SUMMARY OF THE OCCUPATION
Trinidad and Tobago’s yachting or leisure marine industry first prospered in the early to mid-nineties when boating enthusiasts discover the benefits of the 
Chaguaramas peninsula, particularly when the traditional north and eastern Caribbean yacht destinations experienced the effects of strong hurricanes. The industry had experienced a decline but has leveled off in recent times. The industry has overcome some of the challenges associated with its infancy and has now taken its development to another level.
Trinidad has evolved into the premier storage and repair centre for yachts and a quiet, laid back environment.
The Yachting Industry in Trinidad is based on primarily two activities – hurricane storage and repairs. The following major players make up the yachting industry:
– Yachting tourists
– Crewed charter boats
– Yachting commercial enterprises
– Ancillary commercial enterprises
– Skilled workers and repair services (including electricians, welders, carpenters, painters, mechanics etc)
– Special yachting events
Marine electricians are responsible for the operation and distribution of electrical power throughout a ship. They are involved in installing, maintaining and repairing electrical systems when necessary. They examine the equipment on board and within the ship to ensure it is working properly.
In this occupational area we will examine three job titles:
| OCCUPATION | SUMMARY | ENTRY LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS | SALARY RANGE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APPRENTICE | Marine electricians repair and replace wiring, equipment or fixtures using specific hand tools power tools, voltmeters, test lamps, ohmmeters to complete all of the tasks assigned. | • Three (3) CXC/GCE 0-Level passes English Language, Physics and Mathematics • Certification for Auto Electrical | 2,500 – 4,000 | |
| TECHNICIAN | • Performing routine and annual maintenance of customer boat electrical and electronic. • Drawing wiring diagrams • Studying and interpreting electrical code specifications and wiring diagrams to determine wiring layouts. • Supervising assistants • Keeping records of the problems found and fix | • Three (3) CXC/GCE 0-Level passes English Language, Physics and Mathematics • Certification for Auto Electrical | 6,000 – 12,000 | |
| MANAGER | The primary function of the Marine Electrical Manager is to directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers and repairers. | • Must have tertiary education (Bachelor’s Degree in Management or Engineering) • Certificate in project management • Five (5) year experience in the marine industry | 16,000 – 24,000 |
APPRENTICE
Marine electricians repair and replace wiring, equipment or fixtures using specific hand tools power tools, voltmeters, test lamps, ohmmeters to complete all of the tasks assigned. They work from ladders, scaffolds or roofs to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment or fixtures. Marine electricians are expected to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and movement of the entire body such as climbing, balancing, walking, stooping, lifting and handling of materials.
The primary function of the Apprentice is to assist in the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical wiring systems and circuits and the connection of power supplies (internal/external to these items). The Apprentice will work in an established marine electrical environment.
The duties of the apprentice include:
i. Assisting in troubleshooting electrical problems
ii. Assisting in repairing or replacing faulty electrical equipment
iii. Assisting in installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment (motors, controllers, heating units, small boat electrical/electronic system.
iv. Assisting in testing electrical work for safety.
It is important that these duties are performed effectively. Where the Apprentice’s job is less than satisfactory, the results are:
- Displeased clients
- Loss of income for the company
The Apprentice is expected to work indoors and outdoors. He is exposed to dusty environment and sometimes noisy environment and he is expected to wear protective clothing. This job involves a high degree of climbing, standing, walking, stooping and lifting and handling materials. The work also exposes the apprentice to machinery with moving parts and to contact with toxic and flammable substances. Working in high temperatures and also in high and low places is required for this job.
Marine electricians must possess proper work ethics (life skills), good language skills (there are numerous codes used to refer to the different parts of the boat and marine electricians must be familiar with the language used. Persons in this field require good mechanical abilities, as well as strength, stamina and manual dexterity. Marine technicians should be comfortable with heights, water or small confined spaces. They need to be logical, creative, analytical and precise.
Marine electricians receive their training through formal or on-the job training. However, training in auto electrical sets the foundation for the skills of marine electricians. Persons would be able to trouble shoot problems for customers, provide recommendations for problem resolution, provide estimates to customer for repair, replacement and installation according to problem diagnosis and repair/replacement recommendation, thus, a foreign language is also a merit for working in this industry.
The qualifications required for the position of Apprentice include:
- Three (3) CXC/GCE 0-Level passes English Language, Physics and Mathematics
- Certification for Auto Electrical
NB. On-the-Job training is highly favored in this industry.
In addition, the Apprentice should also exhibit
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be motivated to embrace learning
- Good life skills, (Proper work ethics)
The Apprentice must be able to work as a part of a team/group and also interact with many different persons. He should also be patient and be able to work under stress and pressure to meet strict deadlines.
PAY
The Apprentice works full time and often works 8 am-4 pm or 9 am-5 pm. Persons are paid weekly or monthly. The salary would range between $600.00 – $1,000.00 per week.
The job market for marine electricians is expected to grow within the next ten years. As the population and economy continues to grow, marine electricians will be more in demand. New technology will also increase the demand for electricians. With experience, electricians can advance to supervisory positions. Advancement possibilities are best for those having good communication skills in English and a foreign language.
The industry is growing, especially for islands such as Grenada, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and St. Vincent because there are more job opportunities for employment for marine electricians on these Caribbean islands. The other Caribbean islands facilitate the yachting population as part of their tourism thrust. For example, there is duty free areas designated for yachtsmen, customs and immigration is more lenient and yachtsmen are given more time to stay and work on the island. In Trinidad they are allowed only 30 days. Thus, the yachtsmen tend to stay in these islands longer.
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
- YSATT – Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago
- Power Boats (Boat yard)
- Peaks (Boat Yard)
- Crews Inn (Mariner)
TECHNICIAN
Marine electricians repair and replace wiring, equipment or fixtures using specific hand tools power tools, voltmeters, test lamps, ohmmeters to complete all of the tasks assigned. They work from ladders, scaffolds or roofs to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment or fixtures. Marine electricians are expected to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and movement of the entire body such as climbing, balancing, walking, stooping, lifting and handling of materials.
The primary function of the Marine Technician is to perform installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of marine electrical and electronic systems for power boats and sail boats.
Duties of the job include:
- Performing routine and annual maintenance of customer boat electrical and electronic.
- Drawing wiring diagrams
- Studying and interpreting electrical code specifications and wiring diagrams to determine wiring layouts.
- Supervising assistants
- Keeping records of the problems found and fix
- Maintaining switchgears, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors
- Estimating costs
- Troubleshooting electrical problems
- Maintaining electrical motors, generators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems.
- Testing electrical work for safety
- Installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment (motors, controllers, heating units, small boat electrical/electronic system.
It is important that these duties are performed effectively. Where the Technician’s job is less than satisfactory, the results are:
- Displeased clients
- Loss of income for the company
- Increased costs for company
The Technician is expected to work indoors and outdoors. He is exposed to dusty environment and sometimes noisy environment and he is expected to wear protective clothing. This job involves a high degree of climbing, standing, walking, stooping and lifting and handling materials. The work also exposes the Technician to machinery with moving parts and to contact with toxic and flammable substances. Working in high temperatures and also in high and low places is required for this job.
Marine electricians must possess proper work ethics (life skills), good language skills (there are numerous codes used to refer to the different parts of the boat and marine electricians must be familiar with the language used. Persons in this field require good mechanical abilities, as well as strength, stamina and manual dexterity. Marine technicians should be comfortable with heights, water or small confined spaces. They need to be logical, creative, analytical and precise.
Marine electricians receive their training through formal or on-the job training. However, training in auto electrical sets the foundation for the skills of marine electricians. Persons would be able to trouble shoot problems for customers, provide recommendations for problem resolution, provide estimates to customer for repair, replacement and installation according to problem diagnosis and repair/replacement recommendation, thus, a foreign language is also a merit for working in this industry.
The qualifications required for the position of Technician include:
- Three (3) CXC/GCE 0-Level passes English Language, Physics and Mathematics
- Certification for Auto Electrical
NB. On-the-Job training is highly favored in this industry.
In addition, the Technician should be able to exhibit:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be motivated to embrace learning
- Must understand the industry
- Has to be well organized
- Good life skills, (Proper work ethics)
The Technician must be able to work as a part of a team/group and also interact with many different people. He should also be patient and be able to work under stress and pressure to meet strict deadlines.
PAY
The Technician works full time and often works 8 am-4 pm or 9 am-5 pm. Persons are paid weekly or monthly. The salary would range between $1,500.00 – $3,000.00 per week.
The job market for marine electricians is expected to grow within the next ten years. As the population and economy continues to grow, marine electricians will be more in demand. New technology will also increase the demand for electricians. With experience, electricians can advance to supervisory positions. Advancement possibilities are best for those having good communication skills in English and a foreign language.
The industry is growing, especially for islands such as Grenada, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and St. Vincent because there are more job opportunities for employment for marine electricians on these Caribbean islands. The other Caribbean islands facilitate the yachting population as part of their tourism thrust. For example, there is duty free areas designated for yachtsmen, customs and immigration is more lenient and yachtsmen are given more time to stay and work on the island. In Trinidad they are allowed only 30 days. Thus, the yachtsmen tend to stay in these islands longer.
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
- YSATT – Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago
- Power Boats (Boat yard)
- Peaks (Boat Yard)
- Crews Inn (Mariner)
MANAGER
The primary function of the Marine Electrical Manager is to directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers and repairers.
Duties of the job include:
- Monitoring employees’ work level and review work performance.
- Requisitioning materials and supplies such as tools, equipment or replacement parts
- Assisting employees to rectify job-skill deficiencies
- Supervising the service operations
- Developing and managing the annual plan and budget
- Monitoring the budget to ensure cost effective operation
- Planning future tasks and solve critical problems related to marine issues
- Writing reports
It is important that these duties are performed effectively. Where the Manager’s job is less than satisfactory, the results are:
- Displeased clients
- Loss of income for the company
- Increased costs for company
The Manager is expected to work in both indoor and outdoor settings. His hours of work are not confined to any particular time of day. He is exposed to dusty environment and sometimes noisy environment and he is expected to wear protective clothing. This job may involve some degree of climbing, standing, walking, stooping and lifting and handling materials. The work also exposes the Manager to machinery with moving parts and to contact with toxic and flammable substances.
- Must have tertiary education (Bachelor’s Degree in Management or Engineering)
- Certificate in project management
- Five (5) year experience in the marine industry
In addition, the manager should be able to exhibit:
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good organizational and leadership skills
- Excellent problem solving skills
- Must be able to make quick decisions
- Must be creative
PAY
The Manager works full time and often works 8 am-4 pm or 9 am-5 pm. Persons are paid weekly or monthly. The salary would range between $4,000.00 – $6,000.00 per week.
The job market for marine electricians is expected to grow within the next ten years. As the population and economy continues to grow, marine electricians will be more in demand. New technology will also increase the demand for electricians. With experience, electricians can advance to supervisory positions. Advancement possibilities are best for those having good communication skills in English and a foreign language.
The industry is growing, especially for islands such as Grenada, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and St. Vincent because there are more job opportunities for employment for marine electricians on these Caribbean islands. The other Caribbean islands facilitate the yachting population as part of their tourism thrust. For example, there is duty free areas designated for yachtsmen, customs and immigration is more lenient and yachtsmen are given more time to stay and work on the island. In Trinidad they are allowed only 30 days. Thus, the yachtsmen tend to stay in these islands longer.
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
- YSATT – Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago
- Power Boats (Boat yard)
- Peaks (Boat Yard)
- Crews Inn (Mariner)