Marine HVAC/R Technician
Also posted as Marine HVAC Technician; Shipboard Refrigeration Technician; Environmental Control Technician; HVAC/R Technician
A marine HVAC/R technician performs refrigeration-cycle diagnostics, air handling and ventilation systems, and EPA refrigerant practices to keep shipboard mechanical, piping, and auxiliary systems safe, reliable, compliant, and ready for operation. Most people start with a high school diploma plus employer or technical training rather than a four-year degree.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Diagnose refrigeration faults
Read the refrigeration cycle, charge, superheat, and subcooling to find the real fault.
Maintain air handling
Service air handling and ventilation equipment that keeps shipboard spaces habitable.
Follow EPA refrigerant rules
Recover, evacuate, and charge refrigerants under EPA handling and record requirements.
Read ship system diagrams
Interpret ship system diagrams to trace refrigerant, chilled water, and air paths.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Refrigeration Diagnostics
Reading the refrigeration cycle to pinpoint charge and airflow faults.
Air Handling & Ventilation
Maintaining fans, coils, and ductwork that condition shipboard spaces.
Refrigerant Practices
Recovering and charging refrigerant to EPA handling standards.
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