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.

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 required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced mechanical preventive / corrective maintenance
• Plant operation and watch supervision
• Advanced firefighting / damage control
• Refit management
• Equipment lifecycle management
• Maintenance management
• Project management

Naval recruits attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:

• Naval history and organization
• Shipboard firefighting and damage control
• Shipboard safety and ship’s security
• Watchkeeping duties
• Seamanship

Part time options

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at a Naval Reserve Division (NRD) in their community and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. Naval Reservists are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to conduct military moves. However, they can voluntarily transfer from one NRD to another. They may also volunteer for deployment on military missions within or outside Canada.

MSMT – Reserve serve as members of the Royal Canadian Navy. Like their Regular Force counterparts, they are employed for the operation and maintenance of all mechanical and structural systems onboard RCN ships up to the rank of Sailor 1st Class. Reserves provide technical expertise in support of boatsheds, performing advanced preventive and corrective maintenance on small boats. In support of Annual Naval Summer Training Unit (ANSU) conduct setup, operation and maintenance of power generation, ventilation, and related systems for portable operation centers and camps. In support of operations, Reserves may progress to taking charge of the maintenance teams and the equipment under their responsibility. Part-time employment is normally in the MSMT’s NRD; some part-time training is conducted on weekends at naval schools or on ships afloat. Casual full-time employment on ships, ANSU exercises and operations, and at naval schools is commonly available in the summer months.

Find a Recruiting Centre

Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts for work that is common to the two components. Reservists usually begin training in their Naval Reserve Division to prepare them for the Basic Military Naval Qualification course at Naval Fleet School Quebec. Following basic training and naval environmental training, MSMT - Reserve complete their occupation qualification at either Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately nine weeks.

Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home NRD for scheduled evenings and occasional weekends. They are paid 93% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package including a pension plan, and may qualify for reimbursement of civilian education expenses.