Careers

Do you want to be an Electrical Officer?

Do you enjoy repairing electronic and electrical equipment? Do you enjoy reading blueprints and drawings? Do you have knowledge of computers and software applications? Would you like to work in the marine environment? Then, we may have the job for you!

What do they do?

Under the supervision of the chief engineer, electrical officers maintain all ship's electrical machinery, electronic systems and power equipment.

When the vessel enters or leaves a port, electrical officers maintain surveillance at the main propulsion control system to ensure equipment is operating properly. They are also prepared to take emergency action if the equipment malfunctions.

Electrical officers make improvements to the ship's electrical and electronic systems and provide recommendations on maintenance and operations. They also assist watchkeeping engineers in all electrical matters.

How do I become an Electrical Officer?

To become an electrical officer, you will need to complete an Electrical Engineering Technology Program from a recognized institute. You will also be required to obtain a Second Class Electrical Certificate from the Canadian Coast Guard.

Like all positions on Canadian Coast Guard vessels, you will require a Marine Emergency Duties (MED) certificate (A1, B1, B2) and a valid Transport Canada medical certificate.

Individuals interested in the Officer Training Program offered by the Canadian Coast Guard College should visit the college website for more information at www.cgc.gc.ca.

Openings for jobs with the Canadian Coast Guard are advertised through the Public Service Commission website at www.jobs.gc.ca

Spotlight on... Terry Hunt, Electrical Officer, CCGS Ann Harvey

Terry Hunt says a big part of his job is learning new technologies on updated systems and working to improve how the ship runs. "You are constantly doing inspections on every piece of machinery and on every system. For example, alarm and monitoring systems, fire detection systems, emergency backup systems and the ship's propulsion system have to be monitored every day," Terry says. "You are solving problems when the ship is out of service and it is rewarding to know you are responsible for getting everything up and running again.There is always something to fix or improve upon."

This document is also available for download or viewing as a PDF version (1.4 MB).

Published By:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications Branch
P.O. Box 5667
St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1

DFO/2009-1610
Catalogue Number: Fs154-7/2-2010
ISBN: 978-1-100-51373-7
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2010