Experienced, but unqualified

[skipper]

I've had a read through some of the posts regarding qualifications, and would value some opinions and advice re my own situation.

I'm mid -forties, and an expereinced marine engineer. In my field, electrics are avoided by most and left to those of us with an interest in them. That's me.

I've always had a leaning towards electrics, so wherever i've worked I've been the one to tackle the spark work. THis includes AC and DC systems on luxury motor yachts and up to 40kVA systems on larger passenger carrying river boats, which is what I'm doing at present.

Electrical work within the marine industry is largely unregulated, since the authorities don't really understand it! I recently checked with an MCA surveyor which type of cable he would prefer me to use on a new bow thruster installation.....he didn't know! As usual, I used my accumulated experience and the advice of friends in the trade to decide. I LOVE SY!

I've accumulated sufficient knowledge to work confidently with generators, motors and their associated control systems and consider myself to be a safe, competent worker. However, I don't touch installations on dry land as I'm not qualified and want to stay within the law.

I have C&G 2377. as I do all the PAT testing at work. I'd like to get better qualified, though.
I have the chance to do a 4 day 17th edition course in January. Would this be beneficial, or too advanced for someone with no formal training?
Your views would be most welcome.

 

[Guest123]

Hi there.

The 17th Ed is a must if you're thinking of doing any sort of electrical work on land.

You wont find it too difficult, sounds like you have an understanding of electrical work and you take the book into the exam with you anyway.

 

[Des 56]

I've had a read through some of the posts regarding qualifications, and would value some opinions and advice re my own situation.

I'm mid -forties, and an expereinced marine engineer. In my field, electrics are avoided by most and left to those of us with an interest in them. That's me.

I've always had a leaning towards electrics, so wherever i've worked I've been the one to tackle the spark work. THis includes AC and DC systems on luxury motor yachts and up to 40kVA systems on larger passenger carrying river boats, which is what I'm doing at present.

Electrical work within the marine industry is largely unregulated, since the authorities don't really understand it! I recently checked with an MCA surveyor which type of cable he would prefer me to use on a new bow thruster installation.....he didn't know! As usual, I used my accumulated experience and the advice of friends in the trade to decide. I LOVE SY!

I've accumulated sufficient knowledge to work confidently with generators, motors and their associated control systems and consider myself to be a safe, competent worker. However, I don't touch installations on dry land as I'm not qualified and want to stay within the law.

I have C&G 2377. as I do all the PAT testing at work. I'd like to get better qualified, though.
I have the chance to do a 4 day 17th edition course in January. Would this be beneficial, or too advanced for someone with no formal training?
Your views would be most welcome.

The 17th edition certificate is an esential bit of paper to have
It requires very little electrical theory( or practical abilities for that matter)for someone to pass
It is an open book,multi guess exam that will familiarise you with current regulations, standards and practices
It is also( for some unfathomable reason )one of the listed acceptable qualifications for niceic acceptance
as a domestic installer

Your experience gained will almost certainly be a huge step towards competence in most electrical occupations if other vocational qualifications are attained
For the domestic market,the 17th will be all that is required initially, plus ongoing experience of that market
For commercial or industrial installation much more emphasis on training in that type of work
For industrial maintenance,go for it without any other add ons
If the employer is convinced and you are able,there is no set level Multi skilling seems more important for these set ups
No electrical work is against the law for anyone to perform,whether they are qualified or not as long as the work complies with current standards The industry is an open market to anyone who believes they can perform
Domestic work comes under part p of the building regs,so particular requirements of notification of work apply,this does not preclude a diyer even from carrying out that work

 

[skipper]

Thanks, Lenny. I'd almost decided to go for it, now I'm sure I will.

Thanks Des56, I appreciate not being flamed because of my lack of qualifications!
I do want to move into domestic/commercial work, and I never say no to knowledge.
I'll book the course at work tomorrrow.

 

[patricklondon]

see if you can find some past papers to practice with from here they're a good way to retain all the info for the test

 

[skipper]

That's a good idea. I did my 2377 at Lowestoft College with John Ware. He's a member of the IEE and an excellent tutor. Should be able to get some past papers from him.

 

[Rampage]

I've just done the 17th, 2391-10 & 2391-20 despite never having worked in electrics. However I knew ohms law, electron theory and knew the differences between 2.5mm T&E and a plug socket!
Before the 17th course I spent a month or two reading a NVQ Level 3 book (and some of Level 2 for things I didn't understand, like induction!) and found this really helpfull.

I passed the 17th with a very good score and I've also passed the 2391-10 practical, just waiting for the results of the other exams now!