Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
DescriptionThe Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Programme is one of the most technically specialised and strategically important officer-level courses in the Indian maritime sector — and one of the most in-demand qualifications in the global Merchant Navy today. Approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, and aligned with the STCW Convention amendments of 2010 adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the ETO programme is designed specifically for Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates and diploma holders who wish to transition from land-based engineering into a high-responsibility, high-reward career at sea.
The International Maritime Organization at its Manila Conference in 2010 adopted a fresh set of amendments to the STCW Convention 1978, introducing new education, training, and assessment programmes for the increased use of electro-technology, control engineering, and computerisation in modern ship design, construction, instrumentation, and operations. Accordingly, it prescribes the issuance of Certificates of Competency (COC) to a new category of technically qualified and trained officers — the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).
ETOs are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all electrical, electronic, and automation systems on ships. The course focuses on shipboard electrical systems, power generation and distribution, automation and control systems, navigation electronics, communication equipment, safety systems, and preventive maintenance.
In today's modern maritime industry, Electro-Technical Officers have become indispensable. With ships increasingly relying on advanced electrical and electronic systems, the ETO serves as the ship's technology guardian — ensuring everything from engine automation to navigation systems works smoothly.
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, the ETO programme is delivered with the full rigour and international compliance that defines our institution. Located in Mumbai — the nerve centre of India's maritime industry — our campus gives ETO cadets direct access to the maritime ecosystem, industry connections, and a training environment that reflects the realities of modern commercial shipping at the highest level .
Who Is the ETO?
The Electro-Technical Officer is a licensed member of a merchant ship's engine department, responsible for monitoring sensors and alarm systems. They are on call 24 hours a day, working a daily shift on electrical and electronic maintenance, repairs, diagnosis, installations, and testing.
Electro-Technical Officers are accountable for checking all electronic and electrical equipment on a ship to ensure operational safety and competency. These officers work in cooperation with officers from both the Deck and Engine departments for assistance related to electrical and hydraulic technology. General work responsibilities include power management and distribution systems and maintenance of other ship areas such as reefers, lifts, and electrical bus systems.
In short, the ETO is the technical backbone of a modern vessel — the officer who ensures that the ship's complex, interconnected electrical and electronic systems never fail, and when issues arise, resolves them swiftly and safely.
Eligibility Criteria
As Per DG Shipping Guidelines
Educational Qualification
Candidates must obtain a minimum of 60% marks in a three-year diploma programme, or a minimum of 50% marks in a four-year degree programme including lateral entry, in the fields of Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication, Electronics and Instrumentation, or an equivalent discipline.
Candidates must also pass Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and have a minimum of 50% marks in English in the 10th or 12th standard examinations.
Age Requirement
The maximum age should not exceed 35 years as on the date of commencement of the course. This relatively generous upper age limit makes the ETO programme an excellent career transition option for experienced engineers seeking a more rewarding and globally mobile profession.
Medical & Physical Fitness
Candidates must be physically fit and meet the medical requirements as specified by DGS guidelines.
- Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a DG Shipping-approved doctor — mandatory prior to admission
- Good eyesight meeting DG Shipping maritime medical standards
- No hearing impairments or physical disabilities affecting the performance of shipboard duties
- Good overall physical health with no serious medical conditions
- A valid Indian Passport (or passport application in process at time of admission)
Medical fitness must be confirmed prior to enrolment. A list of DG Shipping-approved doctors is available at www.dgshipping.gov.in.
Course Duration & Training Pathway
The complete ETO training pathway consists of three stages:
- Pre-Sea Training (4 Months) – DG Shipping approved shore-based training.
- Sea Training Part 1 (8 Months) – Structured onboard training as a Trainee Electro-Technical Officer.
- Sea Training Part 2 (6 Months) – Further sea service as an Assistant Electro-Technical Officer.
Upon successful completion of the 17-week classroom training, cadets are awarded a Pre-Sea Course Certificate and are qualified to join a ship as a Trainee Electro-Technical Officer.
Candidates are required to complete at least 8 months of training service on merchant navy vessels. Upon completion of onboard training, candidates become eligible to appear for the Certificate of Competency (COC) Examination conducted by DG Shipping.
Career Pathway
4 Months Pre-Sea Training at AIIMT → ETO Pre-Sea Course Certificate + CDC + INDOS → 8 Months Sea Service as Trainee ETO → Eligible for DGS COC Examination → Certified Electro-Technical Officer
Programme Structure & Syllabus
The ETO programme at Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai is structured around the DGS-approved curriculum aligned with STCW 2010 Convention requirements, combining rigorous theoretical instruction with extensive practical laboratory and simulator training. The ETO course syllabus is officially approved by DG Shipping, Government of India, and aligns with STCW Convention IMO requirements, ensuring comprehensive training in both theoretical and practical aspects required for modern shipboard electrical and electronic systems.
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties
Certificates Awarded on Completion
Upon successful completion of pre-sea training and passing all assessments at Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, cadets are awarded:
- ETO Pre-Sea Course Completion Certificate — issued by AMTCR and approved by DG Shipping
- STCW Basic Safety Training Certificates (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR)
- INDOS Registration — Indian National Database of Seafarers
- Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) — internationally recognised seafarer identity and service record document
Following completion of structured sea service, candidates become eligible to appear for the ETO Certificate of Competency (COC) Examination conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.
Fees Structure
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, our ETO programme fee structure is designed to be transparent and accessible.
| Fee Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Training Fees | Inclusive of all course modules, laboratory training, simulator sessions, and STCW safety certification |
| Registration & Admission Fee | One-time, payable at the time of admission |
| COC Examination Preparation Fee | Study materials and mock examination support for DGS COC examination |
| Uniform & Kit Fee | All required uniforms, safety gear, PPE, and training materials |
| Medical Examination Fee | DG Shipping-approved pre-admission medical conducted by a panel doctor |
| Library & Study Material Fee | All course textbooks, technical manuals, and study resources |
Scope of the Programme
The ETO qualification opens doors across the global maritime and offshore industry, including container ships, LNG carriers, offshore platforms, cruise liners, and research vessels.
Growing automation, digitisation, and smart ship technology have made Electro-Technical Officers indispensable aboard modern vessels.
- Technical Superintendent Roles — Fleet-wide technical management and maintenance oversight.
- Maritime Training & Education — Instructor and course development opportunities.
- Shipyard & OEM Service Roles — Technical support and commissioning positions.
- Port Authority & Marine Consultancy — Regulatory, inspection, and consultancy roles.
Career Growth Path
The ETO programme leads directly to an officer-level career pathway with excellent earning potential.
| Stage | Position | Approximate Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| On Joining | Trainee ETO / Junior ETO | USD 1,200 – USD 2,000/month |
| After COC Certification | Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) | USD 2,500 – USD 4,500/month |
| Senior Level | Senior ETO / Chief Electrical Officer | USD 4,500 – USD 7,000/month |
| Shore-Based / Management | Technical Superintendent / Marine Consultant | ₹10 – ₹25 Lakhs/Annum |
Tax-free income may apply if you remain at sea for 183 or more days per year, subject to prevailing Indian tax regulations.
Placement Opportunities
Why Choose Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai?
- DGS Approved & Grade A1 (Outstanding) Rated Institution
- Officer-Level Qualification from Day One
- Located in Mumbai – India's Maritime Capital
- STCW 2010 Compliant Training
- Advanced Laboratory & Simulator Facilities
- Experienced Technical Faculty
- Active Placement Support
- Transparent Fee Structure
- Educational Loan Facilitation Available
At Asha Marine Technical College & Research (AMTCR), Pali, Mumbai, the ETO programme serves as a bridge between your engineering education and a rewarding officer-level maritime career.