Ship Electrician Jobs
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Who Is a Ship Electrician?
A Ship Electrician (marine electrician, Electro-Technical Rating / ETR) is responsible for maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of all electrical equipment onboard a vessel.This includes:
- Main Switchboard
- Diesel generators
- Electrical motors
- Emergency power systems
- Lighting systems
- Automation and PLC systems
- Navigation equipment
- Accommodation electrical systems
On modern fleets, ship electricians are among the most in-demand technical specialists, especially on LNG, LPG, container and tanker vessels where electrical systems become increasingly complex.The position is regulated by STCW Regulation III/7 (Electro-Technical Rating), although actual hiring requirements vary depending on the company, flag state, vessel type and Safe Manning Certificate.
STCW III/7 vs Real Industry Practice
In reality, there are two major approaches to hiring ship electricians.
Companies With Strict STCW Requirements
Large international shipowners, especially in LNG, LPG, tanker fleet and large container fleet sectors, usually require:
- STCW III/7 Certificate
- Confirmed sea service
- Full STCW package
- Tanker or gas endorsements where applicable
During PSC inspections and vetting procedures, crew qualifications are checked against the Safe Manning Certificate. Missing qualifications may lead to deficiencies or additional inspections.
Companies Hiring Based on Experience
A significant part of the dry cargo, general cargo, Ro-Ro and small vessel fleet hires electricians based mainly on practical experience.If a candidate can:
- Work with Main Switchboards
- Troubleshoot generators
- Read electrical diagrams
- Maintain automation systems
- Repair electrical motors
then III/7 may not always be mandatory.What this means for seafarers:
- LNG, LPG and tanker fleet usually require III/7
- Dry fleet and some offshore sectors may accept strong experience instead
- Practical skills and references are highly valued
Onboard, the electrician normally reports to the Chief Engineer and may work together with the ETO if one is onboard.Upload Your CV and Apply
Ship Electrician Duties
A marine electrician is responsible for almost every electrical system onboard.
Main Switchboard & Generators
Maintenance of:
- Main Switchboard
- Diesel generators
- AVR systems
- Circuit breakers
- Contactors
- Electrical protection systems
Large vessels may operate high-voltage systems up to 6600V, requiring HV Safety awareness.
Electrical Motors & Starters
Maintenance and troubleshooting of:
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Fans
- Cargo winches
- Deck machinery
- VFD systems
- Soft starters
Common work includes insulation testing using Megger equipment and fault diagnostics.
Lighting & Accommodation Systems
Responsibilities include:
- Ship lighting
- Emergency lighting
- Navigation lights
- Air conditioning systems
- Galley equipment
- Laundry systems
- Crew accommodation electrical systems
Navigation & Communication Equipment
Maintenance of:
- ECDIS
- AIS
- Radar
- GMDSS
- VSAT systems
- Intercom systems
On vessels without ETO, electricians often maintain these systems themselves.
Automation & PLC Systems
Work with:
- Siemens PLC
- ABB automation
- Schneider Electric systems
- Alarm systems
- Pressure and temperature sensors
- Remote engine control systems
Emergency Equipment
Maintenance of:
- Emergency generator
- Emergency fire pump
- Fire detection systems
- Emergency batteries
- Emergency lighting
These systems are critically important during PSC inspections.
Cargo Electrical Systems
On container ships:
- Reefer sockets
- Container monitoring systems
- Power supply systems
On tankers:
- Ex-proof equipment
- Cargo pump control systems
- Hazardous area electrical systems
Ship Electrician vs ETO
ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)
ETO is an officer position regulated by STCW III/6.Responsibilities include:
- Planning maintenance
- Documentation
- Spare parts management
- Communication with shore office
- Coordination with class surveyors
Average salary: $4,500–7,000+.
Ship Electrician / ETR
Ship Electrician is a rating position focused on practical maintenance and repairs.Average salary: $2,500–5,500, while LNG and large container vessels may offer salaries up to $7,000.On some vessels, electricians effectively perform ETO-level tasks independently.
Vessel Types & Work Conditions
Container Ships
One of the most demanding sectors for electricians.Main workload involves:
- Reefer sockets
- Monitoring systems
- Cable routes
- Container power systems
Salary: $4,000–7,000.
Bulk Carriers
Main focus:
- Generators
- Main Switchboard
- Deck cranes
- Pumps
- Ventilation systems
Salary: $2,500–3,500.
Tanker Fleet
Requires work with hazardous area and Ex-proof equipment.Knowledge of:
- IECEx
- ATEX
- Zone classifications
- Cargo electrical systems
Salary: $3,500–5,500.
LNG / LPG Fleet
Most technically advanced segment:
- Gas Detection Systems
- Dual Fuel Engines
- Cryogenic systems
- HV systems
Salary: $4,500–7,000.
Offshore Fleet
DP systems, hydraulics, ROV support and advanced automation systems.Typical rotation: 28/28.Search Vessels in Global Vessel Database
Ship Electrician Salary
Average salaries worldwide:
- Bulk Carriers — $2,500–3,500
- General Cargo / Ro-Ro — $2,800–4,000
- Tanker Fleet — $3,500–5,500
- Container Fleet — $4,000–7,000
- LNG / LPG — $4,500–7,000
- Offshore — $3,500–6,000
Typical contract duration:
- 3–6 months — container vessels
- 4–5 months — LNG fleet
- 6–9 months — bulkers and tankers
- 28/28 — offshore fleet
Certificates & Requirements
Large International Companies
Usually require:
- STCW III/7
- BST
- AFF
- PSCRB
- Security Duties
- Tanker or Gas endorsements
- HV Safety Certificate
- Marlins Test
- CES Test
Dry Fleet & Small Vessel Operators
May accept:
- Electrical diploma
- STCW BST
- Practical electrical experience
- Good references
Valuable Skills
- Reading electrical diagrams
- Troubleshooting
- PLC systems
- Megger testing
- Ex-proof systems
- Automation maintenance
Career Growth
Possible career progression:
- ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)
- Chief Electrician
- Electrical Superintendent
- Technical Superintendent
- Service Engineer
Shore-based opportunities exist with:
- ABB Marine
- Siemens Marine
- Schneider Electric
- Wärtsilä
How to Choose the Right Vacancy
Check III/7 Requirements
Some companies strictly require III/7 while others focus mainly on experience.
Evaluate Fleet Type
LNG and container fleets offer higher salaries but heavier workload and more technical responsibility.
Clarify If ETO Is Onboard
Without an ETO, the electrician often handles all electrical and automation tasks independently.
Check Vessel Condition
Older vessels may have outdated electrical systems and more difficult working conditions.Check Shipowners Before Applying
Find Ship Electrician Jobs With JobMarineMan
- Verified shipowners
- Direct hiring without agencies
- LNG, Tanker, Offshore and Container Fleet vacancies
- Daily updated jobs
- No manning fees
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Is STCW III/7 mandatory for Ship Electrician jobs?
Usually yes for LNG, LPG and tanker fleet. Some dry fleet operators may hire based on experience.
How much does a Ship Electrician earn?
From $2,500 up to $7,000 per month depending on vessel type and experience.
What is the difference between Ship Electrician and ETO?
ETO is an officer position, while Ship Electrician / ETR is a rating position focused on hands-on maintenance and repairs.
Can industrial electricians join the maritime industry?
Yes. Industrial electrical experience with generators, PLC systems and automation is highly valued.
What is HV Safety?
A certificate for working with high-voltage systems up to 6600V.
Which vessels pay the highest salaries?
LNG, LPG, large container ships and some offshore vessels.
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