Chief Electrician

The Chief Electrician is responsible for maintaining, operating and repairing the ship’s electrical system, machinery and equipment. This includes but is not limited to the ship’s service generators, emergency generators, main and auxiliary switchboards, emergency switchboards, lighting and power distribution panels, power and control transformers, motor controllers and soft start controllers, dial telephone and sound powered phone systems, 1MC and associated loudspeaker and hailing systems, internal and external lighting circuits, general alarm systems and batteries, ground detection systems, metering and monitoring circuits and the various electric motors found onboard. The Chief Electrician must be proficient in the use of common power tools and light machine shop equipment such as drill presses, pedestal grinders and arbor presses, etc.; and in the performance of fire drills and damage control drills, and in taking initiative to perform emergency drills as required. When assigned to a ship the Chief Electrician must have a thorough understanding of special characteristics of each ship’s electrical system and special features that may be present for use in emergencies. The Chief Electrician is also responsible for supervising any Second Electricians that may be assigned to the ship. The Chief Electrician assists, observes and performs “Quality Assurance” on work done by shipyard or other shore side repair people, as directed.

The Chief Electrician is proficient and skilled in the use of all common shipboard hand tools such as but not limited to; wrenches, pliers, chisels, hammers, saws, hand grinders, files, pneumatic and hydraulically powered tools, chain hoists and hydraulic jacks, etc. The Chief Electrician effectively uses these tools in the repair, maintenance and installation of new parts to shipboard electrical equipment and machinery. The Chief Electrician is capable of researching part’s information and using the ship’s supply system to obtain any repair parts required to complete the job. The incumbent prepares work lists and job orders for subordinates and assists the Chief Engineer in drafting voyage repair requests. The Chief Electrician maintains accurate machinery history reports in the shipboard SAMM system. Carries out EEO policies and communicates support of these policies to subordinates. Ensures continuing application of and compliance with EEO laws, regulations and policies. Performs all other duties as assigned. Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position.