Marine electrician
Also known as: naval electrician, marine diagnostic electrician, marine repair electrician, marine design electrician, vessel electronics repair technician, marine systems electrician
About this occupation
Marine electricians install, maintain and repair electrical and electronic systems in vessels such as air conditioning systems, lamps, radios, heating systems, batteries, electrical wiring and alternators. They use diagnostic testing equipment to inspect vessels and find faults. To do repair work, they use hand tools and specialised electrical instruments and machines.
Essential skills and knowledge
- fasten components
- test electrical equipment
- electrical wiring plans
- electrical testing methods
- install electrical equipment in vessels
- apply health and safety standards
- mechanics of vessels
- troubleshoot
- wear appropriate protective gear
- vessel electrical system
- electronics
- use technical documentation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers (O*NET 47-4021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Inspect wiring connections, control panel hookups, door installations, and alignments and clearances of cars and hoistways to ensure that equipment will operate properly.
- Assemble, install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving sidewalks, and dumbwaiters, using hand and power tools, and testing devices such as test lamps, ammeters, and voltmeters.
- Disassemble defective units, and repair or replace parts such as locks, gears, cables, and electric wiring.
- Check that safety regulations and building codes are met, and complete service reports verifying conformance to standards.
- Locate malfunctions in brakes, motors, switches, and signal and control systems, using test equipment.
- Adjust safety controls, counterweights, door mechanisms, and components such as valves, ratchets, seals, and brake linings.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Installation
US median pay: US$109,910 a year (2025), 23,790 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.3)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.1)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Millwrights
- Rail Car Repairers
- Mechanical Door Repairers
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.