Electrical Technician are the members of a ship’s Engineering department responsible for the operation and distribution of electrical power throughout the ship. They assist in maintaining the electrical and electronic equipment associated with the ship’s power generation, engineering systems and propulsion systems.

Electrical Technician (E TECHs) are the members of a ship’s Engineering department responsible for the operation and distribution of electrical power throughout the ship. E TECHs assist in maintaining the electrical and electronic equipment associated with the ship’s power generation, engineering systems and propulsion systems. As well, they are responsible for ships’ navigational and domestic lighting and electrical services on board.

The primary responsibilities of the E TECHs are to:

• Operate all main and auxiliary electrical power-generating and distribution equipment
• Operate battery chargers, electrical switchboards and metering devices
• Assist in testing, tuning, repairing, installing and inspecting electrical/electronic equipment systems
• Inspect, maintain and install cabling and wiring
• Compile logs, maintenance reports, maintenance report
• Assist in the maintenance support for all engineering machinery auxiliary equipment (such as: LP Air system, HP Air System, Pumps, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning system “HVAC” throughout the ship)

Electrical Technician must be responsible individuals who are manually dexterous and have an interest in dealing with technical equipment. A sound academic background with an emphasis on physics and mathematics are assets in this occupation. E TECHs must possess initiative and the ability to improvise and work under stress when necessary. They must be able to work with little supervision and function as a member of a team.

The job of E TECHs is a challenging technical occupation offering excellent training and opportunities for career progression. Service at sea provides travel opportunities worldwide. Personnel who demonstrate the ability and knowledge may be selected for more and advanced technical training. On successful completion of the advanced technical training, which is over a year-long in duration, they will be assigned to technical positions of the Electrical occupation, where they will perform a higher level of technical maintenance and will be assigned supervisory duties.

As they progress in their careers, E TECHs may be given the opportunity to undertake the advanced training. This training will be provided through formal courses and on-the-job training. Specialty training courses may also be available.

Advanced Training Courses

• Electrical/Electronic Theory
• Fault Finding and Repair
• Fluid Power (Pneumatics and Hydraulics)
• Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS)
• Equipment Health Monitoring [e.g., :Vibration Analysis (VA)]

Specialty Training Courses

• Ship’s Diver
• Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel
• Submarine Training Qualification
• Helicopter Haul Down Equipment
• Programmable Logic Controller
• Gas Turbine Maintenance

E TECHs spend much of their career on board ships stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. E TECHs may be required to work in enclosed spaces, above and below the waterline. They may also be required to work for long periods in poorly lit and cramped spaces, which are often noisy, hot and humid, and may be exposed to heights or extreme weather conditions when doing repair or maintenance work on masts, antennae or upper deck equipment. They also stand watches which result in irregular meal hours and rest periods.

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