The electro-technical officer (ETO) looks after everything on board that runs on electricity and electronics: generators and switchboards, motors, automation, navigation and communication equipment. Ships are becoming more electric and more automated every year, and good ETOs are hard to find. The way in is the electrical cadetship.
What an electrical cadet does
- Rounds and checks of the main switchboard, generators and distribution panels.
- Maintenance of electric motors, starters, lighting and emergency power.
- Work with automation and alarm systems, sensors and control circuits.
- Help with deck machinery: cranes, winches, hatch covers.
- Records in the Training Record Book, signed off by the ETO or the Chief Engineer.
Sea time and the certificate
Under STCW (regulation III/6), the ETO certificate requires at least 12 months of combined workshop skill training and approved seagoing service, of which at least six months must be seagoing service as part of an approved training programme. There is also a separate rating level — electro-technical rating (III/7) — for those who start without an officer's education.
What crewing agencies look for
- An electrical or electronics education — a maritime academy, a college or a related technical degree.
- Basic STCW training, a seafarer medical and a seaman's book.
- English — manuals, alarm lists and diagrams are in English.
- Practical skills: reading electrical diagrams, a multimeter, soldering, PLC basics. Shore experience as an electrician counts for a lot.
Where to look
Electrical cadet positions are fewer than deck or engine ones, so use every channel: shipowners' cadet programmes, crewing agencies (write "electrical cadet" or "ETO cadet" in the subject) and job boards. Current offers for qualified officers are on the ETO vacancies page — it shows which companies and vessel types are hiring electro-technical officers right now, which is where to send your cadet CV too.
Where it leads
After the certificate you work as ETO. Experience on cruise ships, offshore vessels, gas carriers and modern container ships is especially valued — these ships carry the most complex electrical plant. Ashore, ETOs move into electrical superintendent, automation and service-engineer roles.
As with any cadetship, never pay anyone for a place. Prepare a clear one-page maritime CV with your diplomas, courses and practical skills, and keep an eye on the ETO vacancies.