The ETO role on a superyacht
The Electro-Technical Officer is responsible for the electrical distribution, electronic navigation and communication systems, entertainment and AV infrastructure, and IT networks on the vessel. On large yachts (50m+), this is a specialist full-time role. On smaller vessels, ETO duties may be shared with engineering.
The ETO role was formalised under the 2010 STCW Manila Amendments. The MCA issues the standard STCW Regulation III/6 CoC, which applies to all vessel types, there is no separate "Y-ETO" designation. The governing UK notice is MSN 1860 (M) Amendment 1, with applications on form MSF 4259 (Rev 12/23).
As with all professional yacht crew, STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 seafarer medical are mandatory before you can work on any commercial yacht.
Entry into the ETO career is typically via a shore-side background in electrical engineering, electronic systems, IT or marine electrical trades. No formal CoC is required to begin accumulating sea time in an ETO role. Most entrants hold relevant trade qualifications before joining yachts. From day one, sea time in an engine department role on qualifying vessels counts toward the ETO CoC requirements.
Sea time: no minimum to start, qualifying sea time begins immediatelyThe MCA STCW III/6 ETO Certificate of Competency. Two routes to qualification. Graduate route: minimum 12 months combined workshop and seagoing service, with at least 6 months seagoing on vessels of 750 kW or more propulsion plus at least 3 months approved workshop skills training. Experienced route: minimum 36 months combined service with at least 30 months seagoing in the engine department, assessed case-by-case by IAMI. Both routes require passing an MCA oral examination and holding High Voltage Safety training.
Graduate route: 12 months combined, min 6 months seagoing on 750 kW+, min 3 months workshop · Experienced route: 36 months combined, min 30 months seagoing in engine dept (STCW III/6 / MSN 1860)Senior ETO is an industry seniority designation, not a separate MCA Certificate of Competency. There is no CoC above STCW III/6. Progression to Senior ETO is driven by experience, the scale of vessels worked on, and demonstrated capability managing complex high-voltage and integrated systems. High Voltage Safety at management level is required. Senior ETO roles are found primarily on 60m or larger yachts with extensive electrical infrastructure.
Sea time: 3 or more years ETO experience, industry normNo such thing as a "Y-ETO" certificate: "Y-ETO" is informal industry language used by some crew agents and publications. The MCA issues the standard STCW III/6 ETO CoC, which is the same certificate whether you work on yachts or cargo vessels. Do not be misled by references to a separate Y-ETO qualification, it does not exist as an MCA designation.
Who typically becomes an ETO
ETOs typically come from backgrounds in marine electrical engineering, electronics, IT infrastructure, AV systems, or similar technical fields. A degree or HND in marine electrical or electronic engineering is a common route, Warsash Maritime (Solent University) offers an HND in Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering specifically designed as an ETO CoC pathway.
The role increasingly covers AV/IT systems alongside the core STCW electrical mandate. The PYA, IAMI and MYBA have been developing a yacht-specific AV/IT training standard, this is a separate industry qualification, distinct from the statutory MCA CoC, and its status should be verified independently.
Required courses summary
- STCW Basic Safety Training, mandatory for all crew
- ENG1 seafarer medical, mandatory for all crew
- High Voltage Safety, mandatory for MCA III/6 CoC (management level for Senior ETO)
- GMDSS GOC, recommended (many yachts require ETOs to hold it)
- PDSD, required on vessels over 500 GT
How much does a superyacht ETO earn?
ETO pay reflects the technical responsibility of the role and scales with vessel size:
| Role | Indicative monthly pay |
|---|---|
| ETO, 40m to 60m | €4,500 to €5,500 |
| ETO, 60m and above | €5,500 to €8,000 |
Indicative monthly ranges in euros, the industry standard currency. Pay scales with vessel size, rotation and flag, and excludes tips and bonuses. Figures are blended from published 2026 yacht crew salary guides (YPI Crew, Foreland Marine and others); always confirm current rates before relying on them.
Where to train: yacht ETO courses
The ETO route combines marine electro-technical training with the STCW III/6 Certificate of Competency. Compare providers, dates and locations in the YachtSync training directory.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications do I need to become a superyacht ETO?
STCW BST, ENG1, and High Voltage Safety, plus qualifying sea time via the graduate or experienced route. Then an MCA oral examination. The formal cert is STCW III/6, governed by MSN 1860 Amendment 1. Browse relevant training in the Training Directory.
Is there a Y-ETO certificate?
No. There is no MCA designation called Y-ETO. The MCA issues the standard STCW III/6 CoC. Y-ETO is informal industry language.
What does the High Voltage requirement cover?
High Voltage Safety training is mandatory for the MCA ETO CoC per MSN 1860 Amendment 1. At Senior ETO level, High Voltage at management level is required. Large superyachts operate high-voltage distribution systems, making this practically essential.
Which route is better, graduate or experienced?
The graduate route (12 months combined including 6 months seagoing and 3 months workshop) is faster. The experienced route (36 months combined, 30 months seagoing) is for those who have been working in the engine department without formal training. Both lead to the same STCW III/6 CoC. The experienced route is assessed case-by-case by IAMI.
Track your ETO certs in one place.
Keep your STCW, High Voltage, ENG1 and STCW III/6 CoC organised with expiry alerts. Free for crew.
Free forever for crew, 50 MB, 3 AI scans, 20 certs, instant sharing. No card required.
Related: All career pathways · Deck career path · Engineering career path · Galley career path · Interior career path · STCW guide · ENG1 guide