Marine Systems Mechanical Technician

Canadian Armed Forces View all jobs

  • Dillon, SK
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
Priority Application Processing Learn more about the $50,000 Recruiting AllowanceRecruiting Allowance Ă—Members who enrol in this occupation will receive:
  • $10,000 upon completion of basic training,
  • $20,000 once qualified in trade, and
  • $20,000 upon completion of six years of continuous service.
The member in receipt of the third installment shall, commencing on the date the member met the conditions of payment of that third installment, serve an additional thirty-six months of continuous service in their military occupation in the Regular Force.For more information on the Recruiting Allowance, please read . See for more information.CloseSkip to Section:Skip to SectionPlay videoDISCOVERTHE HIGH STAKES WORLD OF A MARINE SYSTEMS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN.PREPAREFOR A LOOK INSIDE THE SKILL, EXPERTISE AND DEDICATION BEHIND THE OCCUPATION.Play videoPlay videoJOINJOIN SAILOR 1ST CLASS DILLON O'LEARY AS THEY WALK YOU THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE. PLEASE NOTE MARINE TECHNICIAN HAS BEEN SPLIT INTO TWO OCCUPATIONS; MARINE SYSTEMS MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN AND MARINE SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL TECHNICIAN. THIS WALK AND TALK SHOWCASES ASPECTS OF BOTH OCCUPATIONS.TranscriptCloseTranscriptMarine Systems Mechanical Technicians, or MSMTs, are a core part of the team that keeps naval ships and submarines running smoothly. They are responsible for operating and maintaining all the mechanical engineering equipment on board the vessel.MSMTs work on many different mechanical systems. As part of the marine systems engineering department, they maintain the propulsion capabilities, and structure of the vessel. This includes, but is not limited to, the internal combustion engines, fuel, water, high pressure and low pressure air, and waste management systems.These technicians conduct maintenance, testing, troubleshooting and diagnostics to ensure the vessels are always sea-ready for training, peace-keeping, or battle. MSMTs stick to carefully planned maintenance schedules to keep the ship’s equipment in prime condition.Watchkeeping is another key responsibility they have, in which they operate and monitor the equipment and systems in order to ensure everything is running smoothly and reliably so that the machinery can respond to command’s direction at a moment’s notice.MSMTs continue training throughout their career to keep up with best practices. They must develop an in-depth knowledge of marine system engineering to tackle problems as they arise and will often work together in teams.In addition to their main duties, MSMTs may help in emergency situations as part of the team of onboard experts in firefighting and damage control.CloseTranscriptInterviewerToday we are in Halifax on HMCS William Hall, and we'll be chatting with sailor First Class Dillon O'Leary, who's a marine technician. Hey, Dillon.DillonHey.InterviewerHow's it going?DillonGood. Yourself.InterviewerGood.DillonI’ll come down and talk to you.InterviewerSounds good. What you doing up there?DillonI'm up here fixing a windshield wiper assembly for the bridge windows.InterviewerOkay, cool. Is that part of one of your tasks as a Marine Technician?DillonYes it is.InterviewerAnd what other kind of tasks do you do on board?DillonAnything involving mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, and structural equipment.InterviewerOkay, so it sounds like a marine technician is essentially the person you call if something breaks on the ship.DillonIt most definitely is.InterviewerNice. So do you just do that on this ship or...DillonAny class of ship we can work on.InterviewerOh, wow, that's so cool. And in terms of places on the ship where you work, what does that look like?DillonAnywhere with mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, or structural equipment.InterviewerAll right, show me your favorite spot on board.DillonCertainly. Come with me.InterviewerOh. Through that?DillonYes. Through this.InterviewerAll right. Let's do it. So, Dillon, where are you right now?DillonWe are in the flats of the ship.InterviewerWhat does that mean, exactly?DillonThis is how we traverse the ship.InterviewerOh, wow. Cool. Okay. And tell me what had you Pick Mar Tech as a trade?DillonI was a diesel mechanic. civvy side and I wanted a bigger challenge.InterviewerNice. And so, what can we find you doing on your downtime?DillonOn my downtime, I probably be relaxing watching a show or movies. Maybe playing guitar if I have the space for it.InterviewerAwesome. Are we almost at that spot?DillonYeah, it's just right here.InterviewerCool. Can't wait to see.DillonHi. Welcome to my shop.InterviewerI love it in here. So is this where you spend most of your time, then?DillonNot so much. I spend a lot more time repairing things down in the spaces. But this is where we come for our tools and any parts that we need for any jobs.InterviewerAll right, so what's your favorite job to work on then?DillonDefinitely have to do anything with the diesel engines.InterviewerThat's making me think that you prefer sailing in the winter than in the summer?DillonOh, for sure. I do not like the heat in the spaces in the summer. Gets quite warm down there.InterviewerSo tell me, why are Mar Techs essential to a ship?DillonIf you don't have us, the ship's not going anywhere. We fix everything on a daily basis.InterviewerThat sounds super essential.DillonYes. It is.InterviewerYeah. Okay, Dillon, last question. Then we'll let you get back to it.DillonOkay.InterviewerWhy become a Mar Tech in the Canadian Armed Forces?DillonIf you like working with your hands and like the feeling of working in a big family, it's definitely a good spot for you.InterviewerI love it. All right. See you. Later.DillonSee you. Have a good one.CloseOverviewPlease submit an application in the Online Applicant Portal under the previous occupation; Marine Technician, if you are interested in this occupation.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.
They maintain, operate, and monitor equipment associated with the ship’s propulsion, ancillary, and auxiliary engineering systems. Additional duties include maintaining the ship’s structure, stability, damage control systems, and firefighting equipment. They also can be employed at shore repair and naval technical training facilities to support fleet activities.MSMTs monitor, operate and maintain the mechanical machinery for the following:Propulsion Systems
  • Monitoring engine performance parameters (temperatures, pressures, vibrations, fuel consumption)
  • Conducting routine and corrective maintenance (filters, injectors, turbochargers, compressors)
  • Managing start-up, shutdown, and changeover procedures
  • Fault diagnosis and emergency response
  • Coordinating overhauls and condition-based maintenance
  • Ensuring compliance with safety, emissions, and operational limits
Power Generation and Distribution Systems
  • Operating generator sets under varying loads
  • Synchronizing generators and managing load sharing
  • Monitoring fuel, cooling, and lubrication systems
  • Maintenance of alternators, excitation systems, and governors
  • Fault response to overloads, blackouts, or frequency instability
Ancillary systems
  • Operation of fuel transfer pumps and valves
  • Management of day tanks, service tanks, and storage tanks
  • Fuel quality monitoring and contamination prevention
  • Changeover between fuel types where applicable
  • Operation of freshwater and seawater cooling circuits
  • Heat exchanger cleaning and inspection
  • Monitoring flow rates, temperatures, and pressure drops
  • Leak detection and corrective maintenance
  • Spill prevention and response readiness
  • Oil sampling and condition monitoring
  • Operation of lube oil pumps, coolers, and filters
  • Managing oil replenishment and purification
  • Preventing cross-contamination and oil degradation
  • Maintenance of hydraulic power units and accumulators
  • Operation and inspection of compressed air systems
  • Air receiver testing and draining
  • Ensuring reliable engine start capability under all conditions
Auxiliary systems
  • Managing potable and technical freshwater systems
  • Pump operation and tank level control
  • Water quality monitoring
  • Leak detection and system flushing
  • Operation of compressors and air dryers
  • Maintenance of HP and LP air receivers
  • Support for starting systems, control air, and ship services
  • Monitoring pressure, moisture, and oil carryover
  • Operation of chilled water and refrigeration plants
  • Temperature control for stores, accommodation, and equipment
  • Refrigerant handling and leak detection
  • Compressor, condenser, and evaporator maintenance
  • Maintenance of HVAC systems
  • Temperature and humidity control
  • Air filtration and fan maintenance
  • Supporting habitability and equipment cooling requirements
  • Operation of Reverse Osmosis plants to produce freshwater
  • Membrane cleaning and replacement
  • Monitoring pressures, salinity, and production rates
  • Managing pre-treatment and post-treatment systems
  • Operation of centrifuges and separators
  • Sludge management and disposal
  • Monitoring separation efficiency
  • Supporting engine reliability and longevity
  • Operation of oily water separators
  • Management of bilge and sludge systems
  • Monitoring discharge criteria and alarms
  • Compliance with environmental regulations and shipboard procedures
  • Maintenance of sewage treatment plants
  • Operation of vacuum or gravity drainage systems
  • Pump and macerator maintenance
  • Odour control and hygiene management
Damage Control Systems
  • Maintenance of fire pumps and main
  • Inspection of fixed firefighting systems (COâ‚‚, water mist, foam)
  • Testing detectors, alarms, and remote closures
  • Supporting fire teams during incidents
  • Post-fire recovery and system restoration
  • Operation of bilge and ballast systems
  • Monitoring watertight integrity
  • Use of portable and fixed dewatering pumps
  • Supporting damage control teams during flooding incidents
  • Maintaining valves, sensors, and remote controls
In addition, MSMTs will:
  • Read and interpret engineering sketches and drawings, including mechanical and hydraulic, pneumatic and fluid drawings
  • Calculate ship stability and identify potential problems
  • Fabricate, machine and weld parts and equipment
Work environmentMSMTs spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Their duties can include repairing or maintaining equipment and participating in ship-wide evolutions such as fueling both at sea and alongside. While at sea, all members of the ship’s company stand watch in shifts. When the ship is alongside, MSMTs typically work a regular day-shift schedule.In addition to their primary duties, junior MSMTs may spend time working outside their occupation performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria or loading supplies.

Canadian Armed Forces