Why the Role of an Electro Technical Officer is Crucial in Modern Shipping

Published on Sep 3rd 2024

Every officer aboard a ship has their duty; if a deck cadet is learning the ropes, then the captain is making sure that everyone is safe and following the rules. At the same time, there are crew members taking care of the ship; its engine, the propulsion systems, and the hull. Among the many people on a ship is the Electro-Technical Officer. So, what is Electro-Technical officer? They are a specialised officer on board who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the maintenance and repair of electronic and electrical systems, including power generation, communication equipment and navigation aids, to complex automation systems.

The ETO ensures that these systems are functioning properly, which is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the ship.

The Key Responsibilities of an ETO are:

Maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment.
Troubleshooting and repairing faults in electronic systems
Managing the ship’s power distribution
Ensuring the proper operation of communication and navigation systems.
Monitoring and maintaining safety systems such as fire alarms and emergency lighting.

An Electro-Technical Officer in the Merchant Navy has a vital role in ensuring the smooth operations of the ship’s electric systems. This role has become increasingly important in the modern shipping industry, with technological advancements such as complex automation, navigation and electronic control systems.

Their daily duties include:

Regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical systems.
Working closely with other officers, especially with the chief engineer, to ensure that all the systems are operational.
Conducting routine tests on equipment and systems to detect any potential issues before they become serious problems. Regular maintenance by the ETO prevents system failures that could lead to costly downtime. Operational delays or accidents.
Staying updated on the latest technological advancements to efficiently handle the ship’s advanced systems.

The role of ETOs in Modern Shipping:

An ETO is also responsible for critical safety systems such as fire alarms, emergency lighting and lifeboat launching systems. Proper functioning of these systems is essential for the safety of the crew and the ship.
Ships, especially the modern ones, rely on electronic navigation systems like GPS, radar and electronic chart systems. The ETO maintains and ensures that these systems are operational, allowing the ship to navigate safely.
With increased automation, systems are controlling everything from engine operations to cargo handling. The ETO is responsible for these systems, ensuring that they operate smoothly and are correctly calibrated.
ETOs of today are also learning how to handle sophisticated equipment such as dynamic positioning systems, engine monitoring systems, and advanced communication technologies.
Since modern ships need to comply with stringent environmental regulations, the ETO needs to ensure that the ship’s electrical and electronic
systems are meeting these regulations, contributing to the ship’s environmental compliance.

Electro-Technical officer requirements

Educational Qualifications:

A Diploma or degree in electrical, electronics or Marine Engineering
Specialised courses or certifications in maritime electrical and electronic systems are highly beneficial

Skills:

Strong understanding of electrical and electronic systems.
Problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and repairing equipment.
Ability to work under pressure, especially during emergencies.
Good communication skills to work effectively with other crew members.

Certifications:

Candidates must hold a valid Certificate of Competency as an Electro-Technical Officer, issued by a recognised maritime authority.
Additional certifications in safety procedures, such as Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) are also required.

ETO Course in Merchant Navy:

The AMET Institute of Science and Technology offers the ETO Course, which equips the students with the knowledge and skills required to manage and maintain the electrical and electronic systems on board ships. The course is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training, focusing on maritime electrical engineering, automation and safety protocols.

AMET’s ETO course is a 4 month long, and includes a curriculum that teaches students the following topics:

Electrical Technology
Electronics
Automation
Safety.

After finishing the course, candidates can join ships in entry-level roles as trainee ETOs. With experience, they can progress to senior ETO positions, and eventually to specialised roles or shore-based careers in Maritime Engineering and Management. Additionally, they can join the Merchant Navy ships and work closely with the crew members to make sure the electric systems on the ship are working efficiently.