fair and high-quality contest. Industry support was evident, with contributions from the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey and Yamaha Motor Corporation USA’s Marine Service Division. The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey generously donated over $750 in prizes, while Yamaha Motor Corporation USA provided apparel and specialized plaques for the contestants, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting skilled trades and workforce development.

With the Marine Service Technology portion of the New Jersey competition now concluded, the soon-to-be-announced top winners will prepare to compete at the NLSC in Atlanta, where they will face state champions from across the country in the largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce.


About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.