Marine Technician (Naval Reserve)

INTRO

Do you enjoy working with your hands and troubleshooting? Have you ever wondered what working at sea might be like? If so, this is for you! No experience required.

OVERVIEW

Marine Technicians operate and maintain highly technical electro-mechanical, propulsion, mechanical and power generation/distribution systems, enabling Royal Canadian Navy warships to float, move and fight. They are trained to specialize in either the mechanical or electrical fields as they progress in their careers.

The primary responsibilities of Marine Technicians are to operate all marine systems engineering equipment onboard ship, troubleshoot failures, advise command on limitations and repair as required to restore system function. They execute and track maintenance schedules to keep the ship’s engineering equipment in prime condition. They respond to emergencies as the onboard experts in firefighting and damage control, including helicopter crash rescue. They are the ship’s metal workers and carry out burning, welding and machining.

Command relies on the Marine Technician’s in-depth knowledge of the following systems:

• Propulsion gas turbine and diesel engines and associated systems, including gearing and shafting
• Generators and power distribution systems, including casualty power
• Hydraulic equipment and systems
• Electronic machinery control systems
• Fitted and portable damage control and firefighting equipment
• Refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation equipment
• Fuel and other liquid management systems

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Marine Technicians spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with work at sea, such as working in limited light conditions and small spaces. There may be occasions when they work on open deck surfaces in a variety of weather conditions repairing or maintaining equipment. While at sea, all members of the ship's company stand watch in shifts. When the ship is alongside, Marine Technicians usually work a regular day-shift schedule.

In addition to their primary duties, junior Marine Technicians may spend time working outside their occupation performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria or loading supplies.

Basic Military Qualification

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. Occasionally courses are offered in other locations including Victoria and Halifax on an ad hoc requirement. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Basic Occupational Qualification Training

Marine Technicians attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia. Training takes several months and includes:

• Basic mechanical, electrical and hull systems theory
• Basic preventive and corrective maintenance for marine systems
• The conduct of propulsion and ancillary rounds
• Equipment flash-up and shut-down procedures
• Basic emergency responses to equipment failures
• Emergency burning and welding equipment and procedures
• Repair of watertight and non-watertight closures

Available Specialty Training

Marine Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and/or on-the-job training, including:

• Helicopter Crash Rescue Firefighting
• Welding
• Fabrication / Machining
• Diesel Inspection
• Gas Turbine Maintenance

Available Advanced Training

As they progress in their career, Marine Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced mechanical preventive / corrective maintenance
• Advanced electrical preventive / corrective maintenance
• Plant operation and watch supervision
• Advanced firefighting / damage control
• Refit management
• Equipment lifecycle management
• Maintenance management

Specific Navy Training

Naval recruits attend the Naval Environmental Training Program at 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 Environment
• Perform as a Member of the Force Protection Team
• Perform as a Member of the Damage Control Organization
• Carry Out Survival Drills

Required Education

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is :

The completion of provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including:

• Grade 10 Academic Math or Math 426; or
• Grade 12 Applied Math or Math 526

A General Education Development certificate (GED) would only be acceptable if applicant also has Grade 10 Academic Math (or Math 426) or Grade 12 Applied Math (or Math 526) courses completed. Foreign education may be accepted.

Serve with the Reserve Force

The Marine Technician Occupation is available for part-time employment with the Naval Reserve at certain locations across Canada, including 24 Naval Reserve Divisions (NRDs). Reserve Force members may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They usually serve part- time at a Naval Reserve Division in their community and full-time for short periods of training or deployment on bases, ships and military operations within Canada or abroad. They may also volunteer for long-term full-time contracts for up to several years. They are generally not posted or required to do a military move however, they are entitled to a military move for long-term full-time contracts. They can voluntarily transfer from one Naval Reserve Division to another as their civilian life relocates them.

Reserve Force Training

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts for work that is common to the two components. Reservists usually begin training in their Naval Reserve Division to prepare them for the Basic Military Naval Qualification course at Quebec City, Quebec. Following basic training Reserve Marine Technicians usually start their occupational training at their Naval Reserve Division and then complete the initial occupational training and Naval Environmental Training at either Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia over several months. All training is fully funded and completed while receiving a competitive salary.

Reserve Working Environment

Reserve Force members usually serve part-time within their home unit for scheduled evenings and occasional weekends. They are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package including a pension plan, and may qualify for reimbursement of civilian education expenses.

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming a Marine Technician with the Naval Reserve, visit: https://forces.ca/en/career/marine-technician/.

Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.

Job Type: Part-time