Marine Systems Electrical Technician, Kitchener

Overview

As a member of the military, Marine Systems Electrical Technicians (MSETs) are responsible for the operation and maintenance of electrical and control systems onboard His Majesty's Canadian (HMC) Ships and Submarines. They also can be employed at shore repair and naval technical training facilities to support fleet activities. Initially, MSETs operate and maintain all marine systems engineering equipment onboard ship at the apprentice level. MSETs are members of a ship’s engineering department responsible for the operation, maintenance, and supervision of electrical and control systems at sea. They maintain, operate, and monitor electrical and electronic equipment associated with the ship’s power generation, ancillary and auxiliary engineering systems and propulsion systems. They are also called upon to operate and monitor a ship’s mechanical and electrical equipment.Responsibilities

Monitor, operate and maintain the electrical machinery for shipboard power generation&distribution, including main and emergency switchboards, ungrounded/isolated shipboard electrical systems, diesel and gas-turbine generator systems, generator synchronization&load sharing, AVR systems, shore power connection systems, transformers, circuit breakers, and disconnects. Operate propulsion and auxiliary machinery electrical systems, including electric propulsion motors (AC, synchronous, PM), thruster systems, variable pitch propeller control systems, steering gear electrical systems, ballast&bilge pump controls, stabilizer control systems, and MCCs. Manage Marine Automation&Control Systems such as Integrated Automation System (IAS) / IPMS, PLCs, I/O modules, marine HMI systems, Alarm and Monitoring Systems (AMS), Engine Control Room (ECR) systems, and navigation light panel control systems. Work with Motors&Drive Systems including AC/DC motors, VFDs&soft starters, servo drives, motor protection relays, and motor testing&troubleshooting. Handle Shipboard Instrumentation&Sensors such as transmitters for pressure, temperature, flow and level, 4–20 mA loops and signal conditioning, tank sounding systems, shaft torque/power meters, and fuel&lube oil monitoring instruments. Address Safety, Survivability&Hazardous Areas, including SOLAS-compliant emergency circuits, fire detection&suppression control systems, watertight door electrical systems, EX / IECEx marine-rated electrical equipment, marine-rated junction boxes, glands, penetrations, and ground fault detection in isolated systems. Apply Marine Electrical Installation Practices for marine-rated cables, cable trays, hangers, naval conduit systems, cable dressing, bulkhead and deck penetrations, bonding, earthing, and corrosion prevention and ICCP systems.Ensure Protective Devices&Electrical Safety, including overload, ground fault, and short-circuit protection, arc-flash mitigation equipment, emergency stop and interlock systems, and Lockout/Tagout procedures where applicable. Work with Industrial/Marine Networking&Communication Protocols such as Modbus RTU/TCP, Profibus/Profinet, CAN bus, Ethernet/IP, and fiber optic shipboard networks. Interpret Technical Drawings&Documentation including electrical schematics&wiring diagrams, single-line and three-line diagrams, P&IDs for machinery spaces, cable schedules, and marine classification drawings (ABS, Lloyd’s, DNV). Perform Testing, Troubleshooting&Diagnostics using multimeters, clamp meters, Megger insulation testing, earth fault tracing systems, loop calibrators, thermal imaging, and oscilloscopes for drives&control signals. Read and interpret engineering sketches and drawings, including electrical and electronic drawings. Work environment

MSETs spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Duties can include repairing or maintaining equipment and participating in ship‑wide evolutions such as fueling at sea and alongside. While at sea, all members of the ship’s company stand watch in shifts. When the ship is alongside, MSETs typically work a regular day‑shift schedule. Junior MSETs may spend time performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, workingin the cafeteria or loading supplies.Entry plans

Required Education Paid Education Options The minimum acceptable education to apply for this position is the completion of provincial requirements for Grade 10, including Grade 10 Applied Math&Grade 10 Applied Science. Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) applies. The CAF pays successful recruits to attend a diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months, receive a full-time salary including medical and dental care, and vacation time with full pay in exchange for a service commitment. If you apply to this program, you must apply to both the CAF and the appropriate college.Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School. This course develops core skills common to all trades in the CAF and maintains physical fitness standards. MSETs attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, BC or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, NS for three months, covering basic mechanical, electrical and hull systems theory, maintenance, propulsion and auxiliary engineering rounds, equipment operation procedures, and basic emergency responses. After initial in-class training, MSETs are posted to a ship for hands-on training and may pursue specialized skills through formal courses or on-the-job training.Available specialized training may include IPMS, marine high voltage, instrumentation and controls, and technical support for marine helicopter operations. Advanced training options include advanced electrical preventive/corrective maintenance, plant operation and watch supervision, advanced firefighting/damage control, refit management, equipment lifecycle management, maintenance management, and project management. Naval recruits also participate in Naval Fleet School Pacific or Atlantic for approximately five weeks, covering naval history, firefighting and damage control, safety and security, watchkeeping duties, and seamanship.Part time options

This occupation is available for part-time employment with the Naval Reserve at select locations across Canada, including 24 Naval Reserve Divisions. Reservists may serve while in school or employed civilian jobs, and may transition to longer-term full-time contracts. They can transfer between NRDs and may be entitled to a military move for long-term contracts. Reserve MSETs serve as members of the Royal Canadian Navy up to Sailor 1st Class and may support boatsheds, maintenance on small boats, and ANSU operations. Part-time schedules are typically in NRDs with additional summer opportunities.Find a Recruiting Centre. Reserve members are trained to the same level as Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin at a Naval Reserve Division and complete Basic Military Naval Qualification at Naval Fleet School Quebec, followed by qualification at Esquimalt or Halifax for about nine weeks. Reserve members commonly serve part-time at their home unit with occasional weekends or evenings, with compensation and benefits comparable to Regular Force rates and pension eligibility.Related Careers

Electrical Distribution Technician, Electrical Generation Systems Technician

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