Marine Technician

OpportunityDo you love the sea? Want a career where you can work with your hands? As a Marine Technician in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), you’ll be responsible for operating and maintaining highly technical propulsion, mechanical and power generation systems on Royal Canadian Navy warships.OverviewMarine Technicians are trained to specialize in either the mechanical or electrical fields as their careers progress. Primarily, they operate all marine systems engineering equipment onboard the ship, troubleshoot failures, advise command on limitations and complete repairs as required to restore system function.They execute and track maintenance schedules, respond to emergencies as the onboard experts in firefighting and damage control, participate in helicopter crash rescue and act as the ship’s metal workers to carry out burning, welding and machining.Marine Technicians will gain in-depth knowledge of the following : Propulsion gas turbines and diesel enginesGenerators and power distribution systemsHydraulic equipment and systemsElectronic machinery control systemsFitted and portable damage control and firefighting equipmentRefrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation equipmentFuel and other liquid management systemsTo be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must : Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except : For the Paid Education programs—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent);For the Primary Reserves—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student;Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Québec (some jobs need higher levels of education).Paid Education OptionsNon-commissioned Member (NCM) Subsidized Training and Education Program (STEP)Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCM STEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salaries, including medical and dental care, along 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.Work EnvironmentMarine Technicians spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They will work in limited light conditions and small spaces. They may also work on open deck surfaces in a variety of weather conditions to repair or maintain equipment. Marine Technicians usually work a regular day-shift schedule.Basic Military QualificationThe 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, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.Naval Environmental TrainingNaval 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 : Perform General Duties in the Naval EnvironmentPerform as a Member of the Force Protection TeamPerform as a Member of the Damage Control OrganizationCarry Out Survival DrillsMarine Technician TrainingMarine Technicians attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Training takes several months and includes : Basic Mechanical, Electrical and Hull Systems TheoryBasic Preventive and Corrective Maintenance for Marine SystemsThe Conduct of Propulsion and Ancillary RoundsEquipment Flash-Up and Shut-Down ProceduresBasic Emergency Responses to Equipment FailuresEmergency Burning and Welding Equipment and ProceduresRepair of Watertight and Non-Watertight ClosuresAvailable Specialty TrainingMarine Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training for topics like : Helicopter Crash Rescue FirefightingWeldingFabrication / MachiningDiesel InspectionGas Turbine MaintenanceAvailable Advanced TrainingAs they progress in their career, Marine Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include : Advanced Mechanical or Electrical Preventive / Corrective MaintenancePlant Operation and Watch SupervisionAdvanced Firefighting / Damage ControlRefit ManagementEquipment Lifecycle ManagementMaintenance ManagementRequired EducationThe minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary IV in Quebec, including : Grade 10 Academic Math (Mathématiques 426 or CST 4); orGrade 12 Applied Math (Mathématiques 526 or TS 5 / SN 5)Foreign education may be accepted.A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is only acceptable if the applicant also has grade 10 Academic Math or Grade 12 Applied Math. It is an advantage to have completed a physics course at any level.Direct Entry PlanIdeal candidates will already have a diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian trade. If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the training criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training is required before being assigned.Join the CAFTo learn more about becoming a Marine Technician, visit www.forces.ca, talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca / en / careers.