Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Jobs

Role overview

Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This is not a single vacancy with a fixed joining date: apply to be considered for upcoming ETO vacancies.

What a ETO does

The ETO is responsible for the electrical, electronic and control systems on board: main switchboard and generators, electric motors and starters, alarm and monitoring systems, automation, navigation and communication electronics, and on many ships the reefer container plugs and cranes. The ETO finds and repairs faults, carries out insulation tests and works on high-voltage systems under a permit to work. He or she reports to the chief engineer.

Certificates required

Certificate of Competency as Electro-Technical Officer (STCW Reg. III/6)
High-voltage (over 1,000 V) training, asked for by most employers on ships with high-voltage plants
Advanced fire fighting (STCW Reg. VI/3)
Medical first aid (STCW Reg. VI/4)
Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (STCW Reg. VI/2)
Basic Training (STCW Reg. VI/1): personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities
Proficiency in designated security duties (STCW Reg. VI/6)
Seafarer medical certificate (STCW Reg. I/9 and MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2), valid for a maximum of 2 years
Flag endorsement (STCW Reg. I/10) if the ship flies a different flag from the country that issued your certificate

Sea service and promotion

The ETO certificate (STCW Reg. III/6) needs approved electro-technical training plus seagoing service as set by the flag state. Electricians on board can start as Electro-Technical Rating (STCW Reg. III/7). Experienced ETOs are in demand on container ships with many reefer plugs, LNG carriers, cruise ships and DP offshore vessels.

Typical ships

Contract length

Commonly 4 to 6 months, set by the employer for each vacancy. MLC 2006 limits continuous service on board to less than 12 months before the seafarer is entitled to repatriation.