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OVERVIEW

Marine Electricians 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.

WHAT THEY DO

Marine Electricians (MAR EL) are the members of a ship's Engineering department responsible for the operation and distribution of electrical power throughout the ship. MAR ELs 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 MAR ELs 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)

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Marine Electricians 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. MAR Els 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.

TRAINING

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training for a successful applicant is the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all occupations. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces (CF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Naval Environmental Training

MAR ELs attend the Canadian Forces Fleet School (CFFS) in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:

Naval history and organization

Shipboard firefighting and damage control

Shipboard safety

Watchkeeping duties

Seamanship

Basic Occupational Qualification Training

Following Environmental Training, MAR ELs attend CFFS Esquimalt for approximately nine weeks. This occupational training includes the following topics:

Electrical theory

Mathematics

AC and DC machines

Power generation and distribution

Marine and Industrial/electrical safety and practice

Basic drawing and sketches interpretation

Use of hand tools, electrical meters and lab volt equipment (simulator)

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The job of MAR ELs 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.

SPECIALTY TRAINING

As they progress in their careers, MAR ELs 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

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

MAR ELs spend much of their career on board ships stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. MAR ELs 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.

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