Marine Systems Electrical Technician

Overview

Marine Systems Electrical Technicians (MSETs) are members of a ship’s engineering department, responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the electrical and control systems onboard His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships and Submarines.

As an MSET, you’ll work hands‑on with advanced electrical, electronic, and propulsion systems that keep the ship powered, safe, and operational. Your role supports everything from propulsion and navigation to safety, damage control, and firefighting systems—both at sea and at shore‑based maintenance and training facilities.

MSETs work on and support systems including:

• Shipboard power generation and distribution
• Propulsion and auxiliary machinery electrical systems
• Marine automation and control systems
• Motors and drive systems
• Shipboard instrumentation and sensors
• Safety, emergency, and damage control systems
• Marine electrical installations and practices
• Industrial and marine communication networks

In this role, you’ll develop in‑demand technical skills while working as part of a close‑knit team in a dynamic environment. Whether deployed at sea or employed ashore, your work directly contributes to the readiness and success of Royal Canadian Navy operations.

Work environment

MSETs spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Their duties can include repairing or maintaining equipment and participating in ship‑wide evolutions such as fueling both 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.

In addition to their primary duties, junior MSETs may spend time working outside their occupation performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, working in 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).

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive a full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades in the CAF. One of the goals of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

MSETs attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes three months and includes:

• Basic mechanical, electrical and hull systems theory
• Basic preventive and corrective maintenance for marine systems
• The conduct of propulsion and ancillary engineering rounds
• Equipment flash-up and shut-down procedures
• Basic emergency responses to equipment failures
• Repair of watertight and non-watertight closures

Following this initial in class training, MSETs will be posted to a ship to complete a hands-on training package and begin implementing the training they've received in real life scenarios.

MSETs may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and/or on-the-job training, including:

• Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS)
• Marine high voltage
• Instrumentation and controls
• Technical support for marine helicopter operations

As they progress in their career, MSETs who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced electrical preventive / corrective maintenance
• Plant operation and watch supervision
• Advanced firefighting / damage control
• Refit management
• Equipment lifecycle management
• Maintenance management
• Project Management

Naval recruits attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:

• Naval history and organization
• Shipboard firefighting and damage control
• Shipboard safety and ship’s security
• Watchkeeping duties
• Seamanship

Related Civilian Occupations

• Marine Electrical Technician
• Hydro Power Station Operator
• Marine Equipment Electrician
• Commercial Electrician