The path to becoming a marine electrician varies depending on where you live, but you’ll almost always need both practical experience and some sort of certification. Prior to beginning this type of career, it is sometimes possible to attend a trade school or work as an apprentice, though military electricians and engineers are often qualified to take certification exams as well. Many employers in the United States require certification from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) or the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), while in the United Kingdom, you should contact the British Marine Electronics Association (BMEA).
Marine electricians perform many of the same tasks as their commercial and industrial counterparts, though regular electrician training will not typically prepare you for a career as a marine electrician. It is more common to train specifically to become a marine electrician in a vocational school setting or as an apprentice than to switch from one specialty to another. Installing wiring in new boats, working on board large vessels while they are at sea, and diagnosing or fixing a variety of issues are all possibilities for professionals in the marine electronics field, whether they work for a marine electrician company, a dockyard, or as an independent contractor.
The first step toward becoming a marine electrician can vary depending on your prior experience or training, as well as the opportunities available in your area. If you have never worked as an electrician before and have a high school diploma, you can enroll in a vocational school or look for work as a helper or apprentice. As a marine electrician’s assistant, you’ll gain valuable experience and may be eligible to take certification exams in the future. Apprentices may be required to have prior work experience or to be enrolled in a vocational program, so look into the specific opportunities in your area.
Armed forces service is another common way to gain the necessary knowledge and experience. Many former marine electronic engineers pursue civilian careers as marine electricians. If you have this type of background, you may be eligible for other electronics and engineering jobs, so it’s a good idea to look into all of your options.
Before you can work as a marine electrician, you’ll usually need some kind of certification in addition to work experience. Although there are no legal certification requirements in some areas, it may be difficult to find a company willing to hire you without one. In the United States, the NMEA and ABYC offer certifications; in the United Kingdom, the BMEA offers a similar certification; and other countries have their own certification agencies and programs. It’s a good idea to check with potential employers before pursuing a certification to find out exactly what they’re looking for.