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Non-Commissioned Member | Full Time
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THE HIGH STAKES WORLD OF A MARINE SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN.
FOR A LOOK INSIDE THE SKILL, EXPERTISE AND DEDICATION BEHIND THE OCCUPATION.
SAILOR 1ST CLASS DILLON O'LEARY AS THEY WALK YOU THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE. PLEASE NOTE MARINE TECHNICIAN HAS BEEN SPLIT INTO TWO OCCUPATIONS; MARINE SYSTEMS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN AND MARINE SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN. THIS WALK AND TALK SHOWCASES ASPECTS OF BOTH OCCUPATIONS.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about Basic Training here.
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:
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:
As they progress in their career, MSETs who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
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.
Learn more about our Paid Education programs here.
