outboard tech certifications?

I was a US Coast Guard mechanic for 15+ years...I am going to attend the marine mechanics institute in the fall...it is a 13 month course...my question is how can I get actual certifications such as yamaha mercruiser etc on my own, Would I have to be sposored by a shop? What kind of hourly wage do outboard techs earn?

You need the sponsorship of a dealer to attend a school, like Yamaha's. the beginning wages run in the $15 per hour range....depending on your area. Well qualified mechanics usually prefer to do peace work, where you are paid flat rate at a % of the shop labor rate. It this case let's say you are installing a starter motor. it pays 1/2 hour and you get 50% of $110 X 1/2 hour.