Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Course
COACHING & GUIDANCE
Electro-Technical Officer | DG Shipping Approved | Global Maritime Career
⚡ What Is the ETO Course?
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO): A specialized 4-month DG Shipping-approved pre-sea training course for Electrical/Electronics engineering graduates, followed by 8 months of onboard training to become a certified ETO on merchant ships.
Key Role & Responsibilities:
- Electrical Power Systems: Generate, distribute, and manage all AC/DC power systems on ships
- Electronics & Automation: Maintain and troubleshoot ship’s electronic systems, automation controls, and navigation equipment
- Engine Room Coordination: Collaborate with Chief Engineer to ensure electrical reliability of propulsion systems
- Safety Systems: Manage emergency power, fire detection systems, alarm systems, and life-saving appliances
- Equipment Maintenance: Conduct preventive maintenance on electrical machinery, switchboards, generators, and control panels
Key Advantage: ETOs are among the highest-paying technical officers at sea with exceptional global demand.
💰 Why Choose ETO?
Benefit | Details |
High Salary | ₹3.5–5.5 Lakhs/month as full ETO; ₹1.5–2.5 Lakhs/month as Trainee; $4–6K USD monthly |
Global Demand | Critical shortage of ETOs; LNG, DP vessels, automation-heavy ships need skilled electrical officers |
Career Growth | Trainee ETO → Senior ETO → Lead ETO → Technical Superintendent (₹5–10L+/month onshore) |
Automation Focus | Modern ships increasingly automated; electrical expertise is irreplaceable & future-proof |
Short Timeline | 4-month training vs 12-month for GME/DNS; faster entry to sea service |
International Opportunities | Work on international vessels; exposure to global shipping companies & maritime standards |
Career Path: Trainee ETO (8 months onboard) → ETO Certificate of Competency (CoC) → Senior ETO (2–3 years) → Lead/Chief ETO (5–7 years) → Technical Superintendent / Fleet Manager (₹8–15L+/month shore positions)
ETOs typically earn 25–35% more than similarly-ranked Deck Officers due to specialized skill demand.
📋 ETO Course Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Educational Qualification
Primary Route (Most Common):
- BE / B.Tech in Electrical Engineering
- BE / B.Tech in Electronics Engineering
- BE / B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- BE / B.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication / Communication Engineering
- BE / B.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
- Aggregate: 50–60% typically required
- Medium: English medium instruction mandatory
- Recognition: Degree must be from AICTE-approved, UGC-approved, or State/Central Government institution
Alternative Routes:
- 3-year Diploma in Electrical / Electronics / E&I (≥60% aggregate)
- Diploma + Lateral B.Tech in relevant branch
Equivalent recognized engineering qualification from approved government institutions
Other Essential Requirements
Requirement | Details |
English | Minimum 50% in English (10th or 12th), or 60% in Diploma with English medium instruction |
Medical Fitness | DG Shipping approved sea-service medical test (eyesight 6/6 correctable, normal color vision, no cardiac/hearing issues) |
Passport | Valid Indian passport required for INDOS (Indian National Register of Seamen) registration |
Age | Typically up to 35 years of age at time of admission |
Background | Clear criminal record; no medical disqualifications under DG Shipping guidelines |
Note: Individual ETO institutes (AEMA, TMI, HIMT, etc.) may have slightly different criteria. Captain’s Maritime Academy guides you through complete eligibility verification.
✅ ETO Admission & Entrance Exam Process
5-Step ETO Admission Pathway
Step 1: Online Application & Document Submission
- Fill institute application form online
- Upload educational certificates (10th, 12th, degree), ID proof, passport
- Pay application/entrance test fee (typically ₹500–1,000)
- Confirmation email with exam details & login credentials
Step 2: Entrance Examination (Online, AI-Proctored)
- Format: Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Marks: 100 marks
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Pattern: Mix of technical & aptitude questions
- Level: Bachelor’s degree level Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Mode: Online with AI proctoring (camera & microphone monitoring)
- Minimum Cutoff: Usually 40–50% depending on institute
Step 3: Technical Interview & Group Discussion
- Shortlisted candidates (typically top 30–40% of exam takers) invited for interview
- Technical Interview (30–45 minutes): Concepts in electrical machines, power systems, electronics, control systems, automation
- HR Round (15–20 minutes): Motivation for sea career, family background, strengths/weaknesses, communication skills
- Some institutes include group discussions on maritime topics or technical scenarios
- Panel usually comprises ex-ETOs, Chief Engineers, HR managers
Step 4: DG Shipping Medical Certification
- Shortlisted candidates sent for DG-approved medical examination
- Tests include: Vision (6/6 correctable), normal color vision (Ishihara test), ECG, blood tests, BMI assessment, hearing test
- Duration: Full-day medical checkup (6–8 hours)
- Cost: Typically ₹3,000–5,000 (covered by candidate or company if sponsored)
- Medical report submitted directly to DG Shipping; candidates issued sea-service fitness certificate
Step 5: Final Selection & Admission Offer
- Candidates clearing exam + interview + medical approved for admission
- Admission letter issued with joining date (typically 15–30 days)
- Course fees payment deadline (usually ₹2.8–4.1 Lakhs for 4-month pre-sea)
- Joining instructions with location, hostel details, and required documents
- Sponsorship letters confirmed (if applicable)
📚 ETO Entrance Exam – Detailed Syllabus & Topics
Module 1: Electrical Machines & Power Systems (30% weightage)
Topics:
- DC machines: Motors, generators, armature reaction, losses
- AC machines: Induction motors, synchronous machines, starting methods
- Transformer theory: Construction, operation, equivalent circuit, losses, efficiency
- Power systems: Generation, transmission, distribution, protection
- Circuit breakers and protection devices
- Load flow analysis basics
Sample Questions:
- “Explain the working of a 3-phase induction motor and its starting methods”
- “What is armature reaction in DC generators and how does it affect performance?”
- “Calculate efficiency of a transformer given input and output power”
Difficulty Level: Degree-level electrical engineering
Module 2: Electronics & Digital Circuits (25% weightage)
Topics:
- Analog circuits: Amplifiers, oscillators, operational amplifiers
- Diodes, transistors, SCRs, and thyristor applications
- Digital logic: Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational & sequential circuits
- Microprocessors & microcontrollers basics
- ADC/DAC converters
Sample Questions:
- “Design a simple amplifier circuit and calculate its gain”
- “Explain the truth table of a flip-flop and its applications”
- “What are the advantages of digital systems over analog systems?”
Difficulty Level: Degree-level electronics engineering
Module 3: Control Systems & Automation (20% weightage)
Topics:
- Open-loop vs closed-loop systems
- Transfer functions and block diagrams
- Feedback systems and stability
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) basics
- Industrial automation and marine automation
- SCADA systems overview
Sample Questions:
- “Explain positive and negative feedback in control systems”
- “What is the purpose of a PLC in marine automation?”
- “Design a simple control system for engine room automation”
Difficulty Level: Degree-level control systems
Module 4: Network Theory & Power Electronics (15% weightage)
Topics:
- Circuit analysis: Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, circuit theorems
- AC circuits: Impedance, resonance, power factor, reactive power
- Power electronics: Rectifiers, inverters, DC-DC converters
- Battery systems and backup power
- UPS and emergency power systems
Sample Questions:
- “Calculate power factor and reactive power in a three-phase AC system”
- “Explain the operation of a three-phase rectifier”
- “What is the difference between UPS and DG backup systems?”
Difficulty Level: Degree-level network & power electronics
Module 5: General Aptitude & Reasoning (10% weightage)
Topics:
- Logical reasoning and deductive reasoning
- Basic mathematics (percentages, ratios, simple calculations)
- English comprehension and technical writing
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Maritime awareness and basic seamanship
Sample Questions:
- “If a ship travels 480 km in 12 hours, what is its average speed?”
- “What is STCW and why is it important for maritime officers?”
- “Arrange the following sentences in logical order to form a coherent passage”
🏆 Top ETO Institutes in India (DG Shipping Approved)
🏆 Top ETO Institutes in India (DG Shipping Approved)
Institute | Location | Affiliation | Special Features |
Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) | Mumbai | DG Shipping, IMU | Premium training, company sponsorship, modern labs |
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI) | Mumbai | DG Shipping Approved | Residential, industry partnerships, simulator training |
HIMT College | Chennai | DG Shipping Approved | Modern facilities, excellent placement record |
SCI – Maritime Training Institute (MTI) | Mumbai | Government (SCI) | SCI sponsorship available, cost-effective |
VMS Shipping Academy | Mumbai | DG Shipping Approved | Company sponsorship, fast-track hiring opportunities |
Samudra Maritime Academy | Mumbai | DG Shipping Approved | Comprehensive training, company tie-ups |
BP Marine & Offshore School | Chennai | DG Shipping Approved | Advanced training, specialized programs |
AMET University | Chennai | Deemed University | B.Tech programs, postgraduate options |
All institutes are DG Shipping approved & internationally recognized. Selection depends on location preference, fee, sponsorship availability, and company partnerships.
🎓 Why Captain's Maritime Academy for ETO Coaching?
- Expert ETO Mentorship
- Ex-ETOs, Chief Engineers, Technical Superintendents with 10–25 years maritime experience
- Real insider knowledge on ETO entrance exams and shipping company expectations
- Direct exposure to modern ship electrical systems
- Comprehensive ETO-Focused Curriculum
- All topics covered: Electrical machines, power systems, electronics, automation, marine knowledge
- 100+ MCQs per topic (1,500+ total practice questions)
- Real exam patterns based on latest AEMA, TMI, HIMT, SCI-MTI entrance exams
- No filler content; every topic directly relevant to ETO entrance
- Industry-Aligned Technical Depth
- Updated based on latest ship automation systems (DP systems, advanced propulsion control)
- LNG & container ship electrical architecture – cutting-edge technologies
- STCW A-III/6 compliance – official ETO competency requirements
- Safety & emergency systems emphasis
- Realistic Full-Length Mock Exams
- Weekly AI-proctored online exams simulating real entrance test environment
- Performance analytics: Accuracy, speed, topic-wise breakdown, comparative analysis
- Detailed solution reviews with mentor guidance
- Timed practice: Learn to complete 100 questions in exactly 120 minutes
- Technical & HR Mock Interviews
- Bi-weekly mock interviews in realistic formats (panel-style, one-on-one)
- ETO-specific technical questions: Electrical machines, power systems, marine automation, troubleshooting scenarios
- HR interview coaching: Sea-life readiness, communication skills, motivation assessment
- Detailed feedback on technical knowledge, presentation, confidence
- Company Sponsorship Guidance
- Identify genuine sponsoring companies (Anglo-Eastern, VMS, Great Eastern, etc.)
- Match your profile to suitable companies & institutes
- Sponsorship application support & documentation help
- Interview prep specific to each company’s assessment style
- Flexible Learning Options
- Online & offline classes available
- Batch timings: Morning (7–9 AM), afternoon (2–4 PM), evening (6–8 PM), weekend (10 AM–12 PM)
- Live sessions + recorded materials for flexibility
- Small batch sizes (max 15–20 students) ensuring personal attention
- 1-on-1 doubt resolution: Chat, calls, WhatsApp anytime
- Performance Tracking & Continuous Improvement
- Weekly performance reports on all mock tests
- Individual improvement plans for weak areas
- 24/7 doubt resolution via WhatsApp, email, phone
- Revision sessions 2 weeks before exam
- Confidence building through consistent feedback