Duties of Electrical Engineer (ETO) on vessels. Who is an electrical engineer (ETO) on a vessel?

1. The electrical engineer (ETO) is subordinated to the chief engineer and is in command of all the electrical group. ETO - Electro-technical Officer. Below, electrical engineer and Electro-technical Officer (ETO) are the same positions on the vessel.

2. The Electro-technical Officer is responsible for the safety engineering rules, service, maintenance and supervision of the following items of equipment, systems and devices:

a) electrical propulsion plant;

b) main and emergency sources of electrical power;

c) transformers and converters used in equipment, systems and devices;

d) distribution gear and monitoring desks or panels;

e) electric drives for steering gear, windlasses, mooring winches, towing winches, starting air compressors, fire pumps and fire-extinguishing system compressors, pumps, fans in machinery spa­ces, auxiliaries of the main engine, watertight doors;

f) main and emergency lighting of spaces and location of essential machinery and means of escape;

g) electric engine-room telegraphs;

h) service telephone communication;

i) alarm signalling;

j) fire detection signalling systems and warning systems indicating the release of fire smothering medium;

k) watertight door signalling;

l) cabling;

m) hull earthing facilities in tankers;

n) electric heaters of fuel and lubricating oil and other machinery and facilities not listed above.

3. The electrical engineer (ETO) is responsible for the following consumers to be supplied with electric power:

a) steering gear electric drives;

b) windlass electric drives;

c) fire pump electric drives;

d) electric drives of compressors;

e) gyrocompass;

f) switchboard of cargo refrigirating installations;

g) electric drives of main propulsion plant excitation units;

h) radio station switchboard;

i) navigational equipment switchboard;

j) section switchboards and distribution gear for supplying other essential services concentrated in accordance with similar functions performed;

k) switchboards of automatic gear of fire detection alarm system;

l) electric and electronic equipment;

m) design and power supply of automatic system;

n) electric and electronic control systems.

4. The electrical engineer (ETO) is to make out spare parts Lists for a forthcoming voyage and hand them to the chief engineer, along with a List of repairs required.

5. The electrical engineer is to ensure the observance of the safety rules, storage regulations, instructions on operation features, general directions on replacement of faulty components and observance of directions and instructions not mentioned above.

6. The electrical engineer is to control the observance of safety measures specified in instructions, to ensure safety of maintenance and operation.

7. The electrical engineer is to ensure scope and schedule of preventive maintenance. The plan is to be signed by the chief engineer.

8. The electrical engineer is to distribute the work and count the number of working days and days off of his subordinates. This is to be coordinated with the chief engineer as well.

9. The electrical engineer is to fill up all the technical documents concerning electrical equipment, to make orders for deliveries and repairs.

10. The electrical engineer is to supervise the adequacy of operating electrical equipment by shore and ship specialists.

11. The electrical engineer is to supervise the operation of cargo-handling facilities.

12. Before the ship leaves the port the electrical engineer is to check the readiness of the electrical equipment for the voyage and to report the readiness to the chief engineer 30 minutes before the departure.

13. The electrical engineer is to direct the operation of the ship power plant personally while leaving or entering a port and while mooring. It is not to leave the engine room but in case of emergency approved by the chief engineer.

14. The electrical engineer is to take care that the log book is accurately and neatly kept. Insulation resistance, charging and discharging cells and batteries, operation of bearings and securing of the motor, applied grease, basic parameters, faults and their remedies, and other incidents of the voyage are to be entered into the log book daily. The log book is to be signed by the chief engineer.

15. The electrical engineer is to organize study of the ship's electrical equipment by the members of the crew.

16. The electrical engineer is to eliminate personally or with the help of ship's specialists all the faults in the operation of the electrical equipment.

17. In case of possible alarm in the electrical equipment the electrical engineer is to report it to the chief engineer and take bold measures to eliminate its cause.

On the vessels, it is also very common for the Electro-technical Officer to be called an electrician. But this is a different position on the vessel.

An Electrical Engineer, also known as an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), on a vessel is a specialized engineer responsible for the maintenance and operation of the electrical and electronic systems on board. These systems are crucial for the vessel's operations, safety, and navigation.

Duties of an Electrical Engineer (ETO) on Vessels:

1. Maintenance and Repair:

   • Electrical Systems: Ensuring all electrical systems, including lighting, power distribution, and emergency power systems, are operational and maintained.
   • Electronic Systems: Maintaining and repairing electronic systems such as navigation aids (radars, GPS), communication systems, and automated control systems.

2. Monitoring and Diagnostics:

   • System Monitoring: Regularly checking the performance and condition of electrical equipment.
   • Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving electrical and electronic faults.

3. Installation and Upgrades:

   • New Equipment: Installing new electrical and electronic equipment.
   • Upgrades: Updating existing systems to improve performance and efficiency.

4. Safety and Compliance:

   • Safety Standards: Ensuring all electrical work complies with safety regulations and standards.
   • Emergency Preparedness: Maintaining emergency systems and equipment, such as lifeboat electrical systems and emergency lighting.

5. Documentation and Reporting:

   • Logs and Records: Keeping detailed records of all maintenance and repairs.
   • Reporting: Providing reports on the status of electrical systems to senior officers.

6. Energy Management:

   • Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient practices to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs.
   • Power Management: Managing the ship's electrical load to ensure optimal performance.

7. Team Collaboration:

   • Coordination: Working closely with other engineering departments and crew members to ensure smooth operation of the vessel.
   • Training: Training other crew members on the safe use and basic troubleshooting of electrical equipment.

Role and Importance of an ETO:

• Specialized Expertise: The ETO brings specialized knowledge and skills in electrical and electronic systems, which are essential for modern vessels that rely heavily on advanced technology.
• Operational Efficiency: By ensuring all electrical systems are functioning correctly, the ETO contributes to the overall efficiency and safety of the vessel.
• Safety: The ETO plays a crucial role in maintaining safety systems, ensuring that the vessel complies with international safety standards and regulations.
• Innovation: With the constant advancement in marine technology, the ETO is essential for integrating new technologies and ensuring the vessel remains up-to-date with the latest innovations.

Overall, the Electrical Engineer (ETO) is a vital member of the ship's crew, responsible for the reliability and safety of the vessel's electrical and electronic systems, which are integral to the ship's operations.

Articles on ETO employment:

1. Duties of electricians on the vessels. Who is an electrician on a vessel?
2. Job Opportunities for Marine Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs): Where to Find Work Worldwide
3. How to Write a CV for a Marine Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)? Example Resume and Tips
4. Tips on how to get cadetship on board the ship as Marine Engineering Student
5. What is the salary of an ETO? Salary of electricians on different vessels in 2025
6. Electrical Officers job interview questions and answers
7. English tests for electrical engineers with the answers
8. Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) - Job description. What is this? Example of a marine electrical engineer job description
9. ETO Salary in 2026: What Has Changed Compared to 2025
10. Which Maritime Professions Will Be Replaced by Artificial Intelligence in the Next 20–50 Years? Will the Electro-Technical Officer Still Be Needed?