The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course is a 4-month DG Shipping-approved officer-level pre-sea training programme for Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates and diploma holders who wish to join the Merchant Navy as licensed technical officers responsible for all electrical, electronic, and automation systems aboard commercial vessels.
The ETO is an officer-level qualification. Graduates join as technical officers rather than ratings, with significantly higher responsibilities, career progression, and earning potential. The programme is specifically designed for engineering graduates and diploma holders in electrical and electronics-related disciplines.
Candidates must have a minimum of 60% marks in a 3-year Diploma or 50% marks in a 4-year B.E./B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, EEE, ECE, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation, or an equivalent discipline. A minimum of 50% marks in English at the 10th or 12th standard is also required.
The maximum age limit is 35 years on the date of commencement of the course, making it an excellent career transition opportunity for experienced engineers.
No. ETO admissions are based on academic qualifications, DG Shipping medical fitness, and the institute's screening process. No IMU-CET or other entrance examination is required.
Candidates must obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor. Standard maritime eyesight, hearing, and physical fitness requirements apply, and candidates must be free from conditions that may affect shipboard duties.
The pre-sea training is 4 months. After completion, candidates undertake 8 months of structured sea service as a Trainee ETO, become eligible for the DG Shipping Certificate of Competency (COC) examination, and upon passing are certified as fully licensed Electro-Technical Officers.
The curriculum includes Marine Electrical Systems, Power Generation, Engine Room Automation, PLCs, Navigation Electronics, Communication Systems, High Voltage Safety, Marine Instrumentation, Simulator Training, STCW Safety Courses, and Maritime Law.
The Certificate of Competency (COC) is the professional licence issued by the Directorate General of Shipping that authorises a candidate to serve as a licensed Electro-Technical Officer aboard commercial vessels worldwide.
Cadets receive an ETO Pre-Sea Course Completion Certificate, STCW Basic Safety Certificates (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR), INDOS Registration, and a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).
An ETO is responsible for operating, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting all electrical, electronic, automation, navigation, communication, power generation, safety, and emergency systems aboard the vessel.
Trainee ETOs typically earn USD 1,200–2,000 per month. Certified ETOs earn USD 2,500–4,500 per month, while Senior ETOs and Chief Electrical Officers may earn more than USD 7,000 per month.
Yes. If you spend 183 or more days at sea during a financial year and qualify as a Non-Resident Indian, your seafaring income may be tax-free under applicable Indian tax laws.
Yes. Experienced ETOs often transition into Technical Superintendent positions, OEM service engineering roles, maritime training and education, marine consultancy, and port authority positions.
Yes. The ETO programme is fully residential during the 4-month pre-sea training period.
Yes. Eligible candidates can obtain educational loans from nationalised banks with assistance from the institute.
Generally, no. The ETO programme is specifically intended for candidates from Electrical, Electronics, EEE, ECE, Electronics & Telecommunication, and Electronics & Instrumentation backgrounds. Mechanical Engineers may explore the Marine Engineer Officer (MEO) pathway instead.
AIIMT provides placement assistance through campus recruitment drives, global shipping company networks, sponsorship opportunities, COC preparation guidance, and alumni support.
ETOs serve on container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers, LNG carriers, offshore support vessels, cruise liners, dredgers, and research vessels equipped with advanced electrical and automation systems.
Career progression typically moves from Trainee ETO to Certified ETO, Senior ETO, and Chief Electrical Officer. With experience, ETOs can also move into Technical Superintendent roles, OEM service positions, maritime training, and marine consultancy.