Electro Technical Officer Course
The Electro Technical Officer Course gives you the technical authority to manage every electrical system aboard a modern vessel. From power generation and distribution to automation, navigation electronics, and cybersecurity, this programme covers the full scope of ETO responsibilities. Complete it and step aboard ready to lead your electrical team with confidence.
What you will learn:
You will master shipboard power generation, parallel generator operation, and blackout recovery procedures. The course covers protective relay coordination, motor control circuits, and variable frequency drives used throughout the engine room. You will configure and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems and tune PID controllers for stable machinery operation. Navigation and communication electronics, including RADAR, GMDSS, and ECDIS, are covered in dedicated sections. You will also study cybersecurity measures for shipboard networks and emerging technologies such as hybrid propulsion and battery energy storage. Leadership skills, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance round out your preparation for independent ETO duties.
How you study in a practical way Electro Technical Officer Course
How you practise Electro Technical Officer Course
For companies looking to train their teams
With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.
Course content
8 Chapters • 39 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)
Chapter 1HideHide detailsSee detailsFundamentals of Marine Electrical Systems
Fundamentals of Marine Electrical Systems
Lesson 1 • Electrical Safety Principles
Establishes isolation procedures, permit-to-work systems, and personal protective equipment use. Safety practices underpin every practical task in the course.
Lesson 2 • Shipboard Power Generation Overview
Examines diesel-driven alternators, shaft generators, and emergency generators. Connects generation principles to vessel operational requirements.
Lesson 3 • Basic Electrical Theory for Ships
Covers voltage, current, resistance, and power relationships in marine contexts. Establishes the quantitative foundation for all subsequent electrical analysis.
Lesson 4 • Main Switchboard Architecture
Introduces bus-bar arrangements, circuit breakers, and protection relays on the main switchboard. Provides context for safe power distribution management.
Chapter 2HideHide detailsSee detailsMarine Generators and Prime Movers
Marine Generators and Prime Movers
Lesson 1 • Generator Fault Diagnosis
Applies systematic fault-finding to voltage collapse, overheating, and abnormal noise. Builds diagnostic confidence before students encounter live equipment.
Lesson 2 • Generator Construction and Components
Details stator windings, rotor assemblies, bearings, and cooling systems. Understanding construction enables accurate fault diagnosis in later sections.
Lesson 3 • Parallel Operation of Generators
Covers synchronization conditions, load sharing, and dead-bus energization. Parallel operation maximizes efficiency and redundancy on multi-generator vessels.
Lesson 4 • Generator Maintenance and Testing
Outlines planned maintenance schedules, insulation testing, and performance verification. Routine maintenance prevents unplanned outages at sea.
Lesson 5 • Voltage Regulation and Excitation
Explains automatic voltage regulators, brushless excitation, and manual override procedures. Stable voltage output is critical for sensitive shipboard equipment.
Chapter 3HideHide detailsSee detailsPower Distribution and Protection Systems
Power Distribution and Protection Systems
Lesson 1 • Shore Power and High-Voltage Systems
Introduces shore connection procedures and high-voltage distribution found on large vessels. High-voltage competency is increasingly required for modern tonnage.
Lesson 2 • Circuit Breaker Selection and Operation
Addresses breaking capacity, arc extinction methods, and operational interlocks. Proper breaker selection prevents equipment damage during fault conditions.
Lesson 3 • Blackout Prevention and Recovery
Analyzes causes of total power loss and structured restoration sequences. Rapid, systematic recovery minimizes risk to vessel safety and cargo.
Lesson 4 • Distribution Network Topology
Examines radial, ring, and zonal distribution arrangements used on merchant vessels. Topology choice directly affects redundancy and fault isolation capability.
Lesson 5 • Protective Relay Coordination
Covers overcurrent, differential, and earth-fault relays and their time-current grading. Correct coordination ensures selective tripping without cascading blackouts.
Chapter 4HideHide detailsSee detailsElectric Motors and Motor Control
Electric Motors and Motor Control
Lesson 1 • Motor Maintenance and Fault Finding
Applies insulation testing, bearing replacement, and vibration monitoring to motor upkeep. Systematic fault finding reduces mean time to repair at sea.
Lesson 2 • Motor Protection and Control Circuits
Details overload relays, thermistors, contactor logic, and control circuit reading. Protection prevents costly motor burnout in remote or unattended spaces.
Lesson 3 • Variable Frequency Drives
Covers VFD topology, PWM control, and energy savings for pumps and fans. VFDs are standard on modern vessels and require dedicated operational knowledge.
Lesson 4 • AC Induction Motor Principles
Explains rotating magnetic fields, slip, torque-speed curves, and efficiency classes. Induction motors drive the majority of shipboard auxiliaries.
Lesson 5 • Motor Starting Methods
Compares direct-on-line, star-delta, autotransformer, and soft-starter techniques. Starting method selection limits inrush current and voltage dips on the bus.
Chapter 5HideHide detailsSee detailsNavigation and Communication Electronics
Navigation and Communication Electronics
Lesson 1 • RADAR Systems Operation and Maintenance
Covers magnetron transmitters, antenna drives, display processing, and performance checks. RADAR reliability is essential for safe navigation in all conditions.
Lesson 2 • GMDSS Equipment and Maintenance
Addresses DSC controllers, EPIRB testing, SART operation, and battery maintenance. GMDSS equipment must be fully operational to meet distress communication requirements.
Lesson 3 • Electronic Chart Display Systems
Explains ECDIS hardware, sensor integration, and alarm management. Correct maintenance ensures chart data integrity and navigational accuracy.
Lesson 4 • Satellite and Radio Communication Systems
Covers VSAT, Inmarsat, VHF, and MF/HF radio maintenance and fault finding. Communication system uptime supports both safety and commercial operations.
Lesson 5 • Integrated Bridge System Maintenance
Addresses network architecture, sensor redundancy, and software update procedures for integrated bridge systems. Integration faults can affect multiple navigation functions simultaneously.
Chapter 6HideHide detailsSee detailsAutomation and Control Systems
Automation and Control Systems
Lesson 1 • Automation System Troubleshooting
Applies structured fault-finding to sensor failures, communication errors, and logic faults. Systematic diagnosis minimizes machinery downtime during ocean passages.
Lesson 2 • Programmable Logic Controllers
Covers PLC hardware, ladder logic programming, and I/O module configuration. PLCs control most modern engine room auxiliaries and cargo systems.
Lesson 3 • PID Controllers and Tuning
Explains proportional, integral, and derivative actions and manual tuning methods. Correct PID tuning stabilizes critical parameters such as temperature and pressure.
Lesson 4 • Alarm Monitoring and Safety Systems
Addresses alarm management philosophy, safety instrumented systems, and trip testing. Reliable alarm systems protect machinery and crew from hazardous conditions.
Lesson 5 • Fundamentals of Process Control
Introduces open-loop and closed-loop control, feedback, and feedforward strategies. Control theory underpins every automated system encountered in the engine room.
Chapter 7HideHide detailsSee detailsElectrical Maintenance and Planned Maintenance
Electrical Maintenance and Planned Maintenance
Lesson 1 • Maintenance Documentation and Audits
Explains work order systems, class survey preparation, and deficiency reporting. Accurate documentation satisfies regulatory audits and supports continuous improvement.
Lesson 2 • Cable and Wiring Maintenance
Covers cable inspection, termination techniques, and penetration sealing standards. Cable integrity is fundamental to system reliability and fire prevention.
Lesson 3 • Battery Systems Maintenance
Addresses lead-acid and VRLA battery testing, charging regimes, and replacement criteria. Battery systems support emergency power and UPS functions aboard ship.
Lesson 4 • Switchgear and Panel Maintenance
Details contact inspection, arc chute cleaning, and torque verification for switchgear. Switchgear maintenance prevents contact failure and arc flash incidents.
Lesson 5 • Planned Maintenance System Principles
Introduces condition-based, time-based, and predictive maintenance strategies. A structured maintenance system reduces unplanned failures and extends equipment life.
Chapter 8HideHide detailsSee detailsAdvanced Electrical Projects and Leadership
Advanced Electrical Projects and Leadership
Lesson 1 • ETO Role in Dry-Dock and Newbuilding
Prepares students for ETO responsibilities during dry-dock repairs and newbuilding commissioning. These high-intensity periods require advanced planning and technical oversight.
Lesson 2 • Energy Efficiency and Power Management
Analyzes power management systems, harmonic mitigation, and energy monitoring tools. Efficiency improvements reduce fuel costs and emissions on every voyage.
Lesson 3 • Contractor and Vendor Management
Addresses scope of work definition, supervision of shore contractors, and acceptance testing. Effective vendor management ensures quality and cost control during port stays.
Lesson 4 • Electrical System Modifications and Upgrades
Covers change management, load flow analysis, and approval processes for system modifications. Uncontrolled modifications create safety and compliance risks.
Lesson 5 • Leading the Electrical Safety Program
Develops skills to conduct safety briefings, investigate incidents, and implement corrective actions. The ETO is responsible for the vessel's electrical safety culture.
Your valid completion certificate
This course is for you:
Marine electrician: ready to advance into a certified officer-grade ETO role.
Junior ETO: seeking structured training to handle full departmental responsibilities independently.
Engine room officer: expanding expertise to cover electrical systems alongside mechanical duties.
Electrical engineer from shore industry: transitioning into a maritime career at officer level.
Cadet or graduate: building the technical foundation required before a first ETO contract.
Returning seafarer: refreshing and formalising electrical knowledge after time ashore.
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