How to Join Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering in India

Do you wish to become a marine engineer? Are you thinking of Join Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering? Do you want to be clad in that smart white-colored uniform that is a dream of many? Many students have a glitch in their minds if they can pursue marine engineering courses after successful completion of their degree or diploma in electrical engineering. The answer to this question is a sure shot ’yes.’

If you are an electrical engineer and wish to join the Indian Merchant Navy, you can become a marine engineer using your mechanical engineering degree. Numerous topics are covered in both electrical and marine engineering courses, making it more straightforward for an electrical engineer to earn a second degree in marine engineering and gain access to new career prospects.

Additionally, people who already hold an electrical engineering degree/diploma may consider studying marine engineering due to the current shortage of maritime specialists in the shipping industry and the dearth of quality electro-technical positions available.

How to Become a Marine Engineer and Join Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering?

The benefit of studying marine engineering after electrical engineering is that you avoid going through the demanding four-year engineering training program required for marine engineers. But, here you need Only a four-month specialist course is required.

You can join the Merchant Navy after electrical engineering through the four-month ETO Course! After completing electrical engineering, all you need to become a marine engineer is this four-month ETO (Electro-technical officer) course.

Also Read: How to get sponsorship in Merchant Navy in India: A-Z Guide

What is the Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Course?

ETO is a four-month pre-sea training program, approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (Government of India), which lets you join Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering. This course focuses on providing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, safety consciousness, and efficiency. This is an all-residential program, which begins in March, July, and November every year.

Upon completing the course, you will be eligible for 8 months of training on a ship as a trainee ETO. After the training period, you need to appear for the Certificate of Competency (COC) Examination, which will make you qualified to serve as an Electro-Technical Officer onboard a merchant ship.

Eligibility Criteria for ETO Course to Join Merchant Navy After Electrical Engineering

The eligibility criteria for ETO course to join Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering is as below:

Qualification: 12th Pass with at least 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), and 50% marks in English (in both 10th & 12th). Cleared a 3-year diploma with a minimum of 60% marks.

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication/ Communication Engineering, or Electronics and Instrumentation or equivalent recognized by AICTE/ UGC approved University with minimum marks of 50% in the final year.

Passed in 10th Standard, with English as a separate subject with minimum 50% marks in English and passed Diploma with 60%, also passed Three years Degree through Lateral Entry with 50% marks in the streams mentioned above. Also, the diploma/degree course must be recognized by any State or Central Government or AICTE.

Age Limit: Not more than 35 years (As on the date of commencement of course)

Medical Standards: Candidates should be medically and physically fit. A full medical check-up through a Panel Doctor approved by D.G Shipping will be undertaken. A complete eyesight test will also be conducted in which the distance vision should be 6/6 with no color blindness

Selection Process for ETO Course

To join the Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering through ETO course, the selection process is as below:

Entrance examinations: Eligible candidates have to appear for the entrance exams conducted by the selected college. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for the panel interview.
Panel interview: After that, shortlisted candidates get called for the admission procedure.
Medical examination: Selected candidates will undergo a medical screening to test their eyesight and physical fitness.
Pre-sea training: Candidates who clear the medical examination will begin with 4 months of pre-sea training.

Career Path for ETO: Join Merchant Navy after Electrical Engineering

Firstly, Complete 4 months of your Pre-Sea training from a DG Shipping Approved institute
After that, Go through 8 months of onboard training as a trainee ETO
Then, after completion of the training period, start working as an Assistant ETO
After serving as an Assistant ETO for a considerable period, you will be promoted to work as an Electro-technical officer

What Does an Electro-Technical Officer Do?

On a ship, an electro-technical officer is in charge of a variety of duties, mostly involving electrical systems. The chief engineer who oversees everything on a ship will likely be your immediate supervisor, as is the case with the majority of maritime jobs. The following ship jobs would be performed when you work under a chief engineer.

Maintenance and working of electrical equipment on board.
The operation of electrical components such as engine rooms, radio communications, and electronic navigation requirements such as echo sounders, gyro compass, weather fax, autopilot, RADAR system, broadcast and internal aerial system, telephone and talk back system, and satellite communications.

Look into basic electric needs like refrigeration, bridge systems, and control rooms.
Maintenance of emergency systems including emergency switches, fire alarms, and detectors.
The vessel’s electrical components like navigational lights, battery backups, and electrically operated propelling machinery.
Assist chief officer in handling routine works especially related to electrical handling.
Coordinate work with on-shore technicians.
An electrical officer, like every other ship officer, plays a crucial role in crises. You would be expected to manage emergency situations and make sure that all safety equipment is always available.
A ship’s electrical and technical features are investigated by an electro-technical officer. Therefore, an ETO would oversee the operation of any machinery that is computer controlled.
On passenger ships and cruise ships with significant electrical requirements and unmanned technology handling them, the role of an electrical officer is crucial. However, as an electro-technical officer, you would be responsible for overseeing everything on such vessels, including refrigeration and air conditioning.

Best Colleges for ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) Course in India

If you are an electrical engineer, there are a number of institutions that provide the four-month ETO Course that is accredited by the Directorate General of Shipping, India.

Also, Some of the best institutes offering ETO course and joining Merchant Navy after electrical engineering in India are: