Shipboard Power Generation Technician
Also posted as Power Generation Technician; Ship Service Generator Technician; Generator Technician; Electrical Plant Technician
A shipboard power generation technician performs generator operation and maintenance, voltage regulation and synchronization, and protective-relay and distribution interfaces 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.
Run and maintain generators
Operate, inspect, and service shipboard generator sets that supply the ship's power.
Regulate and synchronize
Set voltage regulation and synchronize sets so load transfers cleanly.
Verify protection interfaces
Check protective-relay and distribution interfaces that isolate faults.
Troubleshoot power faults
Trace propulsion and power-system faults from generation through distribution.
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.
Generator Operation
Operating and maintaining shipboard generator sets under load.
Voltage & Synchronization
Regulating voltage and paralleling sets without upsetting the bus.
Protective Relay Interfaces
Verifying relay and distribution interfaces that clear faults.
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