If you’ve got an electrical issue with your marine vessel, your first thought might be to call an electrician. But electricity is a complex element and different applications require different standards, tools and knowledge. For this reason, marine electrical problems require a marine electrician.
Under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) ACT 1994, boat owners have an obligation regarding the electrical components of their vessel. All electrical installations and equipment must comply with the Electrical Safety Act 2002 requirements, and installations and repairs must be performed by a licensed electrician. Boating safety requirements also recommend that boats be fitted with working safety and emergency equipment, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or EPIRB. To ensure your legal compliance and safety when onboard your vessel, you may require the assistance of an electrician.
A qualified marine electrician will have a Certificate III in Engineering – Electrical/Electronic Trade (Marine Electrical Mechanics). Their primary role is the installation, maintenance and repairs of equipment on marine vessels, but they may also be called upon to deal with general underwater electrical issues. In addition to the standard electrical components of your vessel, like batteries, switchboards, appliance repairs and solar and wind power generators, they can deal with a huge number of marine based problems, including:
- Underwater and rope lighting
- Anchor winch repairs
- Ship to shore communications
- Bilge and grey water pumps
Marine electricians usually work on ships when they are in port but some may make a call out to your ship if you require immediate assistance. How many land based electricians will do that?
As you can see, one of the major differences between marine electricians and regular electricians is that marine electricians are trained to work with electricity in wet conditions. Water and electricity is a dangerous mix and an unqualified electrician working with water can at best result in expensive damage to your boat and at worst lead to dangerous circumstances.
There are many different types of marine vessels, from small dinghies to large commercial liners, and it’s impossible for a land based electrician to learn the specific requirements of each. This is why a marine electrical specialisation is required. A marine electrician has the knowledge, experience and tools required to make repairs to your boat and to identify any future problems, saving you the cost and hassle associated with potential repairs.
Marine electricians are also capable of providing services that your usual electrician cannot, such as marine servicing and repairing boating appliances.
Don’t take a chance on a regular electrician in the hopes that they will have the skills and knowledge to deal with your marine problem. Protect your investment by hiring a qualified marine electrician to safely and reliable get your boat looking ship shape!
If you’ve got a marine vessel or appliance that requires some attention, call K Electrical on (07) 4152 2177. We service the Bundaberg area and even further afield across the great state of Queensland.