1.6 The ETO - Electro-technical Officer
The ETO - Electro-technical officer
Automated and electronic circuits are progressively replacing conventional and electrical systems. Hence the international Maritime Organisation (IMO) amended STCW 95 on 25th June 2010 known as Manila amendment, to introduce a certified position of Electro-technical officer (ETO) in place of the electrical officer.
Under the command of the Chief Engineer, an ETO is responsible for the testing, servicing, maintenance and repair of all the electrical and electronic equipment on board the ship such as complex engine room control systems, radio communications, radar equipment and electronic chart systems.
Joining a new ship
On first joining a ship, the E.T.O. must appraise the Chief Engineer Officer of his engineering qualifications and experience in maintaining and repairing electronic/electrical control equipment and associated electrical equipment.
The Chief Engineer Officer must in turn advise the E.T.O. of the electrical equipment installed on the ship and any items where the expertise of the ETO is likely to be regularly required.
The E.T.O. should then familiarize themselves with the electronic installations onboard, paying special attention to equipment with which they are unfamiliar, or which the Chief Engineer Officer has advised may need their assistance.
ETO Duties and responsabilites
· Maintenance of all the electrical motors on the ship i.e. in engine room and on deck.
· In charge of maintenance of all electrical switchboards including the main switchboard and emergency switchboards.
· Responsible for the electronic systems onboard.
· Responsible for maintenance of fire detectors and fire alarm system.
· Maintaining the ship’s alarm system including the main engine alarms.
· Responsible for all batteries that are connected to machinery onboard including emergency batteries for alarm and lights, lifeboat batteries, batteries for the emergency generator.
· Responsible for the maintenance of all electronic navigation aids and communication equipment.
· Carry out and record routine servicing and maintenance of all GMDSS and communication equipment including lifeboat radios.
· Maintaining refrigeration units and the air conditioning unit of the vessel.
· Responsible for cargo and engine room crane electrical systems.
· During the time of manoeuvring, they must be present in the engine room along with other engineers to tackle any kind of electrical or other emergencies.
· Electrical officers can assist in watch keeping routines at desired time by the Chief Engineer.
· In order to fulfil the role of duty engineer, the E.T.O. shall become familiar with the main propulsion and auxiliary plant and its safe operation.