Everything You Need Know About Marine Junior Electrician Jobs at Sea
By: Eve Jones
Tags: Maritime, Marine Engineering, Electrician, Careers, Jobs

This is one in a series of blog posts in which Martide takes a closer look at just some of the countless job opportunities in the maritime industry — and today we’re looking at junior electrician jobs. So if you’re interested in researching different cargo ship jobs and are considering becoming a marine electrician, read on and hopefully this article will explain more!

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in knowing how to become a shipfitter or want to know more about chief marine engineer jobs, you could also explore some of the other posts in this series.

What are junior electrician jobs: the basics

Electrical technician jobs are essentially regular electrician jobs, but onboard a vessel. Everything a shore based electrician would do will be part of a marine electrician’s job responsibilities — plus the additional skills that are required to work in the maritime industry.

Junior electrician jobs are obviously lower ranking than those of a chief electrician but nonetheless the work will still involve tasks such as reading and understanding technical diagrams and blueprints, installing and replacing wiring and electrical components, and maintaining, repairing and upgrading faulty electrics.

There are a number of different pieces of equipment on a ship that run on electricity: navigation systems, radios, pumps and motors will all need maintaining and possibly repairing. However it should be noted that while dealing with simpler electrical systems will usually be the responsibility of a marine electrician, technology that is more advanced may fall under an engineer’s remit.

In order to test systems and equipment a marine electrician will also need to be familiar with devices such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, and/or oscilloscopes. Not only should they be able to find the causes of any issues but also be able to pinpoint a defect or potential hazard in advance of a problem occurring.

Junior electrician jobs: working environment

Clearly the main difference between an electrician based ashore and electrical technician jobs at sea is the working environment. Many cargo ship jobs bring with them their own unique set of challenges, not least the necessity of working in enclosed spaces. On a ship many electrical systems and wiring can be located in difficult-to-reach places and a successful junior electrician will need to be able to maneuver him or herself into some pretty cramped places!

Add the water factor into the mix and it becomes clear that electrical technician jobs in the maritime industry make very specific demands upon the crew members that perform them. A dedication to safety is a must and certain precautions need to be taken to ensure the vessel is seaworthy and safe both before and during a voyage.

What skills do junior electrician jobs require?

Obviously a knowledge and understanding of electrical systems is crucial. But traits such as an attention to detail are also really important. This comes in useful not only for performing diagnostics, reading blueprints and spotting defects, but also for adhering to maintenance schedules and keeping work logs. And as with virtually all jobs in the maritime industry, a good working knowledge of English is required.

How to become a junior electrician

There are a couple of career paths into electrical technician jobs at sea. Firstly, the role may be of interest to qualified regular — i.e. land based — electricians who are looking for a change of career and who want to work in the maritime industry. Gaining the relevant qualifications first, however, will be a must in order to secure any cargo ship jobs. This could be done by applying for an apprenticeship with an electrician who specializes in marine electrics.

Alternatively you could apply to a maritime academy that offers a program training students in marine electrical careers.

Once you’ve got the right qualifications and are sure you have the skills and attributes required, you should be ready to start applying for junior electrician jobs, either with shipping companies directly or through a marine recruitment agency such as Martide.

Find seafarer jobs with Martide

Finding your next crewing position with Martide is simple. We’re always looking to recruit junior electricians on behalf of our shipping company clients and if you are qualified and think this is one of the right cargo ship jobs for you, we want to hear from you.

Seafarers who have a Martide account can log in and start applying for our vacant maritime jobs. If you don’t have an account, register for free with us now and create your user profile.

And don’t forget you can also apply for any of our vacancies, including junior electrician jobs, with our free mobile app. Download now it for Android from Google Play and from the Apple Store for iPhones and iPads.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon!