What Fluke multimeter models are available and which is best for use onboard a ship?

When it comes to electrical testing equipment, Fluke is a name trusted by engineers and technicians worldwide. Known for their durability, accuracy, and safety features, Fluke multimeters are widely used in industrial, commercial, and marine environments. This article provides an overview of the most relevant Fluke multimeter models and guidance on selecting the best one for shipboard use.

In this article, we will look at what Fluke multimeter models are on the market and what is best for marine use.

Tips on how to get cadetship on board the ship as Marine Engineering Student (Engineers & Electricians)

Getting a cadetship on board the ship as a marine engineering student is a critical step toward becoming a licensed engineer officer. Here are some practical and effective tips to help you secure one:

1. Target the Right Companies

Focus your search on companies that offer structured cadetship programs:

• International shipping companies (e.g., Maersk, NYK, MOL, Wilhelmsen, Anglo-Eastern, Bernhard Schulte).
• Crewing agencies that manage cadet placements.
• Localregional shipping companies (especially if you’re in a maritime nation like the Philippines, India, Indonesia, etc.).

Tip: Visit the official websites of these companies and check their “Careers” or “Cadet Programs” section. You will find a list of such companies below in the article.

Which Maritime Professions Will Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence in the Next 20–50 Years? Will the Electro-Technical Officer Still Be Needed?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics are rapidly transforming the maritime industry. What once sounded like science fiction — fully autonomous ships without crews — is now a reality in testing, particularly in countries like Norway and Japan. This raises an important question: which shipboard professions are at risk of becoming obsolete in the next few decades? And will there still be a place for the electro-technical officer (ETO) on future vessels?

Maritime Professions at Risk of Disappearing

1. Helmsman and Navigational Watch Officers

AI-powered navigation systems can already chart optimal routes, avoid collisions, and even dock with impressive precision. In the coming decades, the need for human intervention in navigation may be drastically reduced, especially for routine voyages or coastal operations.

How to Write a CV for a Marine Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)? Example Resume and Tips

Searching for a job in the maritime industry requires a well-prepared resume that clearly presents your qualifications, experience, and technical skills. For an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), this is especially important, as employers rely heavily on your documentation to assess whether you're suitable for the role. In this article, you’ll learn how to write a professional CV/resume for a marine ETO, see a sample resume, and understand what a CV actually is.

What is a CV and how is it different from a resume?

CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that outlines your professional background, education, certifications, and work experience in detail. In maritime practice, the terms CV and resume are often used interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference in general job-hunting contexts:

• A CV is more detailed and often used in academic or research fields.
• A resume is a concise, job-specific summary — usually 1–2 pages.
• As a marine professional, your goal should be to keep your resume concise, relevant, and focused on sea service, qualifications, and specific technical skills.

Job Opportunities for Marine Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs): Where to Find Work Worldwide

The marine electro-technical officer (ETO) plays a critical role aboard ships, ensuring that all electrical, electronic, and automation systems operate safely and efficiently. From high-voltage systems and control panels to fire detection systems and engine room automation, the responsibilities of an ETO are vast and essential for the smooth operation of modern vessels. As maritime trade grows, so does the global demand for qualified ETOs. Here's a guide on where and how to search for ETO job opportunities around the world.

Key Responsibilities of an ETO

Before diving into job search platforms, let’s review the typical duties of an electro-technical officer:

• Maintenance and repair of electrical systems (switchboards, generators, pumps, automation)
• Troubleshooting alarms, faults, and power distribution issues
• Overseeing fire detection systems, ballast systems, and monitoring equipment
• Working closely with engine officers and maintaining technical documentation

Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter Review

When it comes to electrical testing tools, few names command the respect and trust that Fluke does. Known for their rugged reliability and professional-grade performance, Fluke multimeters have become a staple in toolkits across the world. Today, we’re diving into the Fluke 15B+, a digital multimeter that offers a strong balance of features, affordability, and usability. 

The Fluke 15B+ (affiliate link) is a reliable and user-friendly digital multimeter designed primarily for electronic and electrical troubleshooting. It's part of Fluke's 15 series and is especially popular in Asia, offering solid performance at a reasonable price point for both professionals and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

PSC, Class, Flag. Passing inspections without problems for an ETO

Greetings! I present to your attention the final article on inspections of systems and mechanisms on a vessel, in which the ship's ETO is involved in one way or another.

In this article I will try to collect the most important points that an electrician needs to know to successfully pass any inspection (PSC, Class, Flag). Here I will collect general recommendations that will be useful for electricians and engineers of different types of ships, but of course there are some nuances that I may not know about, so if you have something to share, then write in the comments to the article.

Checking the fire systems on the vessel. What should an ETO know?

Greetings! In this article I propose to understand the issues of fire systems on a vessel, namely fire alarms and fire extinguishing methods used on a vessel. As usual, we will consider these issues from the perspective of an ETO.

What is the relationship of an electrician to ship fire systems, as well as how to check all kinds of fire extinguishing systems, we will analyze in this article. In such articles, I mainly focus on practice, so we will consider the conditions when you need to demonstrate your knowledge to the maximum when checking certain ship systems to successfully pass any inspection by any inspectors.

Under-Voltage (UV) Coils in Generator Circuit Breakers: Purpose and Common Failures

What is a UV Coil? An Under-Voltage (UV) coil is an essential safety component used in circuit breakers, particularly in generator and power distribution systems. Its primary purpose is to automatically trip (open) the circuit breaker when voltage drops below a certain threshold, protecting the system from operating under unsafe or unstable conditions.

Purpose of a UV Coil

1. Automatic Disconnection at Low Voltage. If the system voltage drops significantly (typically below 70–80% of nominal), the UV coil de-energizes, which causes the breaker to trip. This prevents motors and sensitive equipment from operating with insufficient voltage, avoiding damage.
2. Fail-Safe Mechanism. UV coils are often used as a fail-safe, ensuring that a breaker cannot remain closed (or be closed) unless there is adequate control voltage present — typically coming from the generator itself.
3. Interlocking and Synchronization Systems. In marine and industrial generator systems, UV coils are used in automatic transfer switches (ATS) and synchronization schemes to ensure proper breaker operation based on the system’s logic.

Blackout Test. Protections of an emergency diesel generator

Greetings! In the previous article on diesel engines, we discussed the protection of auxiliary diesel generators, which are most often tested on a ship during inspections in ports. In this article, we will consider the protections of an emergency diesel generator, as well as the procedure for testing a blackout of a ship's power plant.

At first I wanted to write that the protection of the emergency diesel generator (EDG) in ports is checked very rarely, but recently the Belgian PSC suddenly decided to check the protection of our emergency diesel. Therefore, in order to always be prepared for any checks, it is worth being aware of all the protections that this engine has.