Shipboard Electrical Distribution Technician
Also posted as Electrical Distribution Technician; Switchboard Technician; Power Distribution Technician; Shipboard Electrician
A shipboard electrical distribution technician performs switchboards, breakers and protective devices, power-quality and insulation testing, and grounding and fault isolation to keep vessel propulsion, electrical power, and energy systems safe, reliable, compliant, and ready for operation. Most people enter through a paid apprenticeship or utility trainee program 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.
Maintain switchboards
Inspect and service switchboards, breakers, and protective devices across the distribution system.
Test power quality
Run power-quality and insulation testing to catch degradation before it trips the bus.
Ground and isolate faults
Verify grounding and isolate faults so power is restored safely and quickly.
Troubleshoot power faults
Trace propulsion and power-system faults from the bus out to the load.
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.
Switchgear & Breakers
Servicing switchboards, breakers, and protective devices.
Insulation & Power Quality
Testing insulation and power quality to catch degradation early.
Grounding & Fault Isolation
Grounding systems and isolating faults for safe restoration.
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