Overview

Marine Systems Mechanical Technicians (MSMTs) are members of a ship’s engineering department, responsible for the operation and maintenance of mechanical and structural systems onboard His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships and Submarines.

Key Responsibilities

- Monitor and operate propulsion systems: engine performance parameters, routine and corrective maintenance, start‑up/shutdown operations, fault diagnosis, overhauls, and compliance with safety and emissions regulations.
- Operate power generation and distribution systems: generators, synchronisation, load sharing, fuel, cooling, and lubrication systems, alternator maintenance, and fault response to overload or blackouts.
- Maintain ancillary systems: fuel transfer pumps, storage tanks, fuel quality monitoring, freshwater & seawater cooling circuits, heat exchanger cleaning, leak detection, spill prevention, hydraulic power units, compressed air systems, air receivers, and engine start capability.
- Operate auxiliary systems: potable and technical freshwater systems, compressors, HVAC, refrigeration plants, reverse osmosis plants, sludge handling, bilge and oily water separators, and environmental compliance.
- Maintain damage‑control systems: fire pumps, fixed firefighting systems (CO₂, water mist, foam), detectors, alarms, bilge and ballast monitoring, watertight integrity, dewatering pumps, valves, and sensors.
- Read engineering sketches, calculate ship stability, and fabricate, machine and weld parts.

Work Environment

MSMTs work aboard ships based in Halifax, Nova Scotia or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Duties include offshore maintenance and ship‑wide operations such as fueling. When not at sea,



they work regular day‑shift schedules. Junior MSMTs may also perform general duties such as cleaning, painting, cafeteria work, or loading supplies.

Entry Qualifications

- Completed Grade 10 (Applied Math & Applied Science).
- Required specialty training through the Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidised Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) with a Canadian college diploma.
- Basic Military Qualification course and 3‑month Naval Fleet School training in Pacific or Atlantic.

Training and Development

Initial training covers basic mechanical, electrical and hull systems theory, preventive maintenance, propulsion and ancillary rounds, emergency responses, and hands‑on ship training. MSMTs may subsequently receive specialised courses such as:

- Small boat mechanic, flight‑deck mechanic, marine helicopter support, helicopter crash rescue firefighting, welding, fabrication/machining, diesel and gas turbine maintenance, and refrigeration technician.

Advanced career development includes:

- Advanced preventive/corrective maintenance, plant operation and watch supervision, advanced firefighting and damage control, refit management, lifecycle management, maintenance management, and project management.

Part‑time Options

Available through the Primary Reserve. Reservists serve part‑time at a Naval Reserve Division while continuing civilian employment or education. They receive comparable training, pay, benefits and may volunteer for deployment.

Benefits

Full military pay and perks; hospital, dental, vacation. Reserve Force members receive 93% of regular pay plus a pension plan and potential educational reimbursement.

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📌 Marine Systems Mechanical Technician (Vancouver)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Vancouver