Online Boat Electrics Course for owners, crew and trainee marine electricians.
Boat Electrics Course
Achieve a solid understanding of Boat & Yacht electrical systems with no prior electrical knowledge. Beginners are very welcome.
The beginner friendly Boat Electrics Course,
Start off from the basics with the MECO Boat Electrics course and build up to a thorough understanding of marine electrical systems and wiring in use aboard small craft.
No prior marine electrical knowledge is assumed, and beginners are very welcome.
The subject is broken down into easy-to-follow self paces micro-lectures, each typically 5–10 minutes long, followed by short quizzes to reinforce learning.
The MECO Boat Electrics course includes the certified MET 1 examination for those wishing to work in the industry. . This is a CPD-accredited certification aligned with standards from ABYC, ISO, IEC.
If you're just building skills for use on your own boat, or looking to get started in the industry then this course is a great place to make the first step. The final exam is optional for Leisue users - but many decide to complete this as part of the learning process.
Once enrolled you can upgrade at any time to the Marine Electrical Technicians Course MET 2, or enrol in both MET 1 and MET 2 here.
Features
✓ Beginner-friendly training
✓ 12 hours of self-paced learning
✓ Lifetime access
✓ instructor support
✓ Exam and certification included
✓ 30-day money-back guarantee
One off fee £149 / $199
View enrolment options →
Audience
Boat Owners
- Hands-on owners and operators
- Yacht fleet owners
- Sailing-school and workboat owners
- DIY and restoration enthusiasts
Learn to prevent and diagnose basic faults, maintain onboard systems and make safer repair decisions—reducing inconvenience, downtime and unnecessary call-out costs.
Yacht Crew
- Skippers and yacht crew
- Delivery skippers
- Yachtmaster instructors
- Workboat crew
Build the electrical knowledge to select appropriate tools and spares, perform pre-departure checks and diagnose basic faults at sea. Reliable electrical power supports essential equipment including navigation lights, GNSS, VHF, AIS and bilge pumps.
Trainee Technicians
- Aspiring marine electrical technicians
- Boatbuilders and surveyors
- Marine electrical businesses
- Colleges, universities and apprenticeship providers
Unlike courses that require previous electrical experience, MET 1 begins with first principles and progressively applies them to marine electrical systems. Learners may take the included examination to earn MET 1 certification.
Challenges
Boat Electrical Failures
A BoatUS analysis found that electrical systems and batteries were responsible for 52% of the boat fires reviewed. Even more minor electrical faults can cause danger and loss of:
- Engine power & starting
- Navigation Lights
- Chart Plotter / GPS / Radar
- AIS / VHF
- Depth / Log
The MECO Level 1 aims to prevent boat & yacht electrical faults via highly detailed Marine Electrical training targeting both technicians and operators. If faults do happen MET 1 training can help find and fix the problem with basic tools and test gear.
Curriculum Boat Electrics Course MET 1
Explore the MET 1 Curriculum Click to view everything included 20 lessons + exam
Start with the fundamental principles of electricity and progress into practical marine wiring, testing, charging, circuit protection, fault awareness and relevant international standards.
- Introduction
- Voltage, Current & Resistance Preview
- Electrical Power Preview
- Electrical Testing Preview
- Batteries
- Busbars
- Cable Sizing — ISO
- Cable Sizing — ABYC
- Switching
- Circuit Protection
- Alternators
- Battery Charging — Engine
- Battery Charging — Shore Power
- Starter Motors Preview
- Monitoring Current & Voltage
- Engine Gauges
- Terminations
- Ingress Protection
- Standards & Regulations
- Course Completion
- Final MET 1 Examination
No previous experience required. The MET 1 examination and certification, lifetime course access and full instructor support are included.
Essentials
Course: Boat & Yacht Electrical — MET 1
Pre-course requirements: None
Suitable for: Leisure and professional learners
Study time: Approximately 12 hours
Format: Self-paced online learning
Access: Lifetime
Accreditation: CPD-accredited
CPD points: 12
Standards covered: NMEA, ABYC, ISO, RCR, RCD and IEC
Price includes: Taxes, examination and certification
Examination: Optional for leisure learners; included for MET 1 certification
Graded assessment: Included
Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee
Creator
David Punch
MECO was founded by David Punch, a qualified marine electrician, qualified teacher and RYA Yachtmaster Instructor for both sail and motor cruising. He is also a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) engineering instructor and has 26 years of teaching experience.
David is the principal and owner of Allabroad Ltd, an RYA- and MCA-recognised maritime academy. He remains directly involved in MECO and personally supports MET 1 learners throughout the course.
Although MECO courses are popular with boat owners, skippers and yacht crew, they are also widely used by working marine professionals, colleges and other training providers. MET 1 boat electrical training combines real-world marine electrical experience, professional instruction and recognised industry standards, providing a strong starting point for trainees and apprentices entering the industry.
Reviews
★★★★★
Excellent on Trustpilot
4.7 out of 5 from 32 reviews
Read all independent reviews
★★★★★
“The course materials are excellent—it starts with absolute basics and builds from there. There are useful exercises at the end of each chapter.”
Jane — yacht owner and MET 1 learner
★★★★★
“This was an excellent starter course. As a longtime boater, I have always wanted to better understand the boat electrical system.”
Curt Dukeshire — longtime boater and MET 1 learner
★★★★★
“As an ocean sailor and skipper, one of my weaknesses was 12V electricity. This course helped me gain essential knowledge of the subject.”
Tarcisio Pacheco — ocean sailor and skipper
Enrolment
1) Choose a currency option below and click the 'Enrol Now' button
2) Enter your details and make the payment
3) Start your course right away
MECO Training Head office, Maritime Training House, 7 the square, Ocean Village, Gibraltar GX11 1AA