Electrical systems supply power to operate ships and submarines. Lights, radar, weapons, and machinery all need electricity. Ship electricians operate and repair electrical systems on ships. They keep electrical power plants, wiring, and machinery in working order.
What They Do
Ship electricians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Install wiring for lights and equipment
- Troubleshoot electrical wiring and equipment using test meters
- Inspect and maintain devices that distribute electricity throughout ships, such as circuits, transformers, and regulators
- Monitor and maintain electrical devices connected to the ship's main engines or nuclear reactors
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school courses include math and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to use tools
- Interest in electricity and how electrical machines work
- Interest in solving problems
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice repairing electrical systems. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Electrical theory
- Troubleshooting procedures
- Maintenance and repair procedures
- Reading diagrams and calculating amperage, voltage, and resistance levels
Work Environment
Ship electricians usually work indoors, aboard ships or submarines. They also work in ship repair shops on land.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian ship electricians work for shipbuilding and drydock firms and shipping lines. They perform duties similar to military ship electricians. Other civilian electricians, such as building electricians and electrical products repairers, also perform similar work.
