
	Electrician's Mate	EM
	EM's are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. EM's also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment.

Electrician’s Mates are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. EM’s also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment.

What they do

The duties performed by EMs include:

• installing power and lighting circuits;

• repairing distribution circuits;

• running wiring for lights and other equipment;

• maintaining operating efficiency of distribution panels, switches, switchboards, controllers, voltage regulators, current transformers and voltage transformers;

• maintaining operating efficiency of electric motors;

• repairing electrical equipment and appliances;

• installing and maintaining storage batteries;

• inspecting, maintaining, testing and repairing electric power equipment;

• maintenance and repair of shipboard elevator systems;

• interpreting electrical sketches, diagrams and blueprints;

• maintenance and repair of various propulsion and auxiliary control consoles;

• connecting electric power machinery and electric power equipment.

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on electricity and electronics.

Qualifications and Interests

The most important qualifications for the EM rating are manual dexterity; competence with tools, equipment and machines; ability to do detailed work; a logical mind; resourcefulness; and a willingness to learn about electricity, electrical systems and test equipment. Normal color perception is required.

Working Environment

Most work in the EM rating is performed indoors, under varied conditions at sea and ashore. Work may be done in a shop-like environment. EM’s do mostly physical work of a technical nature and usually work closely with other ratings. EM’s are stationed primarily aboard USN ships.

Navy EM - Electrical Systems Maintainer

Electrical Systems Maintainers are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment; perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment. Installing power and lighting circuits repairing distribution circuits; running wiring for lights and other equipment; maintaining operating efficiency of distribution panels, switches, switchboards, controllers, voltage regulators, current transformers and voltage transformers; maintaining operating efficiency of electric motors; repairing electrical equipment and appliances; installing and maintaining storage batteries; inspecting, maintaining, testing and repairing electric power equipment; maintenance and repair of shipboard elevator systems; interpreting electrical sketches, diagrams and blueprints; maintenance and repair of various propulsion and auxiliary control consoles; connecting electric power machinery and electric power equipment. These maintainers work under the supervision of a mentor while learning a trade or skill.

Navy EM - Electrical Systems Technician

Electrical Systems Technicians are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. EM's also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment; installing power and lighting circuits; repairing distribution circuits; running wiring for lights and other equipment; maintaining operating efficiency of distribution panels, switches, switchboards, controllers, voltage regulators, current transformers and voltage transformers; maintaining operating efficiency of electric motors; repairing electrical equipment and appliances; installing and maintaining storage batteries; inspecting, maintaining, testing and repairing electric power equipment maintenance and repair of shipboard elevator systems; interpreting electrical sketches, diagrams and blueprints; maintenance and repair of various propulsion and auxiliary control consoles; connecting electric power machinery and electric power equipment. These technicians are expected to perform work independently and mentor Electrical Systems Technician(s) with very limited supervision.