Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Start Your Merchant Navy Career as an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
What is the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course?
The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course from Heroical Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. is a 17-week fully residential conversion program, authorized by the Directorate General of Shipping in the Government of India. The course is for graduates and diploma holders of select streams in electrical and electronics engineering who want to sail in the Merchant Navy as professional Electro-Technical Officers. During the course, cadets will be trained on various components of managing shipboard electrical and electronics systems and how to maintain safe, reliable and efficient systems. ETOs are responsible for power distribution and the troubleshooting of technical faults, with many shipboard systems being critical to the operation of the vessel, which follow and depend on the ETO for operations including; reefers, lifts, electrical bus systems and hydraulic systems.
The ETO works as part of the team with Deck Officers and Engine Officers, while ensuring operational safety and efficiency at any given time. The delivery of the course includes a structured curriculum, practical sessions as well as simulation sessions that ensure cadets complete their training with the technical knowledge, professional confidence and practical competencies required to develop a successful career at sea.
What You Will Learn from the Course?
- Basics of Marine Engineering
- Marine Electrical Systems and Power Management
- Marine Electronics Systems
- Fire Prevention and Safety Technology
- Maintenance of shipboard electrical equipment
- Power distribution and monitoring systems
- Troubleshooting electrical and hydraulic systems
- Safety procedures and operational standards
What Are the Career Opportunities After Choosing the Course?
Graduates of the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course have excellent career opportunities in the Merchant Navy. After completing the 17-week residential program, cadets serve onboard as Trainee Electrical Engineers for 6–8 months, gaining practical exposure to shipboard operations. They then progress to positions such as Junior Electrical Officer and eventually Electro-Technical Officer (ETO). With experience, additional training, and certifications, candidates can advance to senior technical roles on national and international merchant vessels. This career offers professional growth, high demand for skilled officers, global exposure, and the chance to play a vital role in shipboard safety and operations.
Eligibility Criteria of the Course
Eligibility for the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course requires candidates to meet academic, medical, and documentation standards under DG Shipping rules. The program admits diploma or degree holders in electrical and electronics disciplines who also satisfy the English language requirement. Age, medical fitness, eyesight, and possession of a passport are additional mandatory requirements. These eligibility norms ensure that only technically capable and physically fit candidates enter the program, preparing them to handle the challenges of working onboard merchant ships.
What is the Career Progression Path?
The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course offers structured career progression with practical training, certifications, and opportunities for advancement on merchant vessels.
- 17-Week ETO Training: Residential learning with theory and workshops.
- 6–8 Months Sea Service: Trainee Electrical Engineer onboard ship.
- Junior Electrical Officer: Entry-level responsibility for shipboard electrical systems.
- Electro-Technical Officer (ETO): Full responsibility for electrical operations.
- Advanced Certification: Additional training for senior-level responsibilities onboard.
- Senior Technical Roles: Leadership in managing ship electrical systems.
- Global Opportunities: Work on international merchant navy vessels.
Course Duration and Approval
- Course Duration: 17 weeks, fully residential conversion program.
- Approval: Approved by Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.
- Structure: Combines theory, practical workshops, and simulation training.
- Residential Requirement: Mandatory campus stay with practical exposure.
Course Highlights
- Residential Training: Complete on-campus learning environment with practical focus.
- Experienced Faculty: Guidance from senior marine officers and experts.
- Simulation Training: Hands-on experience with shipboard system simulators.
- Practical Exposure: Training in maintaining and troubleshooting systems.
- Industry-Ready Skills: Focus on safety, reliability, and operational standards.
- Certification Assistance: Support in completing examinations and documentation.
- Career Guidance: Placement mentoring and structured career advice.
- Global Careers: Opportunities on international merchant vessels.
Admission Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Application Submission: Candidates complete admission form with personal, educational details and submit it to Heroical Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. |
| Step 2 | Document Verification: Submit required educational certificates, identity proof, and passport for verification as per Directorate General of Shipping admission requirements. |
| Step 3 | Eligibility Screening: Academic results, English proficiency, and engineering background are checked against course requirements before proceeding with further admission steps. |
| Step 4 | Medical Examination: Candidates undergo DG Shipping-approved medical fitness checkup, including eyesight test and overall health assessment for sea service suitability. |
| Step 5 | Interview and Counseling: Selected candidates attend a personal interview to evaluate motivation, discipline, and readiness for a Merchant Navy career. |
| Step 6 | Admission Confirmation: Successful candidates receive an official admission letter confirming their selection into the Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) course. |
| Step 7 | Fee Payment: Candidates pay tuition fees and associated residential charges to secure their confirmed admission into the 17-week program. |
| Step 8 | Joining Formalities: Students report to campus for orientation, hostel allocation, uniforms, and induction into the fully residential training program. |
