Congratulations to Charlie Cramer and Jamie Masterman who won this year’s BMEEA Marine Electrical Apprentices Competition, held on Training and Careers Day, the last day of Seawork 2025.
This year’s competition held a few more elements than previous years, adding digital switching into the mix of tasks undertaken to produce and implement the lighting and fan control circuits that would be suitable for the cabin of a small boat.
Using the Energy Solutions Smartswitch in conjunction with the Victron Energy Ekrano, the apprentices were asked to configure a two-way momentary switch function to turn lights on/off and operate a 13W ventilation fan. The fan supply had to include a delay timer to run the fan for two minutes after lights had been switched off and the lights themselves had to include a dimmer supply for 4 x 12W dimmable LED lights.
The eighteen teams of apprentices were judged on their circuit diagrams, calculations for the sizes of cable required to meet ISO standards, the configuration of the Smartswitch including appropriate labels, and the build of the rig itself; judges were looking for clear marking, neatness, adherence to the apprentice-produced wiring diagram, and most of all that it worked!
First-placed Charlie Cramer, from Platinum Marine, and Jamie Masterman, from Sunseeker, each received a fully-loaded technical rucksack, courtesy of CK Tools, plus a sparkling trophy to commemorate their win.
In second place were Simon Inman and Ewen Clarke, both from Sunseeker, who each received a Weidmuller Crimp Set, and third place saw CK rucksacks go to Sunseeker apprentices Mitchell K-Brewer and Dan Hathway.
Heartfelt thanks as always go to; Energy Solutions for designing the task and providing the rigs. CK Tools and Weidmuller for the apprentice competition prizes. Judges Ian Lewis of Weidmuller with Energy Solutions’ Paul Holland and Andy Openshaw (who set the task). The tutors, colleges, companies and, most of all, the apprentices for taking part and clearly demonstrating the skills and abilities which will take them forward to very rewarding marine industry careers.
The British Marine Electrical & Electronics Association, BMEEA, comprises manufacturers and waterside dealers who provide advice, sales, installation and service of marine electronic and electrical equipment.
