Coast Guard Rating · Engineering
EM Electrician's Mate
Overview
Electrician's mates operate, install, maintain, and repair motors, generators, switchboards, control equipment, power circuits, lighting circuits, and electrical fixtures. They test for short circuits, grounds, and other casualties, rebuild electrical equipment, and manage systems that include power generation, propulsion plant controls, interior communications, electronic navigation equipment, and gyrocompass equipment.
Core Skills
- electrical systems installation and maintenance
- power generation and distribution support
- troubleshooting electrical faults
- reading and interpreting electrical schematics
- preventive and corrective maintenance
- testing for shorts, grounds, and faults
- repair and overhaul of electrical equipment
- safety and lockout/tagout procedures
- basic electronics and controls
- documentation of maintenance actions
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
Civilian Career Paths
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Facilities Management
- Construction Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Direct Current (BEE-DC) · Funded
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Alternating Current (BEE-AC) · Funded
Career Growth
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Digital (BEE-D) · Funded
- Balancing and Interchange Certification (BI)
- Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator Certification (BT)
Also Common
- Basic Electricity and Electronics: Analog (BEE-A) · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
- Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
- Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
- Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures, outlets, and equipment.
- Locate and remove or repair circuit defects such as blown fuses or malfunctioning transistors.
Related Occupations
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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