Electro Technical Officer on Ship
Modern Merchant Navy Ships have sophisticated electrical and electronic systems, and the person responsible for ensuring that this equipment works perfectly is the ETO or the Electro Technical Officer. An ETO is engaged in maintenance and repairs of these important onboard systems whenever needed.
The demand for skilled ETOs is on the rise as automation is increasing and the ship systems are becoming more complex, making it a promising career path in the maritime industry. For those interested in machinery and doing something different, this can be an ideal choice, and it offers handsome salary packages as well.
Let us understand everything about ETOs, or Electro Technical Officers, in this article.
Electro Technical Officer/ ETO in Merchant Navy
The ETO or Electro Technical Officer is a part of the merchant vessel’s engine department, according to Section A-III/6 of the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Code, following the 2010 Manila Amendments.
This replaced the earlier role of Electrical Officer and was done to make electrical engineers competent enough to understand the evolving electrical systems onboard vessels.
An ETO reports to the Chief Engineer and is a part of the senior management team. Unlike marine engineers, ETOs do not carry out the conventional engine room watchkeeping; instead, they work a daily shift and are on call 24 hours a day to handle any electrical or system control failures or malfunctions.
Eligibility for ETO in the Merchant Navy
In order to pursue a career as an ETO, candidates must possess a relevant educational background in engineering, followed by specialised pre-sea training and sea service. Though specific requirements vary by the issuing national maritime authority, like the UK MCA, US Coast Guard, DGS India, etc, the general global prerequisites are mentioned below in this table.
| Criteria | International Requirements (STCW III/6) |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | A recognized degree or diploma (typically 3 to 4 years) in a relevant discipline, such as: |
| - Electrical Engineering | |
| - Electronics Engineering | |
| - Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) | |
| - Electronics and Communication/Telecommunication Engineering | |
| Age | Maximum age of 26 to 28 years at the time of course commencement. |
| Pre-Sea Training | Completion of an approved ETO Pre-Sea Training Course. This is a mandatory, full-time residential course typically lasting around 4 months (17 weeks) |
| STCW Basic Training | Completion of all mandatory basic safety courses (Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Fighting, First Aid, PSSR). |
| Sea Service | After the pre-sea course, candidates must complete an approved period of sea service, usually 8 to 12 months, as a Trainee ETO (or Electrical Cadet) documented in an approved Training Record Book. |
| Certification | Passing the national Certificate of Competency (CoC) examination and assessment of competence to be certified as an ETO, enabling service on ships of any propulsion power in any operating area. |
| Medical/Physical | Must pass a stringent medical and eyesight test (including color vision) from a recognized maritime doctor to confirm fitness for sea service. |
Merchant Navy ETO Course Fees
The ETO pre-sea training course is a short and specialised course which lasts for 4 months or 17 weeks. The cost of this residential course depends on the country, the institution, and placement record, sponsorship offerings, etc.
Globally, the course fees, including tuition, mandatory STCW safety courses, accommodation and food, range from $5000 to more than $10,000.
In places having highly competitive private institutions and sponsorships, fees are generally higher, but usually include guaranteed onboard training.
The fees do not include the cost of the initial engineering degree or diploma or the final CoC exam fee.
ETO Job Description
An ETO has to ensure the functional integrity and compliance of all the onboard electrical and electronic systems.
The tasks and responsibilities of an ETO include-
- Operation and maintenance of the main and emergency switchboards, fire detection systems, distribution systems, generators and HV systems.
- Ensuring smooth functioning of all electronic navigation equipment, like the GPS, Radar, ECDIS, radio communication systems (GMDSS), echo sounders, gyro compass, weather Fax, autopilot, Broadcast and internal aerial system, telephone and talk back system and satellite communications.
- Troubleshooting and maintaining control engineering systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), vessel management systems (VMS), and engine room systems.
- Identifying and rectifying electrical and electronic faults which occur on the ship from the propulsion system to the cargo handling gear.
- Developing and carrying out planned maintenance routines for all onboard equipment, motors, batteries and emergency equipment.
- Ensuring all the electrical installations adhere to international maritime regulations and classification society rules.
ETO in Merchant Navy Salary
The salary of an ETO is quite attractive and shows the high level of expertise, skill and knowledge the job demands. The salaries are influenced by the rank, experience and importantly, the vessel type.
| Rank | Experience | Estimated Monthly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee ETO / Electrical Cadet | Sea-time Training (8-12 months) | $500 - $1,000 (Stipend) |
| ETO (with CoC) | Entry-Level Officer (Post-CoC) | $4,500 - $6,500 |
| Senior/Chief ETO | Experienced Officer (5+ years) | $7,000 - $9,000+ |
Note: These estimates are based on current trends and can vary significantly. Specialised vessels like LNG carriers or Dynamic Positioning (DP) offshore vessels may offer salaries at the higher end of the range.
Shore Jobs or Future Prospects for ETO
The problem-solving skills and experience gathered by an ETO allow one to transition into high-paying shore-based positions within the engineering, technology and offshore industry.
Major shore career paths for experienced ETOs include:
Technical Superintendent (Electrical): This typically involves managing the electrical and electronic maintenance of a shipping company’s fleet from a shore office, managing dry dock specifications and budgeting.
Maritime Lecturer/Instructor: An ETO’s onboard experience is very valuable and can be beneficial to train future officers at maritime academies or institutions.
Marine Surveyor: ETOs can also work for Port State Control or Classification Societies as electronic systems specialists, performing audits, certifications and inspections.
Automation and Control Engineer/Technician: ETOs can apply shipboard knowledge of PLCs, diagnostics and control loops to industrial automation, power plant operations and smart manufacturing businesses.
Commissioning Engineer: This role requires one to supervise the installation, test, and handover of electrical and electronic systems on new shipbuilding projects at shipyards.
Conclusion
The biggest advantage of this particular option among all maritime jobs is that it is a new field. Since the electrical aspect and IT on vessels have combined recently, not many people have been duly trained to handle them both. With the increasing need for such people, there are immense opportunities for people to make use of their knowledge and skills. Work handled by an electrical officer now needs the expertise of an ETO. Considering that, it seems viable that this option among all marine careers should be seen as a highly lucrative choice by most mariners.
You might also like to read-
- Duties of Electrical Engineer Officer On Board Ship
- What is Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)?
- 50 Marine Careers Essential Guide
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The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
About Author
Zahra is an SEO-Strategist & a Technical Writer with over 5 years of experience crafting top-tier content for the shipping world. From news, articles, ebooks, blogs and marketing pieces to industry white papers, she has written it all and now brings that experience to her role as Senior Editor. She makes complex maritime stories clear, sharp, and engaging.
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
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You forgot to mention there is no promotion available for this kind of officer,so no salary increase during your life time as others do.
@ Martin: Yes. This post does not have any promotion aspects but there will be salary rise as per the industry standards but not like engineers or deck officers who will be getting salary as per their promotion.
Electrical Officer is most degraded Job on Merchant Vessel .He undertakes job may be slightly less than an oiler.Full career he is doing operational level unlike the other engineer who barely know Electrical /Electronic sits on top as Chief Engineer .The present Manila amendments dosen’ do anything good for the Electrical officer .The designation changed and more lengthy process to get struck in that job .So I would say that Electrical Officer /ETO doesn’t offer a career progression. So aspiring person who like to join Merchant navy look for a Mariner Engineer ladder and not Electrical ladder .
i am b.tech ec final year student can i join eto but i uses specticals 1.5d.
I am b.tech in electrical (EEE) decipline student in final year can i join ETO in superior progression level
Dear Sir, Good Day.
I am Mohammad Abdullah Electrical Engineer Bangladeshi looking for suitable ETO / Electrical Engineer Jobs .
I have 16 years working experience in Bangladesh Navy.
and 8 years working Experience on Zamil Offshore Service CO in Saudi Arabia as a ETO / Electrical Engineer.
Your Response and Reply will be highly appreciated.
Thanks and Best Regards.
Mohammad Abdullah
ETO
Bangladesh
Mobile- 0088 01864799971
eto
Possibility of getting the job after eto officer
I AM ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN I LOVE STUDY TO BE SHIP ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEER IN DETAIL PLEASE KINDLY SEND ME THE BOOK TO READ TO UPGRADE ME MORE.SEND ME SE
SITE TO DOWN LOAD THIS BOOK TO HELP IN THIS CAREER THANKS MY REGARD SIR.
i have recently cleared exam to get trained for ETO in Anglo Eastern maritime academy.i have doubt whether or not to join the training,which involves lot of money.
Dear Sir
I’m marine chief electrical engineer with more than 10 years experience in M/V , offshore construction vessel’s, I have CDC, medical certificates, Bachelor in electrical engineering & …
please advice hove can get ETO certificates
Can ETO Take Their family on Ship?
hello sir i am DEEE WITH 90% ,i have a an 4 years asst electrical supervisor in ROTARY CO,LTD. IN SAUDI ARABIA,i want to work in shipping electrical department ,so i what to do sir?
Sir may i joine E.T.O ,iam B.Tech Electronics communication Engineering please explaine about ability and qualification
ETO are the best when it comes to electrical troubleshooting and prevention of damages. Unlikely chief engineers hiding problems until someone get injured or the damage is too big to be handled simply because they don’t want to show their weakness in competence and do not understand in full the electrical theory. ETO should take major decisions onboard on the electrical side in agreement with chief engineer and not being subordinate, that’s why he is onboard.
It will be always too late until IMO recognize that ETO carrier is no different from the engineers career because the have the same technical background and study and spend the same time at sea!!!!!
Hello,
do not take ETO route:
they pay you next to nothing, expect you to troubleshoot every system that is moved by signals/sdensors/electrons ….on board with no help whatsoever. You are left alone.
and then dump you like a garbage when the technology progresses and they will double the systems like on an aircraft to cut costs on wages.
believe me, shipping industry is very very short sighted, and least considerate to the human being
exemple of technological redundancy is th on board Radio Officers. Those technicians were very qualified in electronics, and the industry did not manage to retrain by simply update a little with the high voltage electrical systems/generators in the engine room and some CPU controllers update.
I am current ETO officer that knows what he is talking about.
Good luck and choose a shore based industry.
My Dream Is to joint merchant nevy, But As i am ECE Engineer so i have only option Is Electro Technical Officer (ETO).
What Was the Future Of Electro Technical Officer (ETO), Like Promotion,Salary etc?
Maritime jabs in eto work is very entelijent job how on depend all electrical engineer & I like this work
It is a very good work
I am a electrical engineer with 6 year experience in electrical maintenance plant level.
Now I want to join cruise jobs as a electrical officer.
How can I get this job.
Please help……
Start applying to shipping companies directly: https://www.royalcareersatsea.com/pages/electrical
We in this part of the world with ETO certificates are NOT well taking care of in terms of PAY after spending big money for the course at schools out of Nigeria WHY,WHY and WHY please we need help from you all.
Iam a eto worked in ship now coc is required to sail is there is anyother way or vaccy as electrician kindly plz help india kerala 0091 9447500918
ETO doesn’t have any promotion you have to work in the same rank until your retirement period.
VINODHKUMAR Am ETO I DID ONE SAIL OF EXPERIENCE. I DID B.E ELECTRONICS COMMUNICATION. IF ANY POSSIBLE TO GET COC BECAUSE I DONT HAVE ETO COURSE . BUT AM COMPLETE MY B.E. ANY POSSIBLE TO GET COC OR ETO COURSE IS REQUIRED FOR APPLYING COC
What is intitial salary for ETO
Can I join E. T. O my qualifications are 10+diploma in electronics can I join
You need to do ETO course and after sailing as trainee, get the COC for ETO
Starting salary of eto.
@Vishnu: You will be joining as a trainee ETO with a salary (or better call it stipend) between 200- 600 usd.
Is it possible to join as a deck officer …I completed my diploma EEE with 82%…if it’s is possible .. please tell me how?
Sir, Personally I’m very much interested to join ETO, but while watching videos on YouTube and listening to some comment ,I’m getting confused, and I need to apply for lone is it ok to do ETO by taking lone ,
Plz help me.
Hello sire , I need to know something, if anyone join bulk carrier as trainee ETO , after completion of 12 months , can i shifted my job to Oil tanker or LNG ?
@Monzur: Yes, you can.
@Prajwal: Job market is not that great as of now. There is no harm in doing the ETO course as ET officers are required onboard ship.
Sir, Government had issued notice to the institution that, their responsibility to provide 100% jobs for their student. Is it true news? and how seriously institutions follow it.
Hello… Thanks for letting us know about it. Unfortunately, we are not aware of the same. You can check the official government website for the same. Thanks.
I whant to know what is salary of Eto in dp vessels.how much contract.is it good to shif Marine vessel do vessel
Sir i want to know how to get a E.T.O license im graduate a bachelor of science industrial technology major in electrical sir 4yrs.grad. sir
@Dickson: You need to apply for a 4 months E.T.O course as you are eligible with the given background.
Dear Career makers !!!
today’s date much more job shortage and cadets are comes in this merchant navy line, special ETO,GME Batches, don’t joint merchant navy career. The Bachelor & post graduated holders are comes to here with much more career hopes & they are also invested lots of money in this line, sometimes for middle class family that much of money is not affordable,but due to fake agents easily traps to aspirants/students regards job prospectus & unnecessarily agents also takes money from it. also agents are gives much more sailing waiting period for that cadet, those gay’s whose expended total money & age of career.
HI, can I join cruise ships after completing ETO course and not container ships… I finished my EEE in engineering. Also which is the best collg in South India to join ETO course? What is the career scope after 3years in this field?
Helo sir iam working as a assistant refrigeration engineer in cruise ship i have 9 years in this field is that possible to to do eto caurce i did air conditioning and refrigeration diploma caurce
@Chiranjeevi: Cruise ship companies will only take experienced ETOs. It will be difficult to get into a cruise shipping company.
You will be joining as a trainee ETO and post 3 years you will be working as Sr. ETO.
In case of eto will they get the salary promotion according to their experience
Can an eto become chief engineer
@Nidheesh: No, he/she cannot. However, an ETO can shift to engine department by applying for Class IV exams to become a 4th engineer. After that, you can proceed on a career of a marine engineer to become chief engineer.
You will be joining as Trainee ETO and after a certain experience, you will be promoted to ETO.
ETO is the only and the highest position on the ship for an electrical officer.
I’m from the field of Instrumentation and control engineering.Is it possible for me to undertake ETO course?
@Kavin: Yes, You can.
May cousin is a license electrical engineer on the vessel. It is posible he is apply for to be a captain of the ship? Even he ddnt study a marine transportion course but he has working as a ETO. In merchant vessel. Thnx in advance if ever you ever you answering my question
Is doing ETO course a good option for a long term ?
@Manoj: entirely depend on your career interest. even if you become successful ETO, but do not enjoy the job, I will not consider it as a long term option.
Practically, the job market is yet to improve for a new joiner (be it engineer, deck officer or electrical engineer)
@Louis: No, he cannot.
Hello
I am nitin grover, basically from india. Currently pursuing MBA in Canada. I have taken bachelors of electronics and communication in 2010.
After that i have 2 years experience in translink metro as project engineer in india.
Then i joined merchant navy as electrical officer for 5 years with reputed company.
Further i moved to Canada for higher studies.
I have done ETO course from india and STCW courses.
Now i am looking for shipping jobs in canada.
Can someone guide me how and where can i apply for job in shipping industry to continue my career in same field in canada.
Regards
Nitin
Which institute is better for eto according to you ?
which give 100% placement after complextion?
Eligibility creteria of eto?
Sir, I have 2 years job experience in DG systems …will it help me to get high pay job if I go for merchant Navy course now?
@Saurabh: You need to have a CDC to get a job on the ship. Also, you need to fulfill the age criteria too. Looking at the job market, it is very difficult for a fresh marine engineer or deck officer to get job on ship.
I want to join Trainee ETO AT cruise ship. Is it a better option than Cargo ship . What are the salary of ETO on cruise.
Sir I got 67% in 12 but in PCM only 48 % and completed b.tech in electronics instrumentation with 65 % so I am eligible or not. And in maths 33% in 12th.
@Athrav: If you want to pursue an ETO career, you can enter with your b.tech degree.
@Ahamad Khan: It will be extremely difficult to get a trainee job on a cruise ship. You need to complete your training in a cargo ship. For entry-level, there ain’t any difference.
sir I’m completed grd after completion of eto course u will provide 100% placement for me.or give me suggestions how to get placement as traine ero
Sir I completed my diploma in EEE 3 years course with 74%.
Now I want to join in marian as eto.
So I have to complete the 4 months course in eto .
What is the fee for 4monts course.
@Harish: You are eligible to join the 4 months ETO course to become a certified ETO and work on the ship. The fee may vary depending upon the college/ institution and may go up to INR 3,00,000 /-
Sir i have completed diploma in EE 3years can i join the Eto course…. I have called a lot of colleges all are saying degree is needed to join the eto course
@Prajjal: HIMT Chennai does accept diploma as per their eligibility requirement. Google search HIMT ETO for more details
How much can we earn after completion of ETO course …
sir i have completed b.e in electrical engineering. my age is 31 i wants to join merchant navy as eto.
is there would be any problem about age in future for permotion. and which college is better for placement. what about the placement in tmc shipping college after eto course….
Kullai: Depends on the company you join. As you will be joining as trainee ETO first, you will be earning USD 200-500.
Hi I am IT I fitter also done apprentice ship Nctvt ship repair companies I have indian cdc with stew certificate. How can I get job in marchant navy.
Sir after the eto course how do i get the job in the ship
I done ETO Course Secured with 68% I Went Bombay to search job around 2 Months I stayed there went around 80+ Companies Reputed companies are not hiring fresher and some companies are asking Money…I don’t have money to pay them.. I’m feel depressed now I wanted to move on field job it’s better to move or I can barrow money and pay to agents to get job in Marine filed… Guid me plz sir…
Hello, I’m still a student taking Bs Electrical Engineering. I found this ETO career very interesting. Is it possible for a fresh grad student to be an ETO? or do I still need an onboard experience first?
@Ajay: The seafaring industry is going through a hard time in terms of jobs and freshers are most hard hit by it. The wise option would be to find an alternative job for the time being and continue searching for the ETO jobs side by side.
Yey: You need an onboard experience as Trainee ETO along with Certificate of Competency for ETO.
Sir, i hv completed diploma in mechatronics .. am i eligible for ETO Course
@Navin: Yes, you are.
Sir which is good eto college other than AEMA, TMI, anad GEIMS?
@Anubhav: That institute which is giving sponsorship for the training.
Sir, I completed my b.tech in EEE and have an experience of 3 years in my field. Now i wanted to switch so i thought of joinining eto course. will it be helpful? Am i going to get any benefit of my experience? Or getting a sponsorship will make any difference?
@Sandeep”” You are eligible to join the ETO course. Your experience will help you understand the field. Sponsorship is important looking at the current job scenario as freshers are not getting jobs and they are kept in waiting for more than a year to get the ship experience.
Sir, i have completed my 12th with 50% and diploma in electronic and telecomm with 75% and BE in electronic and telecomm( with a gap year with 55 % am i eligible for the ETO course ?
And if yes what are the job prospect after completing the course ?
@Tanmay: Yes, you are eligible academically for the ETO course.
Hye, i had finish my study in bachelor marine in electric and electronic tech.. and i have a cert ssa, bt, btoct, dsd, and bsom.. what type of ship can i joint? And can u suggest a best company for me to start my new job? 🙂
@Nassie: You also need to do basic STCW training courses. You can join any type of ship which needs ETO on ships.
Hai sir i completed my diploma in electronics and communication engineering i eligible for eto course ?
@Arjun: Yes, you are eligible.
Most Filipino Electro Technical Officers are actually Electrical Engineers and Electronic Communication Engineers But before we can get certified as Electro Technical Officer at MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY here in Philippines, They require a lot of training’s for ETO. WAKE UP ALL ETO, We are educated during our college degrees, we studied Bachelor of Science in Engineering, we studied a lot from Electrical Engineering but these does not credit on our Marine Profession. And what sucks most even English course are included for the very expensive training’s , why won’t they evaluate and compare ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM to lessen the gap in marine electrical profession. We already studied controls and instrumentation, motor design, electrical designs, programmable logic control and etc. We studied Electrical Engineering for Five years and our diploma and License as Engineers must be credited on board.
sir which good carer between eto and g.m.e or fourth engneer
Sir I have completed 4 months eto training from BP MARINE Belapur
Any vacancies for Trainee ETO??
@Swarajkumar: We are not into job palcement or assistance.
I’m a building electrician for 3years…and I’m interested to be an ETO.. can I take it?
If you have a degree or diploma, than you can pursue ETO course.
sir i’ve a degree in electrical and electronics eng. what should i do next if i have to pursue this career
You need to take courses for STCW certification. Few institute provides training to get the required qualification.
Sir, I have C&G levels 1,2 &3 respectively in Electrical Engineering.
Can put in for ETO.?
I have done my B. Tech in 2012 and my age is 30
Can I join marchant navy as eto
The Age limit for the ETO course is-35 years…Yes you can.
Yes, you can.
I really appreciate you for publishing this blog here; it’s really a helpful and very useful for us. This is really appreciated that you have presented this data over here, I love all the information shared. Great article!
ETR Trainee how many months i trainee job
Usually 6 months