Introduction
A Day in the Life Electro-Technical Officer at Sea is not just a phrase—it’s the reality of a highly responsible and technically demanding career at sea. The Electro-Technical Officer, commonly called ETO, ensures smooth operation of all electrical, electronic, and automation systems on a ship. Unlike the deck officers who navigate, or the marine engineers who handle engines, the ETO’s role revolves around the lifeline of modern vessels: electricity and control systems.
Let’s walk through a real timeline of a day aboard a running merchant vessel, experiencing the challenges, duties, and responsibilities from wake-up to night watch.
A Day in the Life of ETO at Sea
6:30 AM – Wake-Up and Morning Preparation
Life at sea starts early. The ETO usually wakes around 6:30 AM. Onboard, discipline is vital, so mornings begin with a quick shower, putting on boiler suit and safety shoes, and grabbing a strong cup of coffee before heading to the engine control room.
Unlike shore jobs, there’s no commute—the ship’s accommodation connects directly to the heart of operations. By 7:00 AM, the ETO is ready to begin the first round of the day.
7:00 AM – Engine Room Rounds
This is where technical observation begins. Together with the duty engineer, the ETO tours the machinery spaces, checking electrical panels, motor temperatures, automation alarms, and lighting systems.
- Verify power distribution boards are stable.
- Inspect emergency generator auto-start panel.
- Ensure fire detection circuits are healthy.
- Cross-check critical alarms on the monitoring system.
This early routine ensures the ship operates smoothly and reveals potential faults before they escalate into problems.
9:00 AM – Daily Meeting with Engineering Team
Most merchant vessels hold a morning coordination meeting around 9:00 AM led by the Chief Engineer. Here, the ETO reports on the electrical systems, ongoing jobs, and any issues requiring spare parts.
Topics often discussed include:
- Status of navigation and communication systems.
- Condition of ballast pump motors and cargo handling motors.
- Planned maintenance of high-voltage switchboards.
- Safety checks for lifeboat electrical systems.
This structured reporting keeps the Chief Engineer and the team updated, ensuring all departments remain aligned.
10:00 AM – Routine Maintenance
Mid-morning is usually maintenance-heavy. The ETO works hands-on with:
- Main generator alternators: cleaning slip rings, checking insulation resistance.
- Motor overhauls: replacing bearings or checking windings.
- Automation systems: calibrating fuel and lube oil tank sounding sensors.
- Bridge equipment: ensuring radar and AIS are fault-free.
Unlike other ranks focusing mainly on propulsion machinery, the ETO straddles multiple areas—engine room, deck, bridge, accommodation—wherever electricity is needed.
12:30 PM – Lunch and Short Break
Lunch onboard is usually simple but hearty. After a busy morning, this short break allows the ETO to refresh. Sometimes chat revolves around vessel schedules, port calls, or news from home.
But unlike shore-based jobs, relaxation is brief—calls can come anytime if an alarm trips.
1:30 PM – Afternoon Tasks and Repairs
Afternoons are dedicated to repairs, troubleshooting, and paperwork. The ETO may:
- Repair burnt fuses in a motor control center.
- Troubleshoot flickering navigation lights.
- Update maintenance records in the planned maintenance system (PMS).
- Supervise shore technicians remotely if connected during voyage.
An essential role is maintaining compliance with international conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ISM (International Safety Management Code). Electrical failures linked to safety systems (like fire alarms or emergency lighting) must never be left unchecked.
4:00 PM – Safety Drills and Training
Every week, the crew participates in fire drills, abandon ship drills, or blackout recovery exercises. The ETO plays a critical role in:
- Demonstrating emergency generator operation.
- Verifying lifeboat battery-powered systems.
- Checking fire alarm panels’ response time.
These drills ensure preparedness for real emergencies, where electricity often determines survival.
5:30 PM – Evening Rounds
Before dinner, another round of inspection happens. The ETO monitors engine room lights, control panels, switchboards, and automation logs.
At this time, if cargo operations are ongoing on tankers or container ships, the ETO stays particularly alert to cargo pump electrical systems and deck motor operations.
7:00 PM – Dinner and Social Interaction
Seafarers often dine together, and this is when camaraderie is strongest. The ETO shares stories with both deck and engine crew, discussing technical challenges or lighter moments from the day.
But the job may not end after dinner—on some running vessels, the ETO also stands watch.
8:00 PM – Night Watch Keeping (When Assigned)
Though not always part of routine operations, on some vessels the Electro-Technical Officer does participate in night engine room watchkeeping. This involves:
- Monitoring main generators’ load sharing.
- Ensuring uninterrupted bridge communication systems.
- Responding instantly to alarms during navigation.
- Keeping an eye on reefer (refrigerated) container power supplies.
This ensures continuous vigilance, since electrical faults at night pose significant risks when the ship sails at full speed.
11:00 PM – Wind Down and Rest
By late night, after duty and paperwork, the ETO finally heads to his cabin. Perhaps he reads, calls family over email, or simply rests. Unlike shore life, rest is sacred as the next day will bring another round of responsibilities.
What They Do on a Sailing Vessel
An Electro-Technical Officer is essential on every modern commercial ship. Their broad responsibilities include:
- Maintaining electrical power generation and distribution.
- Ensuring navigation and automation systems’ reliability.
- Overseeing control systems for safe engine room operation.
- Supporting deck department with cargo gear and winch motors.
Their role improves efficiency, reduces breakdowns, and keeps safety systems operational—making them a vital link in smooth sailing.
Challenges Faced by Electro-Technical Officers
- Unpredictable alarms: Can trigger anytime, day or night.
- High responsibility: Electrical failures may compromise safety.
- Isolation: Limited internet makes shore communication difficult.
- Continuous learning: With ships evolving technologically, ETOs must stay updated on automation and electronic systems.
Career Growth After Electro-Technical Officer
The ETO rank has excellent growth opportunities:
- Senior ETO → Electrical Superintendent (shore-based).
- Transition to specialized offshore sectors (drilling rigs, LNG).
- Technical superintendent or fleet manager.
The role is high in demand globally, and specialization in automation makes it future-proof.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the salary of an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) in 2025?
The salary of an ETO varies widely by vessel type, experience, and company. On bulk carriers, ETOs usually earn between $2,500 and $6,500 monthly.
Q: What is the role of an Electro-Technical Officer at sea?
A: The ETO maintains and troubleshoots all electrical, electronic, and automation systems on board, ensuring safe ship operation.
Q: Do ETOs take watchkeeping duties on vessels?
A: While not always, yes—on certain vessels ETOs assist in watchkeeping, particularly monitoring generator systems and alarms during navigation.
Q: What is the salary of a Chief Marine Engineer?
A: The salary of a Chief Marine Engineer ranges between USD 9,000–15,000 per month, depending on vessel type and company.
