Tech & Engineering
Salary
€2.500 - €3.800/mo
Level
Operational
Outlook
Growing
Sector
Tech & Engineering
(Scheepselektricien) As a marine electrician, you install, maintain and repair all electrical systems on board ships, such as lighting, navigation equipment, motors, generators and safety systems. You work on both new builds and existing vessels in the harbour or at sea, where the safety and reliability of electrical installations always come first. You carry out fault diagnostics, commission systems and document your work accurately. In doing so, you work closely with shipbuilders, ship fitters, engineers and sometimes the crew of the vessel.
Your day starts early, usually at 7:00 AM. You check in at a shipyard or harbour, somewhere in Rotterdam or Amsterdam. First, you read through the work orders. These are lists of tasks you need to complete that day. You briefly go over the schedule with the uitvoerder [site supervisor], the person who organises the work.
In the morning, you go on board a ship. Today you check the lighting in the engine rooms. You use a multimeter, a device that measures electrical current and voltage. You find a blown fuse, a small part that cuts off power in a dangerous situation. You replace the fuse and test whether everything works again.
You often begin your career as an electrotechnical fitter at a regular installation company or as an apprentice marine electrician at a shipyard or maritime technical firm. After several years of work experience, you can progress to an independent hands-on role as a marine electrician or specialise in more complex systems such as high-voltage installations or on-board automation. A logical next step is the role of foreman or work planner at a ship repair company, where you mentor younger colleagues and plan work activities. With additional qualifications, such as an MBO 4 or an HBO degree in Maritime Engineering, you can advance to technical project manager or maritime technical advisor.
AI currently has a limited direct impact on the day-to-day work of a marine electrician, as many tasks are hands-on and location-specific and difficult to automate. Nevertheless, the role is changing: smart monitoring systems on board increasingly detect faults automatically and forward notifications to the maintenance team, allowing you to intervene more precisely and quickly. Digital diagnostic programmes and AR glasses (augmented reality) make it possible to receive remote technical support during complex repairs. At the same time, demand for knowledge of electric propulsion systems and battery installations is growing as the maritime sector moves towards sustainability, creating new specialisations and learning opportunities for you.
→ Marine Electrician (Current role)
As a shipbuilder, you are responsible for the construction, maintenance and repair of various types of vessels, from small boats to large ocean-going ships. This role requires a combination of technical knowledge and pra
€2.500 - €4.000
OperationalAs a seaman in the maritime sector, you play an essential role in the daily operations aboard various types of vessels, such as cargo ships, tankers, or passenger ships. Your responsibilities include preparing the boat f
€2.200 - €3.200
OperationalAs a marine engine mechanic, you work on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of ship engines and associated systems aboard vessels or in a workshop on shore. You carry out technical inspections on diesel and electric p
€2.400 - €3.600
Mid-levelAs a wind turbine engineer, you work on the design, optimization, and performance of wind turbines. A typical day might begin with analyzing wind data and sensor readings from turbines already in operation, to determine
€36.000 - €60.000
OperationalAs an offshore technician, you work on platforms, wind farms, or vessels far out at sea, where you install, maintain, and repair technical installations. You inspect mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic systems and ensur
€3.200 - €5.500
OperationalAs an EV charging point installer, you install charging stations and charging plazas for electric vehicles at locations such as parking garages, business parks, motorways, and residential areas. You lay the electrical ca
€2.400 - €3.600
4 years • Tech & Engineering
MBO (Vocational)4 years • Tech & Engineering
MBO (Vocational)2 years • Tech & Engineering
MBO (Vocational)2 years • Tech & Engineering
HBO (Applied Sciences)4 years • Tech & Engineering
HBO (Applied Sciences)4 years • Tech & Engineering
Tip: These links take you to current vacancies for Marine Electrician in the Netherlands
Other studies, careers, ideas and blogs you might not know yet.