Factors to Consider When You Decide to Specialise in Marine Electrical Works
Posted on: 8 March 2019
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If you are an electrician and love the high stakes game of electrical repairs, then you might love transitioning to marine electrical work. While some of the principles of electrical repairs cut across the board regardless of specialisation, electrical repairs on water vessels is a whole different ball game. If you decide to make the change, then your primary focus will entail maintaining and repairing electrical systems on boats and other sea vessels. Although some marine electrical repair jobs might require you to sail, you can opt for dock or marina electrical jobs. However, you must acquaint yourself with a few issues before making the switch. Read on to find out more.
Water Education
For electricians that specialise in dryland electrical jobs, electrical insight regarding water usually stops at 'water and electricity are a dangerous combination.' As a marine electrician, however, you will be working on the water. Therefore, you have to learn and understand how water behaves. For instance, salt water is a better conductor of electricity than pure water because the former has a larger amount of free ions. Since most water bodies are naturally salty, they pose a significant danger during electrical repairs. Therefore, you need to undertake further electrical repairs education at a maritime institution.
Sensitive Vessel Systems
Another area that you need to acquaint yourself with thoroughly is the different electrical systems on various vessels. The reason is that different sections of a ship are rigged with different systems and controls. Therefore, electrical repairs in each section must be approached with care. For example, when conducting onboard electric arc welding, there are essential safety checks that you must observe. One of the most critical safety checks is to avoid welding machines that use High Frequencies because the devices interfere with communication equipment that relies on radio waves. Understanding the different electrical and electronics systems on a ship will ensure that you use the right equipment and strategies.
Work Environment
Apart from water being a significant aspect of a marine electrician's work environment, there are other aspects of the environment that you should be prepared to work in. For instance, most times you will be required to conduct electrical repair jobs in dingy spaces. Since you are working at sea, the tight spaces are usually dark, and the surrounding air is often humid with high salt concentration. Additionally, you might have to crawl or lie on waterlogged areas. Therefore, the nature of the marine environment calls for extra care and commitment compared to working on land.