Explore the fundamentals of electricity – what it is, how it works, why it matters, and how it’s safely controlled in marine environments.

Limited places available! Begin your application today.
Backed by the Solent Growth Partnership and BMTA, the Solent Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp is a funded 10-week training programme for Solent marine employers, engineers, and electricians looking to specialise in marine systems. Aligned to the Level 3 Marine Electrician Standard (ST0808), the first cohort starts 5th September 2026. Applications are now open.
The Solent Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp is a funded, 10-week intensive course designed for marine professionals, employers & domestic electricians. Aligned with the Level 3 Marine Electrician Standard (ST0808), the programme has been developed in collaboration with industry experts and local marine employers to ensure it meets real-world sector needs.

Delivered by the British Maritime Training & Assessment (BMTA), participants will gain practical skills in electrical fundamentals, battery systems, engine wiring, and marine electronics including VHF, AIS, radar, and MFDs. The course also covers navigation equipment networking using NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and OneNet, along with grounding, bonding, and safe electrical practices. An introduction to renewable energy systems such as solar and wind is also included.
The Solent Growth Partnership has successfully secured funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support the running of Skills Bootcamps like this in the Solent region. This funding will boost the Solent’s workforce, ensuring employers have access to new talent, and individuals acquire the skills to get the type of jobs that they aspire to.
60 hours over 10 weeks
This 10-week course runs from the 5th September 2026, combining both in-person and online learning. Learners will attend face-to-face sessions on selected Saturday’s from 8:30am to 4:30pm. In addition, there are live online classes held two evenings each week, running from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, allowing for a flexible schedule alongside other commitments.
Training delivered by the team at BMTA through a combination of live online and face-to-face sessions within a supportive group environment. Features hands-on activities and tailored one-to-one coaching with your dedicated BMTA trainers.
Upon successful completion, receive a Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp certificate from BMTA and Fareport Training, delivered in collaboration with the Solent Growth Partnership.
This training programme is predominantly funded by the Solent Growth Partnership. Eligible self-employed participants may be able to join the course on a fully-funded (free) basis. For small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with up to 250 employees, a 10% employer contribution is required, with the remaining 90% subsidised by the Solent Growth Partnership. Larger organisations (over 250 employees) are asked to cover 30% of the course cost, while the remaining 70% is funded by the Solent Growth Partnership. Access to this funding is subject to participants meeting the necessary eligibility criteria.
The Solent Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp is aimed at individuals and businesses within the marine sector. It is ideal for marine employers looking to upskill their workforce, as well as local marine engineers – both employed and self-employed – who want to develop or enhance their electrical skills. The course is particularly suited to those seeking practical, industry-aligned training in marine electrical systems, whether to meet current job demands or to expand into new areas of work. Funded places are available for eligible participants, making it an accessible opportunity for both individuals and companies of all sizes. Self-employed domestic electricians are also welcome to apply for the Bootcamp.
To be eligible to apply, you need to meet the following criteria:
Live or be working within the Solent region of Hampshire
Be 19 years of age or older by 31st August 2026
Be currently employed or self-employed in the marine industry with mechanical or electrical engineering experience, or a self-employed domestic electrician
Have the legal right to work in the UK and have resided in the UK for at least one year
Be motivated to develop your marine electrician skills and committed to completing the bootcamp
Please see start dates below:
Explore the fundamentals of electricity – what it is, how it works, why it matters, and how it’s safely controlled in marine environments.
Learn the essential maritime language used across the marine industry to ensure clear communication and safe operations.
Understand different battery types, how to wire them in series or parallel, and how these configurations affect performance and output.
Dive into power conversion, learning how to manage AC to DC and DC to AC systems and ensure effective onboard charging.
Gain hands-on knowledge of marine engine wiring, control circuits, and electrical system layouts.
Work with key onboard electronics such as VHF radios, AIS, radar, MFDs, and transducers.
Learn how to connect and configure navigation systems using NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and OneNet protocols.
Understand critical safety practices including grounding, bonding, and establishing common ground on vessels.
Explore solar and wind technologies and how they can be integrated into marine electrical systems.
Review key learning outcomes, reflect on your progress, and celebrate completion of the Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp with your peers and the BMTA trainers.
Richard Broden‑Cowell is a marine electrical expert who previously served as Managing Director at Sure Power Marine and has worked with renowned brands like Sunseeker International and Discovery Yachts. He also spent many years as a college lecturer, holding a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training and assessor/EPA qualifications. As a member of the BMEEA committee, Richard helps shape the industry’s electrical code of practice. He’s an approved British Marine lecturer for BMET, MEI, and AMEI courses and plays a key role in developing marine electrical qualifications such as City & Guilds 2473. Passionate about teaching, he created BMTA’s Electrical Propulsion course and is dedicated to interactive, hands‑on learning and industry best practices.
Owen Davies began his career as a marine engineer, spending five years at sea before transitioning to shore-based roles, including lecturing positions at Bournemouth & Poole College and Warsash Maritime School. He holds a foundation degree in Marine Engineering, a Level 5 City & Guilds Diploma in Education and Training, along with qualifications in assessment, IQA, and EPA. For over six years, Owen has collaborated with Richard and Brian, helping introduce Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Maritime Studies and establishing pre-cadetship programs at Bournemouth & Poole. In his current role at Warsash, he tutors cadets through their first phase, assists with oral prep, and contributes to curriculum development. Owen is passionate about leveraging digital tools and 3D modelling to enhance both in-person and remote teaching.
Brian McKeown brings over 25 years of experience in heavy vehicle and plant mechanical engineering before becoming a marine engineering trainer in 2004. He has worked closely with Richard for 14 years and with Owen for 6 years, developing tailored marine engineering courses for clients like Babcock, Caterpillar, Honda, and Volvo Penta UK. As lead Marine Engineering Lecturer at Bournemouth & Poole College, Brian oversees apprenticeship programs and collaborates with local employers to align training with industry needs. He introduced Scottish Qualification Authority Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Maritime Studies to the college, preparing students for cadetships and apprenticeships. Brian is an RYA Diesel Engine Instructor, MCA AEC1-approved, holds a BA in Post-Compulsory Education, an HNC in Plant Technology, and serves as an assessor/IQA.
The Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp is a 10-week intensive training programme designed to develop practical electrical skills for marine and domestic professionals. It aligns with the Level 3 Marine Electrician Standard (ST0808) and is delivered by BMTA and Fareport Training.
This bootcamp is ideal for individuals already working in the marine industry – either employed or self-employed – who have a background in mechanical or electrical engineering and are looking to upskill in marine electrical systems. It’s also suitable for domestic electricians looking to add a new skillset and another sector to potentially work within.
The course includes training in:
Training is provided through a combination of live online sessions and face-to-face workshops. Participants benefit from hands-on practical activities and tailored one-to-one coaching from experienced BMTA trainers.
The course runs over 10 weeks, totaling 60 hours. Sessions are typically held two evenings a week, with additional in-person training one Saturday every four weeks. Exact times and locations will be confirmed upon enrolment.
Yes. The programme is predominantly supported by the respective funding authority.
Self-employed participants may be eligible for fully funded places.
SMEs (under 250 staff) pay 10% of the cost per employee.
Larger employers (250+ staff) contribute 30%, with the remainder covered by the respective funding authority.
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Every single topic was hugely beneficial to me, however learning about digital switching, electrical mathematics and going over electrical diagrams in depth has been massively helpful. Coming from a boatbuilding background I had some previous practical knowledge but my theory was lacking, and since completing the course I am more confident and have a much better understanding on how various marine electrical circuits work, AC & DC systems and engine wiring which has helped me within my current job.
Shane Hartley
Owen, Richard and Brian were brilliant. All three are extremely knowledgeable and were all helpful & extremely patient with me on areas that I was struggling with and always went into depth with their answers for any questions that I had. Their teaching styles worked perfectly with me as it was the ideal balance of online and in person practical sessions. Although there were a lot of topics squeezed into the 10 week time frame it didn’t feel rushed or bloated with the amount of information they were giving me and I ended up walking away with a huge amount of knowledge and experience gained. All three of them made the 10 week course feel like it was only a few days as they made the 10 weeks fun and humorous, something that I was looking forward to every week.
Shane Hartley
The bootcamp has helped me progress within my current role by giving me a wider understanding of how our hybrid systems work. Within the first week of completing the course I was given the job of wiring up a new test rig we have in our workshop, and from one of the topics covered (Engine wiring & systems) I was able to read back through my notes and access the power-point to support me through the job. Before I would have not have felt competent enough to do so!
Anonymous
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