Marine Electrical Certification - Online Live - September 2026

The ABYC Marine Electrical Certification has become the most recognized and credible demonstration of skill in the marine electrical service and installation field worldwide. This comprehensive certification course is designed for individuals seeking to gain a deep understanding of marine electrical systems, including both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) systems. This course covers essential principles, practical installation techniques, and troubleshooting methods to ensure safe and efficient electrical operations on board vessels. 

This course is ideal for marine electricals and maritime professionals looking to enhance their skills and ensure the safe operation of electrical systems on vessels. The course is designed for the marine professional with at least 3-5 years of experience working with marine electrical system design, installation or repair.

 ABYC Instructor will lead LIVE sessions, 3 days a week for 3 weeks (each 90 minutes long). See the Course Details tab for more information and schedule.

Course Topics:

Basic Electrical Theory and Fundamentals: Learn the foundational concepts of electrical theory, including voltage, current, resistance, and power, with a focus on marine environments.

Proper Installation and Termination of Wiring: Understand the best practices for installing and terminating marine-grade wiring, ensuring long-lasting and safe electrical connections.

Sizing Wiring for AC and DC Systems: Master the techniques for properly sizing wiring in both AC and DC applications to meet the electrical load requirements of marine systems.

Battery Installation, Maintenance, Testing & Charging Systems: Get experience with marine battery installation, routine maintenance, system testing, and troubleshooting various charging systems.

Inverter Installation and Operation: Explore the installation and operational requirements of inverters to ensure reliable AC power generation.

AC Shore Power System Design and Components: Learn the essential features of an effective AC shore power system, including selecting appropriate components to ensure compliance with marine standards.

Isolating Vessels from Galvanic Corrosion: Understand the principles of corrosion prevention and how to install systems that isolate vessels from galvanic corrosion, protecting a vessel.

Installation, Operation, and Troubleshooting of AC Generators: Gain skills in installing and maintaining AC generators, along with troubleshooting techniques for keeping these critical power systems operational.

Installation Requirements for AC and DC Components: Discover the specific installation requirements for various AC and DC components to ensure system safety and reliability.

Electrical Safety Equipment and Systems: Review the safety equipment and protocols required for protecting both personnel and electrical systems onboard vessels.

Troubleshooting DC and AC Systems: Develop basic troubleshooting skills to diagnose and repair issues across a range of AC and DC systems commonly found on boats and ships.

Study Guide Chapters:

• Ohm's Law and the Power Equation
• Cable Installation and Termination
• DC Systems, Batteries, and Components
• Battery Charging Systems
• Inverters
• AC Systems, Shore Power, and Components
• AC Generators
• Safety Devices and Systems

ABYC Standards Covered:

• A-24, Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems on Boats
• A-27, Alternating Current Generator Sets
• A-28, Galvanic Isolators
• A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters
• A-32, AC Power Conversion Equipment and Systems
• E-2, Cathodic Protection Systems
• E-10, Storage Batteries
• E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats
• E-13, Lithium Ion Batteries
• E-30, Electric Propulsion Systems
• TE-4, Lightning Protection Systems

Code of Federal Regulations

• 33 CFR 183

Live Online Class Schedule: ABYC Instruction Mike Reese will lead LIVE course sessions, 3 days a week for 3 weeks.

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (ET) each day, Tuesday through Thursday.

• September 8-10
• September 15-17
• September 22-24

Registrations received by August 30:

$985 for members
$1,495 for nonmembers

Registrations received on or after September 1 include a late registration fee:
$1,110 for members
$1,620 for nonmembers

Price includes:

• 9 LIVE course sessions: recordings available for 60 days after the course!
• Study Guide: a spiral-bound study guide will be mailed to you. This study guide is essential to following the course instruction and preparing for the certification exam.
• Chapter Quizzes: Quizzes will help reinforce key concepts covered in each session.
• One Certification Exam: details on the exam are provided below.

How this course works:

• Login to this ABYC Online Learning site during the scheduled live sessions. Live session links are found under the Course Contents tab. 
  
• Each session with cover 1-2 chapters in chronological order of study guide
• Q&A with instructor at the end of each session

Certification Exam Testing:

The certification exam is composed of 204 multiple-choice questions and timed at 3 hours and 30 minutes. The question content consist of approximately 30% Standards-based and 70% experiential material. At the end of the course, participants will take the certification exam online through a third party proctoring service. More details are provided on the Exam Info tab during the course.

Scheduling the exam is flexible and up to the participant. Participants may schedule their testing date & time . Online testing is available Mondays through Wednesdays all day and Thursdays until 1pm (ET). There will be given a 30 day test by deadline, if you do not test by the given date there is a $25 extension fee due to receive a new test by deadline.

Exam retesting: If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may sign-up to retest at anytime. There is a retesting fee of $179 per attempt. There is no deadline to sign-up to retest by, you may retest when you are confident and ready to challenge the exam.

ADA Requests for the Certification Exam:

We want to ensure that you have the necessary support and accommodations to succeed. If you require any accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or any other support, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements. Students with ADA accommodations must inform the ABYC in writing of said needs at the time of class registration to ensure that any special accommodations can be made for exam taking. 

Certification Designations:

ABYC's Certified Advisor or Certified Technician certification designations align with the type of work being performed by the individual. Upon passing the certification exam, participants will be awarded with the Marine Electrical Advisor certification or Marine Electrical Technician certification, depending on their role and work experience.

For more information Click Here

Cancellation Policy:

Before Course Start: Cancellations made prior to the course start date are subject to a $150 cancellation fee.

After Course Start (during course): Candidates who request to cancel while the course is still in session may be eligible for a refund in accordance with the terms below:

-No Sessions Viewed: If no course sessions have been accessed for viewed, the participant is eligible for a partial refund. The refund will be calculated as the total amount paid minus $235, which includes $85 study guide and a $150 cancellation fee.

-Sessions Accessed: If any course sessions have been accessed or viewed, the course is considered in progress. No course refund will be issued; however, if the certification exam has not been taken, a $295 refund will be provided for the unused exam fee.

After Course End: Cancellation request submitted after the course has ended are not eligible for a refund.

Refund Policy: All refunds will be issued to the original form of payment. In lieu of a refund, participants may elect to receive a credit on their account for the remaining balance, valid for use strictly toward another course registration within two years of the original course start date.

Cancellation requests may be emailed to education@abycinc.org

I might miss one or more live sessions. Are they recorded, and can I watch them later?

Answer: Yes! All live sessions are recorded and posted within 24 hours. You can access the recordings, along with all other online learning materials, for up until 60 days after the final live session has concludes. Recordings can be found under the "Live Session Access & Recordings" tab.

What platform is used for this course?

Answer: Our online learning website host live sessions using Zoom Webinar. 

Can I watch this live session on an Tablet/iPad?

Answer: Yes! You will need install the Zoom app on the device. You can download those apps here: 

• iOS devices: https://apps.apple.com/us/app...
• Android devices: https://play.google.com/store/...

Once the app is installed on your device, you can follow the link to the live session from the "Live Session Access & Recordings" tab and it will open the webinar software automatically.

Please note that while you can view the course on a tablet, iPad, or mobile device, you cannot use these devices for testing. You will need a desktop or laptop computer. See the Exam Details tab for more information.

I'm still having issues access the live session, who can I contact?

Answer: If you have any issues before or during the course please call ABYC Event Support Help Line at 410-990-4460 x180.