ETO Course: Duration, Fees, Colleges, and Career Prospects

Do you enjoy reading voyage stories? Have you ever wondered about the professionals who ensure the smooth functioning of large ships and vessels? An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) plays a crucial role in maintaining and managing a ship’s electrical and electronic systems, from installations to repairs. Pursuing an ETO course can turn your dream of working on a ship into reality.

A career in the maritime sector offers adventure, global exposure, and professional growth. This blog provides a complete guide to the ETO course, its eligibility, syllabus, career opportunities, and the top institutions offering this program.

What is ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) in Merchant Navy?

An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) joins the Merchant Navy after completing the 4-month ETO course. The training follows strict shipping guidelines and includes practical demonstrations, audio-visual aids, and hands-on sessions. After gaining sufficient sea experience, candidates must appear for the Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. Once certified, they officially become an ETO in the Merchant Navy.

Responsibilities of an ETO

An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) reports to the Chief Engineer and performs several critical tasks on board. Key responsibilities include:

• An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) reports directly to the Chief Engineer and performs several critical tasks on board a ship.
• The ETO checks all devices and electronic equipment on the ship to ensure there are no malfunctions.
• Electro-Technical Officer ensures that all required electrical equipment on the vessel is fully functional and up to date.
• The ETO coordinates technical tasks and maintenance schedules with shore-based technicians to maintain smooth operations.
• ETO ensures that all equipment needed for safety during emergencies is readily available and operational at all times.

Explore: How to Join Merchant Navy After 12th in India: A Complete Career Guide

Eligibility Requirement for the ETO Course

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course is a specialised maritime program that prepares candidates for managing all electrical and electronic systems onboard ships. Given the responsibility and technical demands of the role, candidates must meet certain educational, age, medical, and additional requirements. Below is a structured summary of these requirements.

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must have a strong foundation in science or engineering to handle technical shipboard systems. Eligibility can be based on either higher secondary education or a diploma/degree in relevant fields.

Eligibility for ETO Course	Requirements of ETO
Class 12	Must have passed Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM), and English as separate subjects. Minimum 50% marks in English in 10th or 12th.
Diploma	Diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, or related fields. Minimum 60% aggregate marks. English must be studied in the 10th or diploma course conducted in English.
BE/B.Tech	Degree in Electrical, Electronics, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, or related fields. Lateral entry into the 2nd year after the diploma is allowed if the criteria are met.

2. Age Limit of Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)

The role of an ETO requires mental alertness and physical stamina for 24-hour shipboard operations. Only candidates within the age limit are considered fit for training.

Age Limit of ETO	Details of Age Limit of ETO
Maximum Age	26 years at the commencement of the course.

3. Medical Fitness for ETO

Being physically and medically fit is crucial for handling technical duties and emergencies at sea. Candidates undergo rigorous medical checks to ensure safety and operational efficiency onboard.

Medical Requirement	Standards for Medical Fitenes
Vision	Minimum unaided vision of 6/12.
Color Vision	No color blindness; tested with the Ishihara chart.
Hearing & Physical	Must meet overall fitness requirements as per Merchant Shipping rules.
Certification	A medical fitness certificate issued by a DG Shipping-approved doctor is mandatory.

4. Additional Requirements

Apart from academic and medical qualifications, candidates must fulfill some administrative and selection-related criteria to secure admission.

Additional Requirements of ETO	Details of Requirements
Passport	Valid passport mandatory.
Admission Process	May include online test, interview, and medical examination. Candidates must clear all stages for final selection.

Duration and Structure of the ETO Course

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course combines shore-based theoretical training with onboard practical experience to prepare candidates for handling all electrical and electronic systems on merchant vessels. The program is approved by DG Shipping and offered at maritime institutes such as Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA).

The course ensures that candidates develop both technical knowledge and practical skills required to become competent Electro-Technical Officers. It consists of a 4-month pre-sea training followed by 8 months of structured onboard sea service.

1. Duration of ETO Course

The total training period for the ETO course includes both classroom learning and hands-on onboard experience.

Component of ETO Course	Duration	Description
Pre-Sea Training	4 months	Classroom instruction, practical labs for electrical and electronic systems, safety, communication skills, and ship systems.
Onboard Sea Service	8 months	Structured onboard training as trainee ETOs, with practical exposure to shipboard electrical, electronic, and control systems.

2. Course Structure of ETO

The course is divided into theory, practical labs, and onboard training to prepare candidates for real shipboard responsibilities.

Component of Course	Details
Pre-Sea Training	Theory subjects, practical electrical/electronic labs, safety procedures, communication skills, ship systems overview.
Onboard Training	Hands-on experience with diagnostics, repairs, control systems, and safety procedures under supervision on merchant vessels.
Certification	Completion of onboard training grants eligibility to appear for the Electro-Technical Officer Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam conducted by DG Shipping.

3. Course Schedule and Batches

Institutes conduct multiple batches every year, and batch size and timings can affect your admission and training plan.

Parameters of Schedule and Batches	Details
Annual Batches	Typically 3 batches (e.g., January, June, October)
Batch Size	Around 40 candidates per batch
Practical Exposure	Electrical, electronic, control systems, diagnostics, repairs, and shipboard safety procedures

4. Additional Details of Electro-Technical Officer

Other important aspects like stipend, boarding, lodging, and selection process should be considered before applying.

Features of Electro-Technical Officer	Information
Stipend	Candidates receive stipend during onboard training
Boarding & Lodging	Free during onboard period
Admission Requirements	Clearing online test, personal interview, and medical fitness as per DG Shipping standards
Career Preparation	Prepares candidates for roles including Electrical Officer, Assistant Electrical Officer, and Trainee ETO

Syllabus of the ETO Course

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course syllabus for 2025 is officially approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), Government of India and aligns with STCW Convention IMO requirements. The syllabus ensures comprehensive training in both theoretical and practical aspects required for modern shipboard electrical and electronic systems.

1. Theory Subjects and Hours

The pre-sea training of ETO covers various subjects, and knowing the hours helps plan your learning schedule effectively.

Sr. No.	Code	Subject	Hours
1.	SAF	First Week Safety Familiarisation	25
2.	ISE	Introduction to Ship’s Equipment	30
3.	EE	Electrical Engineering	39
4.	ECS	Electronics & Control Systems	68
5.	RM	Repairs and Maintenance	46
6.	SEP	Safety and Environmental Protection	17
7.	CNW	Computer & Networking	18
8.	HR	Human Resources & Communication Skills	36
9.	SC	Ship Construction	13
Total Theory Hours			292

2. Practical Subjects and Hours

Practical labs and workshops form an important part of the Electro-Technical Officer, giving hands-on experience in shipboard systems.

Sr. No.	Code	Subject	Hours
1.	LAB	Basic Electrical Lab	35
2.	LAB	Electronics Lab	35
3.	LAB	Workshop Skills	35
4.	LAB	Maintenance and Repair Lab	35
5.	LAB	Control Lab	35
6.	LAB	Last Week: Galley, Bridge Equipment	34
Total Practical Hours			199

3. Core Competency Topics of ETO

The following are the important skills and knowledge areas you are expected to master to perform efficiently as an ETO.

Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals

• Direct and alternating currents (DC & AC)
• Electrical circuits, semiconductors, and transistors
• Rectifiers, transformers, and electrical machines (motors & generators)

Control and Automation Systems

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Motor starters and electronics control
• Feedback systems and automation

Ship Electrical Systems

• Power distribution boards and switchgear
• Generator and motor operations
• Emergency power systems
• Maintenance and repair procedures

Safety and Environmental Protection

• Ship safety regulations and firefighting systems
• Electrical safety practices onboard
• Environmental protection measures

Computer Networking

• Networking principles for shipboard systems
• Troubleshooting and configuration

Human Factors

• Communication skills
• Teamwork and human resources management

Ship Construction

• Basic ship layout and design
• Electrical and electronic installations

Also Read: What is Tech Entry in the Indian Navy: Eligibility and Selection Process

ETO Skills and Competencies

The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course equips trainees with technical expertise, safety awareness, and leadership skills to operate, maintain, and manage electrical, electronic, control, automation, and high-voltage systems on modern merchant vessels. The table below summarises all the core skills, practical and theoretical training, and certifications:

Categories of ETO Skills	Competency or  Function of ETO	Details
Electrical, Electronic, and Control Engineering	Operation & Monitoring	Managing electrical, electronic, and control systems on board.
	Power Systems	Handling power distribution boards, high-voltage systems (above 1,000 volts), and electrical machines like motors and generators.
	Control & Automation	Monitoring propulsion and auxiliary machinery; using and troubleshooting automation and control systems.
	Shipboard IT	Operating shipboard computers, networks, and digital control systems.
Maintenance and Repair	Inspection	Inspecting electrical and electronic equipment for faults.
	Repairs	Diagnosing system issues and performing corrective maintenance.
	Workshop Skills	Practical handling of electrical, electronics, and control system components in lab settings.
Safety and Environmental Protection	Electrical Safety	Following onboard safety practices for electrical systems.
	Environmental Protection	Applying pollution control measures and complying with maritime environmental regulations.
	Life-Saving & Firefighting	Operating life-saving appliances and firefighting systems.
	First Aid	Administering medical aid and ensuring personnel safety onboard.
Communication and HR Skills	Maritime Communication	Effective English communication, both written and oral, for ship operations.
	Internal Systems	Using onboard communication systems.
	Teamwork & Leadership	Managing teams, applying human resource skills, and showing leadership onboard.
STCW Competency Functions (Model Course 7.08)	Function 1	Electrical, electronic, and control engineering at the operational level.
	Function 2	Maintenance and repair at the operational level.
	Function 3	Controlling ship operations and ensuring care for persons onboard at the operational level.
Practical and Theoretical Training	Practical	Hands-on lab exposure to circuits, instruments, control devices, and safety systems.
	Theoretical	Study of electrical materials, circuit theory, automated control, power systems, and ship construction related to electrical installations.
Alignments and Certification	Standards	Competencies follow STCW Code Table A-III/6 for Electro Technical Officers.
	Certification	Completion of the course and onboard training grants eligibility for Electro Technical Officer Certificate of Competency (CoC).

Top Colleges Offering the ETO Course

For aspiring Electro-Technical Officers, choosing a DG Shipping-approved institute is important. These top maritime colleges in India provide pre-sea and onboard training aligned with international standards, ensuring practical skills, safety knowledge, and CoC eligibility.

College Name Offering ETO Course	Location	Highlights of the Colleges
Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)	Maharashtra	17 weeks shore training + 8 months onboard, 100% placement, well-equipped labs and ship simulators
Samudra Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)	Maharashtra	Small batch size, ship-in-campus facility, strong industry ties, and sponsor support for cadets
The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies	Maharashtra	4 months pre-sea + 8 months onboard, modern infrastructure, reputed in maritime education
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)	Maharashtra	Excellent training infrastructure, industry placements including Maersk and EPS
HIMT College	India	4-month ETO course for electrical/electronics graduates, DG Shipping approved
AMET University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	India’s first marine university offering comprehensive maritime programs, including ETO

Fees and Costs of the ETO Course

The fees for the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course vary across maritime institutes depending on course duration, facilities, and onboard training provisions. Typical fees include admission, tuition for shore-based training, hostel/accommodation, study materials, uniforms, lab charges, medical examination, and practical/onboard training. 

Additional costs may include the DG Shipping Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam (₹37,000–₹50,000), advanced courses like High Voltage, Safety, and Medical First Aid, and travel, food, or lodging during onboard training, depending on the institute. 

Many institutes offer sponsorships, scholarships, and instalment options. Fees follow DG Shipping norms and STCW standards, though actual costs vary by institute reputation, facilities, and batch timing. To understand more, let us delve into the following table of fees and costs of ETO Course.

Institute of ETO Course	Course Duration	Approximate Fees (INR)	Remarks
Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA)	4 months shore + 8 months onboard	INR 4,00,000 – INR 4,15,000	Includes tuition, accommodation, food, laundry, uniform, books
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)	4 months shore + 8 months onboard	INR 3,15,000 – INR 4,15,000	Tuition, accommodation, food, laundry, uniform, books included
HIMT College	4 months shore	Around INR 2,00,000 (discounts available)	DG Shipping approved; includes course fee, accommodation, food
International Maritime Institute (IMI)	4 months shore	Around INR 2,50,000	Tuition only; hostel, medical, and other charges extra
Other Maritime Training Institutes	4 months shore	INR 2,00,000 – INR 5,00,000	Varies by location, facilities, and course inclusions

Career Opportunities After Completing the ETO Course

Completing the Electro Technical Officer (ETO) course opens diverse career opportunities in the maritime and shipping industry, both onboard ships and in shore-based technical roles. Entry-level ETOs start as trainees onboard ships and can progress to Senior ETO, Chief Electrical Officer, or shore-based technical and management positions. 

Specialised roles are available on cruise ships, offshore oil rigs, and LNG carriers. Salaries range from USD 500–USD 800 per month during initial onboard training to USD 2,500–USD8,000+ per month with experience, with cruise ships and LNG carriers generally offering the highest remuneration. To understand better, let us understand from the following table:

Career Opportunities of ETO Course	Responsibilities of Electro Technical Officer	Roles of ETO
Electro Technical Officer (ETO)	Handles electrical/electronic systems on offshore rigs and specialised vessels.	Works under Chief Engineer; essential for ship operations.
Junior & Senior ETO	Entry-level training as Junior ETO; promotion to Senior ETO managing team and coordination.	Experience-based progression onboard merchant vessels.
Cruise Ship ETO	Maintains advanced entertainment, communication, and safety systems on luxury cruise ships.	High salary potential; strict quality and safety standards.
Offshore / Oil Rig ETO	Handles electrical/electronic systems on offshore rigs and specialized vessels.	Expertise in high voltage and hazardous environments required.
Shore-Based Technical Roles	Works in shipyards, maritime equipment manufacturers, shipping companies, or consulting firms.	Roles include technical support, maintenance planning, training, installation, and commissioning.
Career Progression	Advanced roles like Chief Electrical Officer, Technical Superintendent, or maritime management positions.	Opportunities expand with experience and higher certifications.

Explore: How You Can Get an Education Loan for Merchant Navy in India

Advantages and Challenges of Pursuing the ETO Course

The Electro Technical Officer (ETO) course offers a rewarding career with global opportunities, competitive salaries, and professional growth. However, it comes with significant challenges, including rigorous training, high responsibility, and adapting to shipboard life. The following table highlights the key advantages and challenges:

Advantages of Electro Technical Officer	Challenges of Electro Technical Officer
Promising career in the maritime industry with growing demand for skilled ETOs.	Mastering a wide range of complex electrical, electronic, and control systems onboard.
Competitive salary with additional perks like free accommodation, travel allowances, and onboard incentives.	Intensive practical and theoretical training requiring strong technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
International exposure, global travel, and multicultural work environments.	High responsibility handling critical ship systems, requiring quick decision-making under pressure.
Professional growth with DG Shipping Certificate of Competency (CoC) and promotion to Senior ETO or Chief Electrical Officer.	Extended periods at sea can cause isolation, fatigue, and require adaptation to confined shipboard living.
Hands-on, industry-relevant training for troubleshooting, repairs, and system operations.	Continuous updates in technology demand ongoing learning and additional certifications.
Respect and recognition as a licensed officer contributing to ship safety and operations.	Job roles vary by ship type, company, and equipment, sometimes creating unclear expectations.
Diverse opportunities on tankers, bulk carriers, cruise ships, offshore rigs, and shore-based roles.	Strict adherence to DG Shipping and STCW regulations; passing CoC exams is mandatory.
A strong foundation in technical and soft skills ensures readiness for challenging shipboard tasks.	Candidates must maintain medical fitness, psychological readiness, and effective communication for onboard coordination.

The Electro Technical Officer (ETO) course is a highly specialised maritime program. It equips candidates with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required for modern merchant vessels. While the course is demanding, it offers rewarding career prospects, international exposure, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth. Candidates who are technically proficient, adaptable, and committed can excel and enjoy a prestigious career in the global shipping industry.

FAQs

Top Highest Paying Aerospace Engineering Jobs Abroad	Aerospace Engineering in USA
Aerospace Engineering Salary Canada: A Complete Guide	You Need to Know About Aeronautical Engineering Salary
Aeronautical Courses after 12th	BE Aeronautical Engineering

We hope this blog on the topic ‘ETO Course’ helped you learn something new. To explore more, follow Leverage Edu now.