Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Table of contents
- 1:-Electro-Technical Officer Overview:-
- 2:- Why choose ETO?
- 3:- How to Become an ETO in Merchant Navy?
- 4:-ETO course eligibility
- 5:-ETO Medical Criteria
- 6:-Sponsorship & Interview of ETO
- 7:-Best ETO Colleges in India
- 8:-Rank Structure of an ETO
- 9:-Duties of an ETO
- 10:-Electro-Technical Officer Salary
- 11:-FAQs about Electro-Technical Officer
1:-Electro-Technical Officer Overview:-
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.
2:- 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.
3:- How to Become an ETO in Merchant Navy?
- To become an Electro-Technical Officer in the 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 four months long, and it is a residential course. 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 a shipping company already sponsors you.
- 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.
After graduating it is a very long way till you become an ETO and you definitely need guidance while traversing this path that’s where Merchant Navy Decoded will guide you with its dedicated free ETO Course Guidance Series where you get all the information related to Electro-Technical Officer Sponsorship and Interview.
4:-ETO course eligibility
4.1:-Educational Qualifications for ETO
- Passed in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English with a minimum of 50% marks in English in classes 10th and 12th in standard exams and more than 55% 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
4.2:-ETO Course age limit
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.
However, the age limit keeps changing for different companies, for instance in Anglo-Eastern age limit for the ETO Course is 28 years whereas in Great Eastern it is 26 years. So, you need to look out for these criteria while applying to any company.
4.3:-ETO Eligibility Calculator
Are you also confused about whether you are eligible for ETO or not? If Yes, then use our ETO eligibility calculator to learn about the complete ETO Eligibility.
College Recommendation:- You will get colleges completely based on your profile and past results.
BMI Analysis:- It also calculates your BMI and gives recommendations on health and educational grounds.
Complete Company Details:- You can also check the companies you can apply for sponsorship if you want to go for a Diploma in Nautical Science.
5:-ETO Medical Criteria
| Physical Standards | 1) Candidates should be physically fit for sea service under the standard norm, with eyesight up to 6/6 in the better eye. |
| 2) NO COLOR BLINDNESS, Partial Colour Blindness is also not acceptable. | |
| 3) The D.G. Shipping Medical Certificate must be issued by D.G. Shipping Approved Doctors, under the specified medical examination requirements. |
There is so much information about the medical requirements in the Merchant Navy that it is next to impossible to compress everything in a blog that’s why we have made a dedicated series for the medical requirements of the Merchant Navy.
6:-Sponsorship & Interview of ETO
One of the most important steps to becoming an ETO in Merchant Navy is Sponsorship. Sponsorship is like a guarantee that companies give to candidates that after passing out from maritime college they will be placed onboard with the same company they have taken sponsorship from. To get a Sponsorship you need to clear an interview with a shipping company prior to DG Shipping medicals.
7:-Best ETO Colleges in India
7.1:-Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy, Maharashtra
Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy is one of the best ETO college in India conducting 4 months of ETO Course. They boast a 100% placement rate as they have their own shipping company Anglo Eastern Ship Management so you will have no problem after the course. With the fees of 3.3 lakhs, you will be appointed as a trainee ETO on their own ship.
Eligibility Criteria for Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy:-
| In class 12th or equivalent have scored a minimum 65% marks in PCM or Diploma aggregate 65%. For Diploma candidates with lateral entry to the 2nd year of B.Tech, need to have scored 65% and above in the Diploma followed by the Degree eligibility criteria. Should have obtained not less than 50% marks in English as a separate subject, at either 10th or 12th standard conducted by a recognized Board/ University. |
| The maximum age should not exceed 28 years on the date of commencement of the course – usually commences in March every year. Marital Status – Unmarried |
| Physically fit and should meet the medical requirements as specified by DGS guidelines, eyesight 6/12 in each eye without visual aids and no color blindness. |
CLICK HERE for more information about Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy
7.2:- Tolani Maritime Institute, Maharashtra
Tolani Maritime Academy offers one of the best learning experiences with top-notch infrastructure and a practical training facility. It is easily one of the best choices out there. Be it DNS, B.Sc, or ETO the standards are well and the job is secure. 3.15 lakhs is the fee for the ETO course in TMI with a 100% placement.
Eligibility Criteria for Tolani Maritime Academy
| Passed 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minimum of 55% marks and English with a minimum of 50% marks. |
| Passed a four-year degree with 60% marks in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering only. Minimum 6 months of industrial experience is preferred. |
| The degree courses must have been recognized by any State or Central Government or the AICTE and conducted in the English language. |
| Not more than 28 years on the date of commencement of training and medically fit including eyesight and hearing as prescribed in the Merchant Shipping. |
Check out our COLLEGE PORTAL to know more about Tolani or any other college
7.3:-Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute
Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute is a new training institute that has its own shipping company Seven Islands Shipping. Here they provide immersive education to a batch size of 40 students. With the fees of 3.9 lakhs, students get 100% placement as they have their own shipping company. It has recently signed an MoU with Seaspan Shipping facilitating the smooth procedure and less waiting period overall.
Eligibility Criteria for Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute
| Passed a four-year BE / B Tech Degree 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 candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th standard exams. The degree courses must be recognized by any state or central Government or the AICTE. |
| Candidate must have passed class 12th from a recognized board. |
| The maximum age to apply is 24 years |
CLICK HERE to get detailed insight into Seven Islands Maritime Training Institute
8:-Rank Structure of an ETO
The electrical cadet or Trainee ETO is the starting rank onboard and goes way up to senior ETO. The promotions are given based on qualifications and experience. After completing sea-time of 8 months which most companies cover in 2 sails of 6 months each a trainee electrical cadet becomes eligible for Certificate of Competency (CoC) examinations. After clearing you can join your next ship as an Assistant Electro-Technical Officer after completing the necessary sea time you can go for the Senior ETO exams.
9:-Duties of an ETO
Generally, the job of an ETO is to find faults and repair any. It also includes installing and testing new electronic and electrical types of machinery. Maintenance of complex electronics and electrical systems is also accomplished by the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO). Somewhere senior ETOs are also appointed to supervise the electronic and electrical work on large-scale onboard ships.
To get to that level you need a lot of hard work and knowledge and we, a Merchant Navy platform can provide you that with our dedicated ETO Excellence Package that will allow the junior ETOs to get more technical and immersive knowledge through our videos and it allows them to learn what they couldn’t learn on-board ship.
There are many other things that an ETO does in the merchant navy depending on the rank on which he is working. To get detailed insight into the different ranks and their duties check out our dedicated blog on the Duties of an ETO in Merchant Navy.
The job of an ETO is not easy in any respect, there are a completely different set of challenges in their professional life. They are the only one onboard the ship who knows the ins and outs of the ship’s electrical system hence they have a set of challenges of their own. To know more about the Problems faced by ETO onboard CLICK HERE.
10:-Electro-Technical Officer Salary
The Electro-Technical Officer’s salary depends on a lot of factors such as the experience of a sailor, the type of ship on which he is sailing, and the type of company he is sailing with i.e. ownership or management company.
All of this makes up the salary of an ETO. At the start of this career, the salary of an ETO trainee can earn 500$ to 800$ depending on the factors discussed above. Once you complete your 8 months of training as an ETO you can go for the ETO course CoC where you will be paid according to the ship and experience.
Let’s say, if an ETO has 6 years of experience on a Bulk Carrier, then the salary of ETO will be from 2500$ to 4000$ a month.
If the same person sails on an Oil Tanker then the salary of an ETO will be 5000$ a month.
Let’s say an ETO sails on an LNG Carrier with 6 years of experience he will be paid 8000$ a month.
If an ETO is on a Cruise, then the salary of an ETO will be 10000$ a month with 6 years of experience.
** Again these salaries are not fixed, they may change according to market demands of an ETO and the technological advancement of the shipping industry.
11:-FAQs about Electro-Technical Officer
1:-What is the salary of an ETO in the Merchant Navy?
The salary of an ETO depends on a lot of factors such as the type of ship, experience, and the type of company he is sailing with. So, with 6 years of Salary, an ETO would earn up to 4000$ a month in bulk carriers, 5000$ a month in Oil tankers, 8000$ a month in LNG Carriers, and a whooping 10,000$ a month in Cruise lines.
2:-What should be the the qualification for an ETO in merchant navy?
- Passed 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 55% 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
3:-Is ETO a good career option?
Short and simple answer YES. It is one of the best career choices you can go for after you engineering. There are many reasons as this career offers immense growth with a handsome salary and an opportunity to roam around the world while working at the same time. If a career is giving this much with the officer post and respect then you should definitely consider and learn more about it.
To get more detailed insight about the ETO course you can click here to access the free ETO course on Merchant Navy Decoded.
4:-Can an ETO become a Chief Engineer?
The opportunities after becoming an ETO is immense one such opportunity is to go for Chief Engineer. You can’t become a Chief Engineer directly, for that, you need to clear MEO Class IV first and then after becoming 4th Engineer, you can get promotions up to Chief Engineer.
To know about the complete procedure CLICK HERE.
5:-What is the course duration of ETO?
ETO Course just like any other maritime course is divided into two sections:- On-Campus Training and On-Board Training. After getting a sponsorship you will be imparted knowledge about seamanship and shipping for 4 months in college and after that, you will have training on board for 8 months after which you can appear for ETO CoC.
6:-Can we get an educational loan for ETO in merchant navy?
You can get an educational loan for ETO in Merchant Navy only if you are sponsored by any shipping company. To get complete details about the educational loan for merchant navy, go to the free ETO Course Series on Merchant Navy Decoded.
7:-How to get a Sponsorship for ETO?
For ETO, you can fill out the forms of Anglo-Eastern, SCI MTI, Seven Islands, Great Eastern, Tolani Maritime, and Samundra Institute of Maritime Shipping after engineering. They will call you for the written and interview clearing which will get you to the medical exam and if you clear merchant navy medicals then you can go to college with the sponsorship.
Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.
Reproduction, copying, sharing, or use of the article or images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission from both the author and Merchant Navy Decoded.
Nice and informative👏
Thankyou Nitish, happy it helped.
SIR, how can an ETO become a 4th engineer and subsequently climb the ladder up to chief engineer and is this really worth doing.
yes possible and worth doing for sure but a long and tedious process , which I will surely write about soon.
Really waiting for your insight on this topic.
Join
Sir good morning,IAM shanmukha Rao from India IAM interested ETR posstion I have experience in land side like chemical industry,and manfatchring industry sir please guide to me how to join cruseship in marchntnavy sir these is my number 8828606266
Hi shanmukh, hope you doing well.
We are really sorry to inform you that as of now we do not deal with any vacancy queries.
– Team merchant navy decoded
can a diploma holder in mechanical engineering apply for ETO course?? Plese tell me!!
No but you can apply for GME
I have diploma in electrical engineering through Lateral entry 2 years can i eligible for ETO
Hello Ajay,
Yes you are eligible.
For full information that how to join?, where to apply? how to apply ? and wants full guidance to joining Merchant Navy as ETO then our Experts will guide you in proper direction so for that you need to go through our ASK YOUR QUERY PORTAL
https://www.merchantnavydecoded.com/contact-us/
Team Merchant Navy Decoded
we are currently recruiting for ETO and 3rd and 4th officer
[…] role of an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) onboard a ship is a crucial one, as they are responsible for ensuring that all electrical systems […]
[…] Electro Technical Officer (ETO) […]
[…] To become an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), you have to do a 17-week mandatory pre-sea training course for ETO on merchant ships along with 8 months of onboard training. Check eligibility here- ETO. […]
[…] Electro-Technical Officers (ETO) […]
[…] become an ETO officer onboard a merchant navy ship, you have to enrol yourself into a pre-sea ETO […]
[…] who want to pursue Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS), Graduate Marine Engineering (GME), or Electro-Technical Officer course have to clear sponsorship exams of shipping companies before appearing for the IMU-CET in […]
Sir
I have +2pcm is 57% can i join eto course
Which of the colleges can i choose
Hey there, you can go for ETO as your marks in 12th is above 55% however the thing that matters is your marks in the final year of engineering. TO know more about the eligibility you can call on 7417349336.
[…] of colleges to be preferred for Electro Technical Officer pre-sea training course with a brief […]
Hello Sir/Madam ,
I have done diploma after my 10std bases .. with 66% . Am I eligible for ETO course .
Thanks in advance
Hi Rohit, so there’s a good news for you, you are eligible for ETO Course from SCI and Seven Islands. If you need any more information you can check out our free Guidance Series about ETO in our website.
Hope it helps.
Sir, 2 years of diploma and 3years of degree in electrical engg. Can eligible for eto course.
Sir,3 years of degree are allowed
Hi Yash, yes you are eligible for ETO Course. If you want more info about it, you can check out free ETO Guidance Series from our website.
Respected Sir,I had completed diploma in computer hardware engineering and also completed btech electrical engineering through lateral entry. Both have 70 above percentage in mark.So am i eligible for eto course
Hey Abhay, to check the eligibility for ETO, you need to check our ETO Eligibility Calculator, as there are many other factor that needed to be there for ETO. To learn more about ETO, check out our free ETO guidance series that will give you insight about ETO.
Can we also get admission in colleges without sponsorship..
Yes, you can get admission in the college without sponsorship, but we do not recommend it as you might face difficulty after clearing your college. For more information regarding the sponsorship for ETO, check out our free ETO Guidance Series.