As per Section A-III/6 of the STCW Code Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is a licensed member of the engine department on board. For the efficient functioning of every electronic element on a merchant navy vessel, an ETO in merchant navy is responsible. Electronic elements range from huge and complex engine room control systems to electronic charts and radars installed on the bridge. ETO is responsible for the generation of power and distribution systems for other systems such as lifts, reefers, and much more. ETO’s working range depends upon the type of vessel, they can also be witnessed indulged in cargo operations.

An ETO directly reports to the Chief Engineer and also plays a major role in the senior management team. Unlike other marine engineers onboard, an ETO does not go for any engine room watch. The better functioning of electrical and electronic equipment under the supervision of an ETO accounts for the maximization of operational safety and efficiency of the vessel.

Why choose ETO?

Electro Technical Officer is one such post in the merchant navy for which you can apply after graduation from electrical. This profession opens the gates of immense opportunities after electrical engineering. It is prevalent that merchant navy is known for its handsome salaries, opportunities to roam around the world, and engagement with different kinds of people in the world. When we talk about Electro-Technical Officer, it is an officer post in the merchant navy that you can apply for after graduation from electrical. The advantages are huge from handsome salary to career advancement and whatnot. We will learn more about the different aspects of Electro-Technical Officer below

How to Become an ETO in Merchant Navy?

• To become an Electro-Technical Officer in merchant navy you need to apply to colleges that conduct ETO courses in India after passing out with a B. Tech in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics, and Telecommunication / Communication Engineering, or Electronics and Instrumentation or equivalent streams.
• After getting into college you will get all the knowledge about the ship’s electrical system and seamanship.
• The ETO Course is of 4 months which is a residential course and after that, you will get training onboard.
• After passing out from college you will get onboard training for up to 8 months as a trainee ETO if you are already sponsored by a shipping company.
• But not everyone can go for this course after graduation, there are some ETO course eligibility criteria that one needs to fulfill to get admission to one of the best ETO colleges in India.

ETO course eligibility

• Passed in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English with a minimum of 50% marks in English in class 10th and 12th in standard exams and more than 65% in PCM.
• Passed 3-year Diploma with 60% marks or four years Degrees including lateral entry with 50% marks in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication / Communication Engineering, or Electronics and Instrumentation or equivalent.
• The diploma/degree courses must have been recognized by any State or Central Government or the AICTE

ETO course eligibility

For the general category, the maximum age should not exceed 30 years on the date of commencement of the course. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates, the maximum age relaxation of 5 years is applicable, a maximum of 3 years relaxation applies to OBC (NCL) candidates and 2 years for female candidates as per the directives of the Government of India.