Key takeaways
- ✓The ETO maintains and repairs a yacht’s electrical, electronic, navigation and IT/AV systems, working with the engineering team.
- ✓Most larger yachts ask for the STCW III/6 Electro-Technical Officer certificate of competency plus an ENG1 medical.
- ✓IT and AV experience (networks, VSAT, entertainment and control systems) is often as important as electrical skills.
- ✓Typical base pay on 60 m+ yachts is about €7,000–10,000+ a month according to 2026 recruiter salary guides.
- ✓Electricians and AV/IT technicians from ashore can move into the role with STCW basics, ENG1 and sea time.
What an ETO does
- •Maintains switchboards, generators’ electrical systems, shore power and battery/hybrid systems with the engineers
- •Looks after bridge and navigation electronics: radar, ECDIS, GMDSS and communications
- •Runs the IT network, satellite internet (VSAT), Wi-Fi and cyber security
- •Maintains audio-visual, entertainment, lighting and control systems in guest areas
- •Keeps the planned maintenance system, spares and technical documentation up to date
- •Supports refits and yard periods, and troubleshoots faults at sea
Certificates and skills
- •STCW III/6 Electro-Technical Officer certificate of competency (asked for on most larger yachts)
- •STCW Basic Safety Training and ENG1 medical
- •Electrical background: marine or industrial electrician, high-voltage awareness on larger yachts
- •IT and AV skills: networking, VSAT, Crestron or similar control systems
- •Fault-finding, documentation and clear communication with the captain and chief engineer
Requirements depend on the yacht’s flag and size. Smaller yachts may hire an AV/IT officer or a technically strong engineer instead of a certified ETO.
ETO salary by yacht size
| Yacht size | Typical monthly base pay |
|---|---|
| 60–80 m | €7,000–8,500 |
| 80–100 m | €8,500–10,000+ |
| 100 m+ | €9,000–10,000+ |
How to become a yacht ETO
- •Start with STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 medical
- •Build on an electrical, electronics or AV/IT trade or degree
- •Gain sea time — junior AV/IT or electrical roles on large yachts are a common entry point
- •Work towards the STCW III/6 ETO certificate of competency through your flag or training provider
- •Keep manufacturer and IT certifications up to date and document every system you have worked on
Frequently asked questions
What does an ETO do on a yacht?+
The electro-technical officer maintains and repairs the yacht’s electrical, electronic, navigation and IT/AV systems, from switchboards and power management to satellite internet and guest entertainment.
What certificate does a yacht ETO need?+
Most larger yachts ask for the STCW III/6 Electro-Technical Officer certificate of competency, plus STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 medical. Requirements depend on the flag and size of the yacht.
How much does a yacht ETO earn?+
A 2026 recruiter guide gives about €7,000–8,500 a month on 60–80 m yachts and €8,500–10,000 or more on larger yachts. Job listings vary with rotation and programme.
Can an electrician become a yacht ETO?+
Yes. Electricians and AV/IT technicians often move into yachting with STCW basics and an ENG1, gain sea time in junior technical roles and then work towards the STCW III/6 ETO certificate.
Sources
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