Everything You Need to Know About Electro-Technical Officer onboard ship

Have you ever wondered what a ship's Electro-Technical Officer does? An electro-technical officer (ETO) is one of the most important people on a ship, especially when it comes to handling the vessel's electrical equipment.

Ships used to rely on basic electrical systems and technologies to function. Ships have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, relying on a vast network of electronic and electrical components to keep them operational. The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is in charge of maintaining, repairing, and operating these systems, which makes them essential members of any ship's crew.

In this blog, we will look at the duties and responsibilities of Electro-Technical Officers, as well as the department in which they work and the qualifications, skills, and personal qualities required to become a successful ETO.

Who is Electro Technical Officer on ships?

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is a licensed member of the engine department on board, according to Section A-III/6 of the STCW Code. An ETO is in charge of the proper operation of every electronic component on a merchant navy vessel. The electronic elements on the bridge range from massive and complex engine room control systems to electronic charts and radars. ETO is in charge of generating power and distributing it to other systems such as lifts, reefers, and many others. The working range of an ETO varies depending on the type of vessel; they can also be seen engaged in cargo operations.

An ETO reports directly to the Chief Engineer and is an important member of the senior management team. An ETO, unlike other marine engineers onboard, does not go for an engine room watch. The improved operation of electrical and electronic equipment under the guidance of ETO accounts for the vessel's operational safety and efficiency.

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The fundamental requirements for an ETO to join a ship

To become an ETO, you must have the following academic qualifications: 

1. Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English with a minimum of 50% marks in the English Language in standard exams.
2. After completing a three-year diploma with 60% marks or a four-year degree with 50% marks in Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering, or Electronics and Instrumentation, Electronics and Telecommunication, Communication Engineering, or similar courses.
3. Candidates who were admitted to the Diploma course solely on the basis of their Matriculation and went on to complete their B.E./ B. Tech degree course as a lateral entry in the second year of the degree solely on the basis of the Diploma and who have secured the degree in the disciplines mentioned in (II) of the above, are also eligible for admission to the ETO course.
4. B-Tech in (EE/ ECE/ EEE/EIE) with 55% or Diploma in (EE/ ECE/ EEE/EIE) with 60%. Any State or Central Government, as well as the AICTE, should recognize diploma or degree courses.

The course's name is- To obtain the Certificate as an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), 17 weeks of pre-sea training on merchant ships is required, followed by eight months of onboard training.

Maximum Age Limit- As of now, the maximum age limit for general category aspirants is 30 years. According to the Government of India's directives, the maximum age relaxation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates is five years, three years for OBC (NCL) candidates, and two years for female candidates.

Medical Standards- A candidate must be in good health and fit for sea service, according to existing MS Medical rules 2000/MLC 2006. The medical fitness checks are performed by SCI-employed DG-approved doctors.

What is the job of an electro-technical officer?

An electro-technical officer is in charge of several responsibilities on board the ship, the majority of which are related to electrical systems. As a ship officer in charge of electronics on a ship, you will most likely report to a chief engineer who is in charge of everything on board.

Your ship jobs would include the following while working under a chief engineer.

• Onboard electrical equipment maintenance and operation
• Engine rooms, radio communications, Gyro compass, electronic navigation needs such as echo sounders, Weather Fax, autopilot, telephone and talk back system, Broadcast and internal aerial system, RADAR system, and satellite communications
• Examine basic electrical requirements such as refrigeration, bridge systems, and control rooms.
• Repairs and maintenance of emergency systems, such as emergency switches, fire alarms, and detectors
• Electrical components of the vessel, such as navigation lights, battery backups, and electrically powered propelling machinery
• Assist the chief officer with routine tasks, particularly those involving electrical handling.
• Coordination of work with on-site technicians
• An electrical officer, like any other ship officer, plays an important role during an emergency. You would be responsible for handling emergency situations and ensuring that all necessary safety equipment is always available.
• An electro-technical officer investigates electrical and technical issues on a ship. As a result, the operation of computer-controlled machinery would be overseen by an ETO.
• An electrical officer is critical on cruise ships and passenger's vessels with large electrical requirements and unmanned technology to handle them. As an electro-technical officer, you would be in charge of everything from refrigeration to air conditioning on such vessels.

What kind of device does an ETO work with?

From the electronic communication systems that assist a vessel in navigating safely to the air conditioning (AC) that keeps guests and passengers cool and comfortable, the ETO is undoubtedly kept on its toes!

The Electro-Technical Officer may be tasked with working with any of the following on any given day at sea:

•       The main electric generation plant

•       Engineering propulsion systems and propulsion control systems

•       Aerial broadcasting and internal aerial systems

•       Electronic navigation tools like echo sounders and autopilot systems

•       Satellite communication systems

•       Telephone and voice response systems

•       RADAR systems

•       Navigation lights

•       Refrigeration units

•       Emergency switches

•       Weather fax receivers

•       IT systems

•       Fire detection and alarm systems

•       Radio communication systems

•       Backup battery systems

•       an ETO tasked with working with cables above the deck

Because of the diversified equipment and systems with which the ETO works, they will be stationed throughout the vessel, including the bridge, engine, and control rooms.

What knowledge and skills are required to be an ETO?

An ETO is a more senior version of an electrical officer. The qualifications and qualities required to become an ETO are as follows:

• A bachelor's degree in electrical/engineering/electrical engineering/marine engineering or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree in (ECE) electrical engineering or a related field
• Electro-technical training, such as the STCW 95 basic safety training course, includes fire fighting, fire prevention, and elementary first aid training.
• ENG1' seafarer's medical certificate and/or physical and mental fitness certification
• Training in the use of electrical, navigation, and communication equipment
• An electro-technical engineering course (optional but not necessary but may come as an added advantage)
• According to the New STCW-2010 Manila amendments, elector technical officers must obtain a certificate of competency from Maritime Authorities by taking exams administered by them.

As an ETO aspirant, you can take additional short-term diploma courses or full Bachelor's courses dealing with electro-technical handling and maintenance in addition to a simple Bachelor's degree in engineering. Aside from these qualifications, a person seeking a career at sea must also possess the following qualities.

• Physical strength for heavy-duty onboard work
• Mental fitness
• The ability to be away from family for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to deal with real-world situations
• Ability to make independent decisions
• Task prioritization and organization
• Ability to remain calm and not panic in emergency situations
• Ability to work under the supervision of a senior while maintaining your own team (a must)

An Electro-Technical Officer works for which department?

ETOs typically work in a ship's engineering department alongside engineers and electricians. Depending on the crew members onboard, they will aid the Marine Engineer Officer or Chief Engineer and possibly the 2nd Engineer when they are newly qualified. They are usually regarded as higher-ranking Electrical Officers.

The typical path for an Electro-Technical Officer in the maritime industry would be to advance through the relevant seafarer ranks, starting as an ETO Cadet or Electrical Cadet and moving up to Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), Chief Electro-Technical Officer, Electrical Superintendent, or Chief Technical Officer, depending on the organization and titles they use.

Promotion of Electro-Technical Officer on Board Ships

Qualifications and experience are used to determine promotions. A trainee electrical cadet becomes eligible to give Certificate of competency (CoC) examinations after completing sea-time. More responsibilities come with a higher position. The electrical cadet is the lowest rank onboard and progresses all the way up to senior ETO.

Understanding the complexity of electrical machines on large and sophisticated DP offshore vessels, large cruise ships, and so on broadens the rank system of an ETO. In such cases, a ship may include a lead ETO, chief electrical Engineer, First Electrician, chief electrical officer, and additional personnel as needed. The epaulets of a senior Electro Technical Officer have three stripes. A senior Electro Technical Officer on a tanker ship can earn up to 7000 dollars.

An ETO's job is to find and repair faults in electronic and electrical machinery. They also install and test new electronic and electrical machinery. Electro-Technical Officers also maintain complex electronics and electrical systems (ETO). Senior ETOs are also appointed to monitor large-scale electronic and electrical work onboard ships.

What is tentative salary or remuneration?

The salary of an ETO, like most jobs at sea, varies greatly depending on your experience, the type of responsibilities you handle, and the rank on which you work. Even with so many variables, Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) remains a high-paying job among all seafaring careers. As an ETO, you can expect to earn between $3000 and $5400 per month. Those working on larger cruise ships can earn up to $100,000 per month, depending on the size of the ship and the duties performed.

The most significant advantage of this option among all maritime jobs is that it is a new field. Since the electrical and IT aspects of vessels have recently been combined, not many people have been properly trained to handle them both. With a growing demand for such people, there are numerous opportunities for people to put their knowledge and skills to use. Work previously handled by an electrical officer now necessitates the expertise of an ETO. Given this, it appears likely that most mariners will regard this option as the most lucrative of all marine careers.

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Conclusion

The Electro-Technical Officer plays a critical role in the operation of modern ships. They are responsible for the safe and efficient functioning of all electrical and electronic systems onboard, ensuring that the ship can navigate the open seas and transport goods and passengers around the world.

The job of an ETO can be challenging and demanding, requiring specialized training and ongoing education to stay current on technological advances. However, it is also a rewarding career with opportunities for advancement and excellent salaries and benefits.

If you want to work as an ETO, it is important to research the educational and training requirements in your area and to seek out opportunities for practical experience. With hard work and dedication, you can become a skilled and successful ETO and make a significant contribution to the maritime industry.