Book excerpt: Within the marine and offshore industry, there is a clear and growing need for increased training and education on the use of electrical power systems. The number of electrical plant and appliances now in service has grown at an alarming rate in recent years, as has the amount of electrical power generated and utilised on board. Large passenger ships now carry as many electrical officers as marine engineers, and electrical propulsion is now in common use by LNG carriers, small parcel tankers, oil tankers, ferries, offshore support, the navy, fleet auxiliary, cable layers and cruise ships. A number of shipping companies now award the Chief Electro Technical Officer the equivalent rank to the ship's master and Chief Engineer. These developments have resulted in the establishment of a Foundation Degree programme for Electro Technical Officers and the current development of full degree programmes. As such, a targeted textbook for students on the subject is required. As with all titles in the Reeds Marine Engineering Series, this book will be written in clear, accessible language, so as to be of use to all students and particularly those for whom English isn't their first language. Technical drawings and diagrams will be used throughout and each chapter will be accompanied by example examination questions.