Many marine services technicians consider management and supervisory positions as job goals. After working for a number of years on actual repairs and maintenance, they like to manage repair shops, supervise other workers, and deal with customers more directly. These positions require less physical labor but more communication and management skills. Many workers like to combine both aspects by becoming self-employed; they may have their own shops, attract their own jobs, and still get to do the technical work they enjoy.
Advancement often depends on an individual's interests. Some technicians become marina managers, manufacturers' salespersons, or field representatives. Others take a different direction and work as boat brokers, selling boats. Marine appraisers verify the condition and value of boats; they are independent contractors hired by insurance companies and lending institutions such as banks.