Hull Technicians maintain the ship’s structure, stability, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, damage control and fire fighting equipment. They are the ship’s carpenter, welder, metal worker and damage control expert.

Hull Technicians (H TECH) maintain the ship’s structure, stability, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, damage control and fire fighting equipment. They are the ship’s carpenter, welder, metal worker and damage control expert.

The primary duties of the H TECHs are to:

• Maintain air-conditioning and ventilation systems
• Test, maintain and repair ship structure and hull fittings
• Perform arc and oxyacetylene welding
• Perform carpentry and painting to maintain and repair ship fittings
• Operate and maintain firefighting and damage repair equipment
• Read and interpret sketches, engineering and mechanical drawings
• Maintain and repair ship piping systems, pumping and flooding systems, steam heating and de-icing equipment, and the ship’s pollution and sanitation systems
• Calculate ship stability and identify potential problems

Hull Technicians must have a well-developed sense of touch and manual dexterity as well as an interest in working with equipment and tools. These technicians must be dependable and capable of working with a minimum of supervision. Patience, perseverance, resourcefulness and the ability to work as a member of a team and direct others, particularly in emergency situations, are necessary attributes. Due to the diversity of the jobs associated with the occupation, it is essential that H TECHs have the ability to acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their career.

H TECHs acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their career. The job of a H TECH is a challenging occupation offering excellent training and good opportunities for career progression. It also provides numerous opportunities for job satisfaction and service at sea provides worldwide travel.

H TECHs who demonstrate the required ability and knowledge may undertake advanced military occupation training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their career. Specialty training may also be available.

Advanced Training Courses

• Pollution Abatement
• Helicopter Firefighting, Crash and Rescue
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• Advanced Damage Control

Specialty Training Courses

• Petroleum Products Handling
• Welder – Inert Gas
• Instructional Techniques
• Air-Conditioning Controls

H TECHs spend much of their career on board ships stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They work in every compartment of the ship including confined spaces, on the upper deck including ship’s mast, and under all weather conditions. On board ship, they are also exposed to high noise levels and are subject to limited living space and shift work. Ashore, H TECHs may work closely with civilian tradespersons in dockyards, performing or overseeing ship refit or repairs.

As with all sea-going personnel, they are often called upon to perform out-of-occupation duties such as cleaning and painting the ship, working in the cafeteria, standing sentry duty or loading supplies.