MARINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: LEVEL II

This 2-day class is designed for graduates of the Marine Electrical System Basics class who are looking for further hands-on training in troubleshooting electrical failures as well as designing and installing new equipment and circuitry. This course will take the student’s understanding of basic electrical components to the next level through examples, demonstrations, and hands-on training. Students will work in small groups to troubleshoot and resolve faults in circuitry developed specifically for the course. Students will also design and create circuitry for new equipment installation and design a balanced system.

The course will include demonstrations of an alternator & external regulator, installation and use of relays, engine wiring diagrams, equalization battery charge, and installation of solar panels.

Hands-On Labs:

• Assemble a Bilge Pump circuit with a High-Water Alarm
  
• Construct a Windlass circuit with a Remote Battery Switch
  
• Install a Distribution Panel with a variety of Loads to Test and Analyze
  
• Create an Alternator Circuit with an External Regulator and perform a Static Test
  
• Install Solar Panels, Analyze the Output, and Determine how Shading and Shadows Affect the Output
  
• Troubleshoot a variety of Problems on a Boat’s Electrical System
  
• Install an Inverter Circuit with Multiple Outlets
  
• Upgrade an Alternator on a Diesel Engine and Install an External Regulator
  

Topics:

• Safety and Connections
• Amp Meter and Battery Monitors
  
• Switches, Relays, Solenoids
  
• Loads and Equipment Demands
  
• Battery Chargers and Inverters
  
• Electrical Troubleshooting Techniques
  
• Alternators and Regulators
  
• Understand Shore Power
  
• AC Generators
  
• Electrical Flow Diagrams
  
• Alternative Power Sources – Solar, Hydro, and Wind
  
• Engine Wiring Diagrams & Troubleshooting
  

Marine Electrical Course Testimonials:

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"I am going to tell everyone that they have no business being on a boat without taking Marine Electrical System Basics."   - ASOS Student

"Wonderful classes.  Great instructors and hands-on activities."  -ASOS Student referring to Marine Electrical Classes

"The electrical courses are great!  Super informative with good instructors that have a passion for the student's learning."  -ASOS Student referring to Marine Electrical Classes

"Exceptional class!  Very well presented.  Theory to practice was exceptionally valuable.  Bob is an exceptional teacher.  Overall outstanding class - thank you!"  -ASOS Student referring to Marine Electrical Classes

MARINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BASICS
This 2-day class is designed for both recreational boaters and professional mariners looking for a better understanding of marine electrical systems as well as practical skills such as troubleshooting and installing simple circuitry. The electrical systems class covers basic electrical theory, system design, maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and repair skills. Students receive both lecture and hands-on instruction utilizing multimeters and electrical circuitry developed for the course.

Upon completion of this course, students are able to understand basic electrical theory, DC system design, and troubleshoot simple electrical failures.  They will also know when a professional certified electrician is needed and are better equipped to communicate with industry professionals.

The course will include demonstrations of an entire boat electrical system, voltage drop, a short circuit, and proper battery cable crimping. 

Students will interact with real world examples of battery types & sizes, multimeters, wires, chaff protection, alternators & regulators, battery monitors, solar panels, crimping & stripping tools, and wire connectors.  This will help enable students to understand, evaluation and purchase equipment and tools.

Hands-On Labs:

• Create a Basic Circuit and proper use of a Multimeter
  
• Create a Small Boat Electrical System with Multiple Loads and Analyze it with a Multimeter
  
• Learn Proper Crimping and Stripping Wires and Create a Test Lead for your own toolbox
  
• Troubleshoot Basic Electrical Problems
  
• Conducting a Load Analysis on a Boat using a Battery Monitor & Multimeter
  
• How to use a Wiring Sizing App to Properly Design an Electrical Circuit
  
• Use Proper Wire Crimp Connectors to create a Small Electrical System
  

Topics:

• Electrical Safety
• Volts, Amps & Ohms through video, slides and demonstration
  
• Basic Circuitry and Terms
  
• How to Use a Multimeter on a Boat
  
• Batteries (Flooded, Gel, AGM, & Lithium) and Battery Monitors
  
• Wires and Switches
  
• Circuit Protection and Wiring
  
• Chargers and Inverters
  
• Alternators and Regulators
  
• Distribution Panels and Switches
  
• Basic System Design and Power Management
  

​​Education & Training

Do you need marine electrical training?  Let's find out....

1.  Does your boat's electrical system look like?

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2.  Do you think you have a "short" on your boat?

3.  Do you want to know how to properly manage your batteries?  Do you need a battery monitor and want to know how to use it?

If you answered, YES to any of these questions you should think about getting an education on marine electrical systems.  

What are some options to get educated on marine electrical systems:

1. Customized on board instruction for electrical power management
   
2. Training for electrical technicians in the trade
   
3. Training and Seminars for boating groups
   
4. Electrical system inspections, onboard review, and owner education
5. Take a class at Annapolis School of Seamanship:.  The school offers Marine Electrical System Basics and Marine Electrical Systems: Level II.