ETO Salary in 2026: What Has Changed Compared to 2025

The role of an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) continues to gain importance across the maritime industry. With increasing automation, digitalization, and reliance on complex electrical systems onboard, ETOs are no longer just support engineers — they are critical to vessel operations.

As a result, 2026 has brought noticeable changes to salary levels and market dynamics compared to 2025.

Who Is an ETO and Why Demand Is Growing

An Electro-Technical Officer is responsible for maintaining and operating all electrical and electronic systems onboard a vessel. This includes:

• Power generation and distribution systems
• Navigation and communication equipment
• Automation and control systems
• High-voltage installations

Modern vessels are becoming increasingly “smart,” which makes the ETO’s role more complex — and more valuable.

Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) - Job description. What is this? Example of a marine electrical engineer job description

In the maritime industry, ETO stands for Electro-Technical Officer. This is a specialized crew member responsible for maintaining and managing all electrical, electronic, and automation systems on board a vessel. An ETO job description outlines the duties, skills, and qualifications required for this critical role.

Who Is an Electro-Technical Officer?

An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is a shipboard engineer who ensures that all electrical and electronic equipment operates safely and efficiently. Unlike traditional marine engineers who focus on mechanical systems, the ETO deals primarily with electrical power, control systems, and advanced technology.

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.

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

Work of an ETO on ships with cranes. What most often breaks on cargo cranes?

Greetings! In this article, we will look at general issues related to the work of an ETO on ships with cranes.

Recently, the number of ships with cargo cranes in the world merchant fleet has been increasing, so this article will be of interest primarily to ETOs who are just starting to work on such vessels.

A cargo ship performs, among other things, two important tasks - unloading, loading and transporting cargo. All these tasks involve an ETO, who is assigned more of a repair role than an operation one.