Boat Electrics Course
Starter Course in Boat Electrics Including Fault Finding, Repairs & Maintenance
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-paced 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 take the first step. The final exam is optional for leisure users - but many decide to complete this as part of the learning process.
Why Marine Electrical Knowledge Matters
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.
Who MET 1 Is Designed For
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.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
After MET 1, you'll be able to:
✓ Understand a typical 12 V / 24 V marine electrical system
✓ Use electrical test equipment confidently
✓ Diagnose common charging, starting and wiring faults
✓ Assess cable sizing and circuit protection
✓ Identify unsafe or non-compliant installations
✓ Inspect batteries, alternators, chargers, busbars and terminations
✓ Approach intermittent electrical faults systematically
Join Thousands of Learners
What our learners say
★★★★★
“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
Creator
Your Instructor
Dave Punch
Marine Electrical & Electronics Instructor
Dave created the MECO MET programme from more than two decades of professional marine training and technical experience. The focus is simple: take complex marine electrical and electronics systems and make them understandable, practical and usable in the real world.
Explore The MET 1 Curriculum
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
- Electrical Power
- Electrical Testing Watch Free Lesson
- Batteries
- Busbars
- Cable Sizing — ISO
- Cable Sizing — ABYC
- Switching
- Circuit Protection
- Alternators
- Battery Charging — Engine
- Battery Charging — Shore Power
- Starter Motors
- 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.
Everything Included In MET 1
- Lifetime course access
- Approx. 12 hours of training
- Full instructor support
- CPD-accredited certification
- Final MET 1 examination included
- No previous electrical experience required
- Learn at your own pace
- 30-day refund option
- Updated course material as standards and technology change
FAQs
Do I need previous electrical experience?
No.
Is the MET 1 examination included?
Yes.
Do I have to take the examination?
No — leisure learners can complete the training without sitting the final examination.
How long do I have access?
Lifetime.
Can I ask an instructor for help?
Yes — full instructor support is included.
Is there a refund period?
30 days.
Ready To Start? Enrol Now
✓ 30-day refund option — for added peace of mind
✓ Personal instructor support — from a real person, whenever you need help
✓ Independently accredited & trusted by 2,000+ learners worldwide