中国P站鈥檚 (NPC) Marine Technology program recently hosted a two-week original engine manufacturer (OEM) training course for the United States Navy, led by Montgomery Motors Ltd., a Suzuki Marine distributor based in Honolulu.
Tristan Burke, director of service operations for Montgomery Motors Ltd., instructed the course, which focused on Suzuki outboard engine service fundamentals. The training was held exclusively for Navy personnel and marked a significant collaboration between NPC and the military.
鈥淲e picked up the Navy about four years ago,鈥� Burke said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e been running the 250 AP XX, our 250-horsepower, 30-inch shaft engine, for about nine years now. This course helps ensure they鈥檙e fully equipped to maintain and service those engines.鈥�
Burke, who works remotely from Southern California, said the decision to host the training at NPC stemmed from a longstanding relationship with NPC Assistant Professor Delmar 鈥淒ino鈥� Hunter and the college鈥檚 growing reputation in marine technology education.
鈥淲e were looking for a facility in this region to support Suzuki dealers, and NPC stood out,鈥� Burke said. 鈥淒ino has done a great job. Every time I come back, it looks better. We believe in the school and plan to continue supporting it.鈥�
The five-day course covered topics including warranty procedures, engine diagnostics, rigging and computer-based troubleshooting. Burke said the goal is for participants to leave with the skills needed to perform essential Suzuki engine services.
鈥淭his is one of several courses we offer,鈥� Burke said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e planning to return with a new diagnostic course, SDS2, as part of an ongoing partnership.鈥�
Hunter said hosting the Navy training underscores the national reach and industry relevance of NPC鈥檚 Marine Technology program.
鈥淚t emphasizes that we are a program that meets national standards,鈥� Hunter said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e adaptable, and we鈥檙e proud to support the Navy while strengthening relationships with partners like Montgomery Motors and Suzuki Marine USA.鈥�
Hunter added that the program鈥檚 growth and partnerships are vital to its success.
鈥淚f we didn鈥檛 have partners like Montgomery Motors, Suzuki, Yamaha, Mercury or our dealer network, we couldn鈥檛 function,鈥� he said. 鈥淏oats are expensive. We can鈥檛 just buy a $30,000 motor. These partnerships allow us to train students with real-world equipment.鈥�
Burke praised NPC鈥檚 facilities, comparing them favorably to some of the top marine training centers in the country.
鈥淚鈥檝e been to Marine Mechanics Institute in Florida and seen what OEMs like Yamaha and Mercury have,鈥� Burke said. 鈥淣PC is right up there with them.鈥�
Hunter said that kind of feedback validates the program鈥檚 long-term vision.
鈥淥ur goal has always been to create a facility that feels like a factory training center,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t didn鈥檛 happen overnight, but we鈥檙e getting there.鈥�