Marine Systems Mechanical Technician

Overview

Marine Systems Mechanical Technicians (MSMTs) are members of a ship’s engineering department, responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the mechanical and structural systems onboard His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships and Submarines.

Overview

Marine Systems Mechanical Technicians (MSMTs) are members of a ship’s engineering department, responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the mechanical and structural systems onboard His Majesty’s Canadian (HMC) Ships and Submarines.

As an MSMT, you’ll work directly with ship engines, pumps, compressors, and machinery that provide propulsion, power, water, and environmental control.

Your role is hands‑on and physically engaged—inspecting equipment, diagnosing faults, performing repairs, and responding to mechanical emergencies both at sea and ashore.

MSMTs work on and support systems including:

• Ship propulsion and engine systems
• Power generation and mechanical support equipment
• Fuel, lubrication, and fluid systems
• Auxiliary machinery (cooling, hydraulics, compressed air)
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems
• Freshwater production and environmental systems
• Damage control, firefighting, and bilge/ballast systems
• Shipboard mechanical maintenance, fabrication, and repair

In this role, you’ll develop strong mechanical and problem‑solving skills while working as part of a highly integrated engineering team. Whether deployed at sea or supporting fleet operations ashore, MSMTs play a critical role in keeping Royal Canadian Navy ships propelled, operational, and mission‑ready.

Work environment

MSMTs spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Their duties can include repairing or maintaining equipment and participating in ship‑wide evolutions such as fueling both at sea and alongside. While at sea, all members of the ship’s company stand watch in shifts. When the ship is alongside, MSMTs typically work a regular day‑shift schedule.

In addition to their primary duties, junior MSMTs may spend time working outside their occupation performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria or loading supplies.

Entry plans

• Required Education
• Paid Education Options

The minimum acceptable education to apply for this position is the completion of provincial requirements for Grade 10, including Grade 10 Applied Math & Grade 10 Applied Science.

Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP).

Because this position requires specialty training, the CAF will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on‑the‑job training during the summer months. They receive a full‑time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the CAF and the appropriate college.

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades in the CAF. One of the goals of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

MSMTs attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes 3 months and includes:

• Basic mechanical, electrical and hull systems theory
• Basic preventive and corrective maintenance for marine systems
• The conduct of propulsion and ancillary engineering rounds
• Equipment flash‑up and shut‑down procedures
• Basic emergency responses to equipment failures
• Repair of watertight and non‑watertight closures

Following this initial in‑class training, MSMTs will be posted to a ship to complete a hands‑on training package and begin implementing the training they’ve received in real life scenarios.

MSMTs may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and/or on‑the‑job training, including:

• Small boat mechanic and flight deck mechanic
• Technical support for marine helicopter operations
• Helicopter crash rescue firefighting
• Welding
• Fabrication / machining
• Diesel maintainer and inspector
• Gas turbine maintainer
• Refrigeration technician

As they progress in their career, MSMTs who demonstrate the r