Electro-technical Officer

What qualities and skills do I need?

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) monitors all onboard electronic and electrical equipment – maximising the operational safety and efficiency of the vessel. As this particular role is still evolving, you may find it plays a significant part at Junior and Senior Officer levels. While on other ships, it’s part of the Engineer Officers’ jobs.

If your sights are set on this role, you should be interested in electrical and electronic control and power systems. There will be many times where your practical trouble shooting skills are called upon, along with your good team working abilities.

All Navigation (Deck), Engineering and Electro-Technical Officer ranks require a seafarer Certificate of Competency (CoC) – issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. You receive the Officer of the Watch certificate (OOW), on completing your Merchant Navy Training Board course through one of the maritime colleges/universities. Then – as your experience at sea grows and you pass the required examinations – you’ll get further certificates for promotion into the next job role.

Find out what the role of an Electro-Technical Officer involves