IYRS Students Get a Glimpse of the Future at Rhode Island Marinas

Newport, RI – On April 17, 2025 IYRS Marine Systems students toured three Safe Harbor Marinas in Jamestown, North Kingstown, and Portsmouth. During the visit, leaders of Safe Harbor showed students what life is like after schooling and gave them a tour. 

At IYRS, Marine Systems students gain an in-depth knowledge of several aspects of what boatyards typically look for when hiring. These include experience with electronic, plumbing, and steering systems, as well as diesel, outboard engines and more.  

Students gain up to eight certifications in the six-month program, then will move on to externships followed by a career in marine trades. Many IYRS alumni have gone on to work for Safe Harbor Marinas including Parker Hudman a Marine Systems class of ’24 Alum. Hudman says “Everything I’ve learned at IYRS is being applied every single day here from safety to ABYC rules and standards, and then general boat knowledge.”  

Hudman is currently working at Safe Harbor New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. A premier marina on Narragansett Bay, Safe Harbor NEB has hundreds of slips, stores around 500 boats in the off-season, and has 28 buildings on 16 acres of property. During the tour, IYRS students got to see the immense volume of work, the wide array of repairs and custom builds performed throughout the boatyards. 

The students also went to Safe Harbor Wickford Cove in North Kingstown and Safe Harbor Jamestown Boatyard in Jamestown.  

Current IYRS marine systems student Jon Brower says “To see New England Boatworks, one of that size, to see the Jamestown Boatyard one that specializes in really high-end work, just the variety, got me really excited. Seeing some of the yachts that are around there is exciting, and just the general vibe at all of the yards was really good. Everyone seemed excited to be at work and happy so I’m optimistic about my future in the marine trades.” 

Of course, Aquidneck Island is known for its sailing, and IYRS student Dimitri Bakllas says it was exciting to go behind the scenes where world-class racing vessels are built.  “It was really cool to get to walk through the New England Boatworks Safe Harbor and see where the American Magic American Cup boat was built.  

At the moment, several IYRS alumni and student externs work for Safe Harbor marinas across New England, and IYRS is grateful for the continued support and opportunities from Safe Harbor.