Superyacht Audio-Visual and Information Technology training — the IAMI GUEST industry professional standard for crew responsible for onboard AV and IT systems.
The ETO/AV-IT training pathway is a suite of industry-professional courses covering the Audio-Visual and Information Technology systems specific to superyachts. Developed by the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) in collaboration with AV/IT equipment manufacturers and installation specialists, the programme is delivered under the IAMI GUEST standard — the yachting industry's equivalent of an ILO/STCW-aligned competence framework, applying Global Uniform Standards of Education and Training for Yacht Crew. The formal IAMI GUEST programme was announced in early 2026 following an industry consultation process launched at the Superyacht Technology Conference in Barcelona in October 2022.
The programme comprises four certificated courses that can be taken individually or as a combined pathway: AV Level 1 (1 day, online), AV Level 2 (2–3 days, in-person), IT Level 1 (2 days), and IT Level 2 (3 days, in-person). Providers marketing the label "ETO/AV-IT" are typically offering a combined pathway covering these courses alongside awareness of the broader Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) role, rather than a single qualification with that exact name. It is important to distinguish this pathway from the full STCW A-III/6 ETO Certificate of Competency, which is a separate, degree-level qualification focused on high-voltage electrical systems and propulsion — the AV/IT courses address the superyacht-specific entertainment, automation, connectivity, and cybersecurity systems that the STCW ETO framework does not cover in depth.
There is no flag-state or STCW regulatory mandate requiring this specific training. It is industry-driven, not legally compulsory. However, on vessels of 40 m and above it is increasingly a de facto employment requirement, and on superyachts of 90 m and above it is near-mandatory for the dedicated AV/IT Officer role. The STCW Convention does include a generic cyber security awareness requirement, but most flag states had not defined specific approved training as of early 2026.
| Module | Duration | Format | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| AV Level 1 | 1 day | Online / classroom | Foundational understanding of onboard AV systems; safe operation; guest communication for entertainment and connectivity |
| AV Level 2 | 2–3 days | In-person, hands-on | Technical terminology; audio-video switchers; AV over IP; control protocols; cabling fundamentals; Crestron and similar hardware; real superyacht system schematics and documentation |
| IT Level 1 | 2 days | Classroom / online | IP address fundamentals; onboard networks; email and administration; network security basics; troubleshooting exercises |
| IT Level 2 | 3 days | In-person, hands-on | In-depth networks and administration; advanced troubleshooting with real equipment; cybersecurity |
The AV/IT Officer is a dedicated role on superyachts of 40 m and above, managing entertainment systems, connectivity, network infrastructure, and onboard technology for both guests and crew. On vessels of 90 m and above, a qualified AV/IT Officer is effectively mandatory. As the IAMI GUEST standard matures, these certificates are expected to become increasingly formalised as employment prerequisites, and some flag states may eventually reference them in their cyber security training requirements. Shoreside opportunities include superyacht AV/IT system design, installation, and project management roles at refit yards and technology integrators.
Certificate renewal: IAMI GUEST AV/IT certificates do not carry a fixed expiry or mandatory renewal cycle in the same way STCW certificates do (STCW revalidation is every five years). These are competence-based qualifications, not watchkeeping endorsements. No publicly documented renewal requirement was confirmed as of early 2026. Contact IAMI directly (guest@iami.org.uk) for the latest revalidation policy as the programme develops. Given the pace of technology change on board superyachts, providers and employers may expect crew to update their training informally as equipment platforms evolve.
Note on the "ETO/AV-IT" label: There is no single combined qualification issued under the name "ETO/AV-IT". The label is used by training providers as a marketing descriptor for a combined pathway covering AV/IT courses alongside awareness of the Electro-Technical Officer role. The full STCW A-III/6 ETO Certificate of Competency is a separate, degree-level qualification requiring extensive sea service and formal engineering training — it is not the same as these courses. Always confirm with your chosen provider exactly which certificates their programme leads to before enrolling.
Showing all 6 providers offering ETO/AV-IT training. Dates, availability, and pricing vary by provider — contact each school directly to confirm current schedules.