Home › United States › USCG MMC › You are here

USCG Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Requirements - Merchant Mariner Credential

USCG STCW Electro Technical Officer 750kW /1,000 HP or More Operational Level - General, Sea Service and Other Requirements by U.S. Coast Guard

Electro-technical officers (ETO) are a type of engineer officer working in the Merchant Marine who is responsible for the maintenance of all Electrical and electronic equipment onboard the ship including radio communications and electronic navigation aids. ETOs work on the bridge, in the engine room, or in passenger areas. They have to make sure all electrical/electronic equipment is maintained to the correct standards which involve carrying out checks and sticking to set procedures. ETOs are trouble shooters and problem solvers and diagnose and rectify electrical and electronic faults including preventive maintenance.

Aspirants for this credential should have an interest in electrical and electronic control and power systems, problem solving skills, ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions, interest in boats, ships and the sea, written and spoken communication skills and team working skills.

The main areas of expertise of ETO are Electrical and Electronic Systems and Automation and Control Technology.

 

General Requirements for STCW Electro Technical Officer (ETO)

  • Age: 18 years of age.
  • TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Card)
  • Medical Certificate
  • Drug testing compliance (within 6 months)
  • Sea Service letters or discharges

USCG STCW ETO 750kW /1,000 HP or More Operational Level Sea Service Requirements

  • An applicant who does not hold any other national or STCW endorsement may be issued the electro-technical officer endorsement without any corresponding national endorsement or other STCW capacity

ETO Sea Service & Other Requirements (Options 1 & 2)

Option 1

  • Evidence of 1080 days (36 months) combined workshop skills training (see note below) & approved seagoing service,** of which: not less than 900 days (30 months) must be seagoing service in the engine department of vessels. Experience in the deck may be creditable for up to 90 days (3 months) of the service requirements, OR

Option 2

  • Completion of an approved training program, which includes a combination of workshop skill training and seagoing service *** of not less than 360 days (12 months), and which meets the requirements of section A-III/6 of the STCW Code.

  • Note: The total days of workshop skills training should not exceed 180 days. Workshop skills training may include, but is not limited to, shore-based laboratories, in-port watchkeeping and/or maintenance, engine room Simulator and/or internships in an appropriate field of study (shipyards, power generating station, or facilities where mechanical and electrical systems have to be operated, maintained, and managed).

Assessments

  • Provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in Section A-III/6 of the STCW Code

Approved Training

Required for all Qualifying under Option 1. Check Program Approval if Qualifying under Option 2 as may be included in the program

  • Onboard Computer Networking and Security
  • Radio Electronics
  • Integrated Navigation Equipment
  • Ship Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery
  • Instrumentation and Control Systems
  • High –voltage Power Systems
  • Medical First-Aid Provider (unless previously completed)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft (unless previously completed)
  • Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting Course within 5 years of application date (Advanced Fire must show continuing Competencies if not within 5 years)
  • Current Basic Training

ETO Sea Service & Other Requirements (Options 3 & 4)

Option 3

  • Any applicant who has served in a relevant capacity onboard a vessel for a period of not less than 360 days within the last 60 months (5 years), no additional sea service is required. A relevant capacity may be any position including QMED or Wiper as long as in the engine department on vessels of at least 750 Kw/1,000 HP. Service may be on any waters. (Service on vessels less than 750 kW/1,000 HP may be considered, must be reviewed by supervisor to ensure it includes duties relevant to the ETO endorsement)

Option 4

  • Any person who holds an STCW endorsement as OICEW, Second Engineer  Officer, or Chief Engineer Officer has met this sea service requirement, no  additional sea service required, AND, Must provide evidence of meeting the standard of competence specified in  Section A-III/6 of the STCW Code, AND,
  • Must provide

    • Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting (within 5 years unless previously completed)
    • Hold or Qualify for Medical First-Aid Provider
    • Hold or Qualify for Proficiency in Survival Craft (Unlimited or Limited)
    • Current Basic Training

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