Self-Employed Marine Electrician?

[DurhamSparky]

No mate,

When i was in Navy you have a Main Trade (mine was Marine Engineering) and secondary to that you are also trained in Maritime Fire fighting. For some reason the engineers always seemed to pick up the Fire fighting role (probably because we took a keen interest in it or possibly because we know what the hell we need to save or not throw tons of water on lol.)

just so happened we called called in to "action" that eventful day on 05/12/07 and well i cant remember much after getting dressed on dockside next to Sea Container with Firefighting stores in and waiting for the "NOD"...

luckily no fire took hold but loads of highly flammable Hydraulic mist got sprayed every where before it was isolated.

rest my story...! i do however still consider my self lucky as i left the forces with 2 arms 2 legs and the ability to get a new job. not so fortunate for chaps returning from Afghan and then Iraq...!

 

[DurhamSparky]

sorry mate still subject to legal action but "DML" now named Babcock Marine and also the MOD did not attempt to deny liability and they raised there arms VERY quickly to shoulder 100% of the blame.

 

[ITA]

...

Does anyone know whether this is a sensible idea? Is this a real job, or do yachties just use domestic electricians? Also, I cannot find any guidance on what regs/quals apply to private vessels.

Many thanks in anticipation of your replies,

Darby.

Hi. I work on inland waterways boats doing 12-240v. The regs differ between sea going and inland. Your best starting point is to look at the BMEA (British Marine Electrics Association). You should be able to do this at your local library. You can always buy them, I think they cost me around £100 for a CD with them on direct from BMEA.
I work to Recreation Craft Directive (RCD) which references the BMEA regs, hence the need to work to both.
From there there are several ISO standards that apply, one for 3-Phase for example.

I managed to save a packet on insurance thanks to the good people on here. You will need to get a specific Marine Electrician policy as you want to cover sea going. Try Mercia Marine in Birmingham or TowerGate Mardon.

Most of my work comes from Marinas - they have a closed shop. If you keep a boat there they have to do the work unless the owner is doing it themselves. They normally put 20% on my work price and pass the invoice on. I bill them, they bill the customer.

Best of luck.

Jason.
ITA

 

[ezzzekiel]

navy gets the gravy - but the army get the beans.....