PO1 Jason Boudreau: Marine Technician leaves Manitoba for life at sea

Petty Officer 1st Class (PO1) Jason Boudreau wanted to follow in his father's steps as an electrical technician. But instead of working underground in a Manitoba mine like his father, he chose to go to sea with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

A Marine Technician (Electrical) aboard Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax, PO1 Boudreau is currently deployed overseas as part of Operation Reassurance.

'My father explained the military is a great way to make a living, especially if it is going to pay you to learn a trade while travelling the world,' he says. 'After learning that I could earn my Red Seal Certificate (a national trade standard)at a certain point in my training, I knew it was the job for me.'

PO1 Boudreau says he loved the ocean and the idea of living on the coast, so when the recruiters told him the first thing he had to do was move away from his small home town in northern Manitoba, he was sold.

Enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 2003, he has had a diverse career, including three overseas deployments and postings to the Canadian Forces Fleet Engineering School in Halifax and the CAF Recruiting Centre in London, Ont. He also served for eight months in Afghanistan.

As a Marine Technician, he operates and maintains highly technical propulsion, mechanical and power generation systems, enabling RCN warships to float, move and fight. The primary responsibilities of Marine Technicians are to operate all marine systems engineering equipment on board ship, troubleshoot failures, advise command on limitations and repair as required to restore system function. They also execute and track maintenance schedules to keep the ship's engineering equipment in prime condition.

Aboard HMCS Halifax, PO1 Boudreau manages the Electrical Section of 10 people.

A typical day runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes trade training and evaluating, mentoring junior sailors, maintenance coordination of all electrical equipment, career development and management of junior personnel, and fitness activities.

'Almost every day at sea, most sailors on board work on physical fitness in order to stay happy and healthy,' he says.

PO1 Boudreau stands watches twice a day, monitoring equipment and performing repair and maintenance routines 'on everything with a wire attached to it.'

'When there is an electrical issue on board day or night, our trade will answer the call by rectifying the situation as soon as possible, using our experience and technical background.'

He loves the travel to foreign countries and the camaraderie built with fellow sailors, but admits it's hard to be away from family.

'It's like any job that takes you away from your family,' he says. 'You need to spend as much time with them as possible when you're home and if the call comes to sail, you and your family are ready for the challenge of separation because time apart will create higher value in time together.'

PO1 Boudreau says the trade of Marine Technician in the RCN is a great job for those who enjoy a challenge.

'You will learn new skills and knowledge on a daily basis and experience a rewarding and secure career that is highly respected among your friends, family and all Canadians alike.'

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