ETO stands for Electro Technical Officer. In 2026, ETO is the most in-demand job in Merchant Navy because modern ships are fully automated. Earlier ships had only mechanical systems, but today every ship runs on advanced electrical and automation systems.
Therefore, DG Shipping has made ETO a mandatory rank on all vessels above 750kW. So, if you are a B.E/B.Tech Electrical / Electronics engineer, ETO Course is a 4-month direct entry to Merchant Navy with the highest starting salary.
Eligibility Criteria – As Per DG Shipping 2026
- English and Age Limit
Moreover, you need at least 50% marks in English in either 10th or 12th. In addition, your maximum age should be 35 years at the time of course commencement. However, there is no age relaxation for ETO, even for SC/ST.3. - Medical Fitness
Similarly, you must be physically fit as per DG Shipping guidelines. For instance, your eyesight should be 6/12 in each eye without visual aids and you should have no color blindness. - Degree or Diploma Requirement
For example, you must have passed a 3-year Diploma with 50%-60% marks or a 4-year B.E/B.Tech with 50% marks in Electrical, Electronics, EEE, ECE, or E&I.2.
Duration and Fees of ETO Course
Course Structure & Duration
- Ashore Training: 4 months (17 weeks) of fully residential pre-sea training covering shore-based theory, high-voltage equipment, automation, and simulator labs.
- Onboard Training: 8 months of mandatory sea time as a Trainee ETO with a stipend provided by the sponsoring shipping company.
Fees & Top Colleges
- Cost Range: Fees generally range between ₹2.8 Lakhs to ₹4.5 Lakhs depending on the maritime institute.
- What’s Included: The fees typically cover tuition, hostel, food, study material, uniforms, and mandatory STCW modular safety courses.
- Top Institutes: Premier DG Shipping-approved colleges like Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies (GEIMS), Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA), and AMET University fall in or near the ₹3.5 Lakh to ₹4.5 Lakh bracket.
What is the Job Role of an ETO on Ship?
An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing all electrical, electronic, and automated equipment on board a vessel. ETOs ensure that navigation, communications, engine controls, and safety systems function reliably at sea.
Core Responsibilities
- Electrical Power Generation & Distribution: Inspecting and maintaining main alternators, switchboards, transformers, circuit breakers, emergency generators, and battery banks.
- Automation & Control Systems: Maintaining alarm and monitoring systems, engine room automation, dynamic positioning (DP) systems, and boiler control units.
- Navigation & Communication Equipment: Servicing bridge electronics, including radar, ECDIS, GPS, echo sounders, satellite communications (VSAT, Inmarsat), and GMDSS radio installations.
- Safety & Fire Systems: Inspecting and testing fire detection and alarm panels, emergency shut-off valves, public address (PA) systems, and emergency lighting.
- Deck Machinery & Cargo Systems: Maintenance of electrical cargo pumps, cranes, winches, reefer container sockets, and ventilation fans.
- High-Voltage (HV) Systems: Operating and safely isolating HV installations on modern vessels with high power requirements (such as cruise ships, LNG carriers, and large container ships).
Salary After ETO Course in 2026 – Vessel Wise
A) Salary on Cargo & Container Ships
Firstly, on Bulk Carriers, Trainee ETOs earn $400 – $800 and Certified ETOs earn $4,500 – $6,500. Secondly, on Container Ships, you can earn up to $7,600 per month because you have to manage reefer containers and automated cranes.
B) Salary on Tanker & Gas Fleet
Moreover, Oil & Chemical Tankers offer higher pay. For example, Certified ETOs earn $6,000 – $8,000 per month. However, the highest salary is on LPG / LNG Carriers. Therefore, you can earn up to $11,000+ per month because of cryogenic cargo handling.
C) Salary on Offshore & Cruise Ships
In addition, Offshore Vessels (DP2 / DP3) pay daily rates of $250 – $500+ per day. Similarly, on Passenger & Cruise Ships, Senior ETOs earn $8,000 – $10,000+ per month due to massive power grids.
Placement Assistance
Secure placement after an ETO course requires understanding how shipboard hiring works, the crucial difference between sponsored and non-sponsored routes, and the top institutes for job security.
1. Sponsored vs. Non-Sponsored Candidates
- Sponsored Candidates (100% Placement)
For this, you must clear a company screening process BEFORE enrolling. As a result, the company issues a Sponsorship Letter and guarantees your 8-month onboard training. - Non-Sponsored Candidates (High Risk)
On the other hand, if you join without sponsorship, you have to rely on campus placements. Therefore, the waiting time can stretch from 6 to 18 months. - Agent Fraud Warning
Finally, never pay unauthorized agents. Because many agents take ₹2 to ₹5 Lakhs and place candidates on illegal vessels. So, always join DG Shipping-approved institutes only.
At Biocean Maritime Services Pvt. Ltd, Kalyan, we provide complete guidance for ETO Course admission, sponsorship preparation, and placement assistance on Tanker, Offshore and Cruise vessels across India. For more merchant navy career options, also read our detailed guide on GME Course Full Details.