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Electro-Technical Officer

Expand your knowledge for a career at sea managing a ship's electronic and electrical systems.

A man wearing blue coveralls and safety glasses learns about a ship's electrical systems.
Start Date:
January
Typical Length:
1.5 Years
Credential:
Advanced Diploma

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Overview

If you have an electrical and electronics background, love the sea, and want to explore the world, this unique and highly specialized program is for you.

An Electro-Technical Officer oversees the ship's electronic and electrical systems, making them one of the most important members of a ship's crew, and they're in demand.

This program builds on your existing electrical and electronics skills to prepare you for working on board commercial ships.

Learn how to:

  • Repair and maintain electrical and electronic equipment on a ship; ships have highly specialized equipment and systems
  • Work with high-voltage systems
  • Respond to an emergency at sea

Sea time

  • You study on campus from January to June and then complete a 90-day sea internship. You return on campus from September to December and then complete an additional 90-day sea internship from January to March.
  • For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities.

Choose NSCC

  • NSCC is the only place in Canada offering this internationally-recognized training.
  • You learn on simulators, in a state-of-the-art nautical training facility.
  • This program places a high importance on providing you with the skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. In preparation for employment, you will participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

  • This program prepares you to write Transport Canada's Electro-Technical Officer Certificate of Competency, which is required to work as an Electro-Technical Officer.
  • Successful program completion requires that students maintain an attendance standard of 90%.
  • Prior completion of studies in the areas of basic engineering science, mathematics, thermodynamics, mechanics, chemistry and basic electricity and electronics are critical to your success in this program.
  • Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

January 2024

Campus Full time/part time Delivery Availability
Strait Area Campus
Port Hawkesbury
Full time In person
Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Seats available

Admission requirements

  • Two-year diploma or undergraduate degree in electrical/electronics/instrumentation engineering; or
  • Red Seal trade qualifications in industrial electrician/industrial instrumentation and control technician; or
  • Hold at least a Second Engineer STCW III/2 Certificate of Competency.
  • This program is not open to International applicants.

    Program requirements

    • A valid Marine Medical Certificate (to meet Transport Canada's requirements for approved marine/cadet training programs), is required for the program. Details are provided with your acceptance notification.
    • Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.
    • A current, official criminal record check is required to complete work placements (such as field work, internships, co-ops) in this program. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to complete program requirements. Information on this process will be provided at the beginning of your program.

    Tuition

    Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

    Tuition (Domestic):
    $3,620
    Tuition (International):
    $11,690

    Tuition, fees and program costs

    In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

    View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

    Career options

    • Graduates are prepared to work nationally and internationally in the marine industry. Electro-Technical Officers work on onboard:
      • Cargo tankers
      • Passenger ferries
      • Offshore supply vessels
      • Cruise ships
    • Learn more about labour market information. Visit Career Options

    Courses may include

    These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

    Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
    If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

    ELEC 2100 - Marine Electrical Power Distribution Systems up to 15 kV I
    In this course students study the arrangement, functioning and operation of marine distribution systems including hybrid systems. They explore hazards and risks involved in operating distribution systems, as well as design features to mitigate hazards and risk. Students also study the arrangement, functioning and operation of switchboards, switchgear, circuit breakers, fuses, switches, distribution panels, motor control centres, branch circuits. They also explore AC and DC short circuit analysis and discrimination, protective devices, load analysis, DC grid protection, earthing systems, cable construction and installation, insulation, and selection. Students also develop knowledge of testing, maintenance and repair of distribution systems equipment.

    ELEC 2130 - AC, DC Power Generation and Motors
    In this course students study advanced electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction. They also examine three-phase AC circuits and power generation, AC Generators, DC Machines. Students explore the function and operation of safety systems and devices and of Governors and Automatic Voltage Control devices. Students develop skills in the testing, maintenance and repair of generators, the operation of generators in parallel, synchronization, load sharing. Students also study AC 3-phase motors and single-phase motors.

    ELEC 2140 - Electrical Safety and Maintenance Management
    In this course students explore a diverse range of topics related to safety, including safety planning and record keeping. Students study Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Permit to Work, formal safety assessment, hazard and risk analysis, control and mitigation. Students also study electrical safety practices, codes, class, regulatory details, and national and international standards. They also identify risks and hazards of electricity, electrical systems and equipment, and mitigation techniques. In doing so, students learn to select, use and care for Personal Protective Equipment. They also explore safe working procedures and practices, as well as Occupational Health and Safety regulatory requirements in the marine environment and on Canadian flag vessels.

    ELEC 2160 - Power Electronics in Marine Electric Motor Drives and Propulsion Systems
    In this course students explore the fundamentals of power electronics. Students examine the function, arrangement, and operation of three-phase ac to dc rectifier and inverter DC/AC inverters and DC Converters. Students also examine the function, arrangement and operation of AC/AC cycloconverters, Variable Frequency Drives, and AC/DC/AC converters. They also study the operation and performance of an electronically controlled motor speed control system.

    ELEC 3100 - Marine Electrical Power Distribution systems to 15 kV II
    In this course students explore high voltage systems and safety. They also look at electrical circuits and equipment for use in explosive and other hazardous areas, emergency power systems and equipment, power management systems, and harmonic disturbances recognition and mitigation techniques. Students also develop skills in testing, maintenance and repair of distribution systems equipment. They also examine novel secondary cells, batteries, fuel cells and capacitors for marine applications, and ancillary electrical services.

    ELEC 3130 - Principles of Electronics Fault Finding
    In this course students examine Principles of Electronic Fault Finding. They explore fault diagnosis techniques and strategies in electronic circuits and systems, implement a fault location strategy in an electronic system, and locate faults to component level in digital and analogue circuits. They also study the installation, replacement, set up and reboot of components.

    ELEC 3160 - Marine Electric Propulsion, Thruster Motors, and Systems
    In this course students examine the arrangement, functioning and operation of power distribution for propulsion, of motors for thrusters and propulsion, of propulsion motor drives, and of hybrid propulsion systems. Students develop working knowledge of electrical propulsion control techniques. They also explore the testing, maintenance and repair of motors and power electronic drives for thrusters and propulsion.

    ELEC 3170 - Distributed Control Systems
    In this course students examine the design concepts, structure, function and arrangement of distributed control systems. In doing so, they explore best practices in system design and reliability strategies. Students also develop knowledge of the function, arrangement and operation of marine systems for control of propulsion systems, boilers, propeller pitch control systems, dynamic positioning systems, power and energy management systems, alarms and monitoring systems, auxiliary systems, cargo handling systems, HVAC systems. They also study diesel engine electronic control systems, Boiler Combustion and Water Level Control. Throughout this course, students consider regulatory requirements and Classification Society rules for design, commissioning and testing of control systems and computer-based systems. They also develop knowledge of management and methods of shipboard testing, troubleshooting and maintenance of distributed control systems and computer-based systems.

    ELTM 2960 - Seagoing Service and Onboard Training I
    The work experience component provides students with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Students assess their own performance and are evaluated by an industry partner. Students identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and keep a journal.

    ELTM 4960 - Seagoing Service and Onboard Training II
    The work experience component provides students with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Students assess their own performance and are evaluated by an industry partner. Students identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and keep a journal.

    MARI 710 - Sea Change Sexual Violence Response and Prevention
    This course provides occupational training in the area of sexual violence prevention within the marine industry. Topics include an awareness of the sexual violence continuum and the impact of sexual violence on the marine industry. Preventative and responding actions will be examined using case study analysis and interactive activities.

    MARI 2000 - Technical Drawing and Marine Engineering Systems
    In this course students examine ship construction and the arrangement of various of vessel types. They look at the general arrangement of machinery spaces, propulsion and auxiliary machinery and systems. Students also explore heat transfer, mechanics, hydromechanics, fire detection and extinguishing systems, and deck, cargo and hotel machinery and systems. They also look at general shipboard safety and learn to read and interpret electrical and electronic diagrams and equipment manuals. In doing so, students become familiar with regulatory requirements and maintenance of approved drawings to be carried on board.

    MARI 3000 - Marine Navigation and Communication Systems
    In this course students examine principles, functioning, arrangement, and operation of marine navigation systems, radio transmitters and receivers, GMDSS systems, and principles of satellite communication systems. They also develop skill in the maintenance and repair of marine navigation system equipment. Students develop knowledge of navigation systems- regulatory requirements, miscellaneous marine communication systems, power supply and back-up power systems, communication systems-regulatory requirements, and fire detection and extinguishing systems.

    MARI 3010 - Marine Applications of Small LAN
    In this course students explore the structure, function, arrangement, application and operation of Local Area Network (LAN) types, and their relevant merits. They also study communications devices and protocols, management and methods of shipboard testing, troubleshooting and maintenance of small LAN.

    MEDC 1811 - Marine Basic First Aid
    This course provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an emergency, provide appropriate first aid at the scene, notify emergency medical services and promote a safety oriented life style for the prevention of accidents. This course meets the requirements for first aid training as set out by Transport Canada and Workplace Occupational Health and Safety.

    MEDC 1821 - STCW Basic Safety
    This course provides all Seafarers with the basic understanding of the hazards associated with the Marine Environment and their own vessel; the prevention of shipboard incidents, including fire and procedures for abandonment. It provides Seafarers with the knowledge necessary to raise and react to alarms and to deal with emergencies. The course will ensure that all Seafarers are able to provide assistance in fire and abandonment in emergency situations. It will provide Seafarers with the knowledge and skills which will enable them to assist in their own survival and rescue. The course content meets Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping Seafarers, MED with respect to STCW Basic Safety (MED BST). This course also aligns with Transport Publication 5562 of the Transport Canada certification standard for officer cadets.

    MEDC 1822 - Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other Than Fast Rescue Boats
    This course is designed to provide seafarers with the basic understanding and knowledge of survival craft and rescue boats, other than fast rescue boats. It meets STCW 6.2 and Canadian requirements under Crewing Regulations for training of marine personnel - MED with respect to Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other than Fast Rescue Boats (MED SC). Participants will advance their knowledge of marine survival craft and associated equipment as well as prepare to manage crew and passengers during abandoning of a vessel, surviving at sea, and being rescued. The course includes: Introduction and Safety; Emergency Situations; Principles of Survival; Use of Personal Survival Equipment; Helicopter Rescue; Survival Craft and Rescue Boats; Launching Arrangements; Lifeboat Engine and Accessories; evacuation; Signalling Equipment and Pyrotechnics; Action Aboard a Survival Craft; Launching and Recovering Lifeboats; Life Raft Launching; Launching and Handling Survival Craft in Rough Weather; Radio Equipment.

    MEDC 2812 - Marine Advanced First Aid
    This course provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize an emergency and apply immediate advanced first aid in the event of an accident or illness on board. This course meets the requirements of first aid training as set out by Transport Canada and Workplace Occupational Health and Safety.

    MEDC 2831 - Advanced Firefighting
    This course in advanced firefighting techniques covers the skills necessary to determine fire hazards, fie monitoring and emergency leadership.

    SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
    This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

    SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
    This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

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