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Maritime NZ Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Requirements - Seafarer Certifications


Maritime NZ Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Certificate of Competency (MNZ SeaCert & STCW) Requirements for New Zealand Seafarers

eto nz

The Electro Technical Officer (ETO) is a licensed member of the engine department of a merchant ship and is the most vital in the technical hierarchy of modern advanced ships with automated and conventional Electrical and electronic systems. ETO maintains a wide range of complex onboard electronic and electrical equipment regularly deals with technical challenges and equipment as diverse as the main electric generation plant and electronic communication systems.

The ETO certificate is issued under regulation III/6 of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW). With this certificate, you can perform electrical, electronic and control engineering functions and duties at an operational level on a ship of any propulsion power in any operating area. The ETO certificate is valid for five years.

ship electricals



Maritime NZ Electro Technical Officer General Requirements

  • Medically fit and have good eyesight
  • Good character and a fit and proper person
  • Minimum sea service requirements
  • Meet the training requirements
  • Must have the required ancillary certificates
  • Pass MNZ’s final exam

Maritime New Zealand Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Requirements

  • At least 18 years old

MNZ ETO Prior Certification Requirements

  • None required.

MNZ Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Sea Service Requirements

  • Option 1: At least 36 months’ combined sea service and workshop skills training on ships of 750kW propulsion power or more, including - at least 30 months working in the engine department and at least six weeks of workshop skills training relevant to electro-technical duties.
  • Option 2: A total of 12 months’ combined sea service and workshop skills training on ships over 750kW propulsion power, including - at least six months’ sea service and structured on-board training documented in an approved training record book and at least six weeks’ workshop skills training
  • Note: Option 2 will be made available when an internationally accepted standard suitable for a New Zealand context has been developed for the training record book.

MNZ Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Training & Exam Requirements

  • The sea service, training and experience required for this certificate must involve functions and duties associated with electrical, electronic and control engineering at an operational level, on a ship of 750kW propulsion power or more in any operating area.
  • As part of your training, you are required to gain electro-technical (electronic and electrical) workshop skills relevant to the duties of an electro-technical officer. This training may be carried out ashore with an approved training provider. On-board training should be documented in the training record book by qualified assessors.
  • Option 1 (at least 36 months’ combined sea service and workshop skills training) - You must attend and pass an ETO training course that is acceptable to the Director of MNZ and meets the required competencies specified in section A-III6 of the STCW Code. You should check that the course provides the required training in electro-technical workshop skills. Your combined sea service and workshop skills must total at least 36 months and include at least 30 months of sea service.
  •  Option 2 (at least 12 months’ combined sea service and structured training)

MNZ Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Ancillary Certificates 

mnz eto ancillary certificates
Table: Maritime NZ ETO Ancillary Certificate Requirements - Credits: MNZ

Disclaimer: For general information purpose - please check with Maritime NZ for the latest requirements and accurate info