Electrician

The missions of the marine electrician

The marine electrician's job in the nautical industry combines technical expertise and precision. The marine electrician works directly on boats under construction to carry out all electrical installations, particularly in the engine room. He/she ensures the connection of power and control circuits, cable routing, and the rigorous verification of every installed component. A wiring error or improper cable routing could compromise the safety and proper functioning of the vessel.

What suits me most in my job is the fact that, as an electrician, you can take a little more time to do things properly. That's what fits me best in my work.

Marine electrician

On a daily basis, the marine electrician works directly aboard boats under construction, often in pairs. He/she prepares the necessary materials — cables, fuses, connectors — before working in the sometimes confined spaces of the vessel. Every intervention is carefully validated: tightening fuses, checking connections, inspecting cable runs to avoid any friction. He/she also collaborates with other trades present on the shipyard — carpenters, plumbers, technicians — as everyone works on the same boat and team cohesion is essential to the smooth running of production.

The key qualities required for this profession are precision, thoroughness, adaptability and team spirit.

Initial training and apprenticeship

Several training pathways lead to the marine electrician profession. A CAP Électricien (vocational certificate) or a Bac Pro Systèmes Numériques (digital systems, option C) provide a good starting point. For more specialised roles in the naval sector, a BTS Électrotechnique or a BTS Systèmes Numériques (level Bac+2) are particularly valued by recruiters. Additional training in electronics can also be an asset, especially for working on complex onboard equipment.

These programmes are available as initial training or apprenticeships, through a contrat d'apprentissage (ages 16 to 30) or a contrat de professionnalisation (from age 16, no upper age limit). They are eligible for CPF funding.

Career change

The marine electrician profession is accessible to career changers with experience in electrical work, electronics or industrial maintenance. As demonstrated by some professionals in the sector, it is entirely possible to come from a different work environment — including the service sector — and retrain for this hands-on profession. Continuing education programmes are offered by organisations such as AFPA or AFTRAL, and can be funded by France Travail, OPCOs or through a Projet de Transition Professionnelle (CPF de transition).

Career development

After several years of experience, the marine electrician can progress to roles such as electrical team leader, naval site manager or technical coordinator. Further development towards quality control or electrical engineering is also possible, particularly with additional training leading to a BTS, a Licence Professionnelle or an engineering degree specialising in electrical engineering or embedded systems.