Vacancies for Electrician

Electrician is a hands-on electrical specialist in the engine department who looks after the vessel’s electrical equipment and helps keep everyday ship operations running without power-related problems. On many ships, this role is more practical and maintenance-focused than an ETO or El. Engineer position, with more time spent on routine electrical jobs, inspections, repairs and support for onboard equipment.

Electrician Salary Expectations

Electrician salary today usually starts at around USD 2,200 - 4,000 per month on lower-paid merchant fleet contracts and can move into the USD 5,000 - 8,000 range on stronger tanker and large-vessel jobs. The average Electrician salary on Maritime Zone is USD 4,950/month. In current vacancies on the site, you can see around USD 2,200 - 4,000 on General Cargo, about USD 3,500 - 6,500 on Bulk Carrier, around USD 4,150 on Oil Products Tanker, and up to USD 8,000 on VLCC. Offshore recruitment is more often done through ETO or El. Engineer positions, but some offshore and platform jobs for Electricians still appear, including offers such as USD 200 per day on Jack-up Platform. For a broader overview, see the Electrician salary statistics page.

Duties

The Electrician is responsible for the vessel’s electrical maintenance and for the reliable operation of generators, switchboards, electrical circuits and connected equipment. This usually includes daily checks of main switchboards, work with low- and high-voltage equipment, and maintenance of batteries, emergency lighting and other core electrical systems on board.

The job also often includes repair and maintenance of deck winches, galley machines, electrical motors, lighting circuits and other equipment that depends on stable power supply. Depending on vessel type, the Electrician may also help with refrigeration units, air-conditioning systems and electrical support during maneuvers or mooring, when deck and propulsion-related equipment must work without failure. On many ships, the Electrician also works closely with the Chief Engineer during planned maintenance and repairs.

In short, Electricians focus on practical electrical maintenance, El. Engineers handle the vessel’s electrical systems as an officer, and ETOs cover broader electro-technical and automation scope. This is why an Electrician role should not read exactly like an ETO or El. Engineer job, even though the positions may overlap on smaller vessels.

Requirements

An Electrician vacancy usually requires previous sea service or strong practical experience in electrical maintenance, good knowledge of marine electrical systems, fault-finding skills and the ability to work safely with shipboard power equipment. Some employers may also accept or prefer candidates with an ETO Certificate of Competency (STCW III/6) or High Voltage training (STCW A-V/2 or equivalent), especially on vessels with high-voltage systems. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for tanker experience, refrigeration knowledge, offshore sea time or previous work with more complex electrical installations.

If you are looking for the best Electrician vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, contract length, the scope of electrical responsibility and the reputation of the company. The best contract is not always the one with the highest number. A realistic workload, properly maintained equipment and a company that treats technical staff seriously often matter just as much.