In our shipping career, we often talk about being “qualified” or “certified,” but that alone is not enough to be respected on board — especially for an ETO. Unlike other ranks, an ETO usually works alone. That means your value is judged purely by your skill, attitude, and how well you carry yourself in a team.

A good ETO can earn a place among senior officers. But a careless one can be treated lower than a cadet. So what makes a strong ETO?

Let’s start with the foundation.

Just Like IMO Has Four Pillars — So Should an ETO

The IMO maintains international shipping through four main conventions:

1) SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea

2) MARPOL – Prevention of Marine Pollution

3) STCW – Standards of Training and Certification

4) MLC – Maritime Labour Convention

These four pillars are the backbone of ship safety, pollution control, crew standards, and welfare.

In the same way, I believe an ETO must build himself on four personal and technical pillars:

1. Instrumentation

An ETO must understand sensors, transmitters, controllers, and remote systems. These are the systems that “talk” to us about the condition of the ship. You must be able to read them and act quickly. If not, you’re just reacting blindly.

2. Circuit Theory and Drawing Reading

If you don’t understand the theory and you can’t read the drawing, you can’t find the fault. Time will be wasted, and you’ll lose respect. This is your technical language — you must be fluent.

3. Machinery Knowledge

You don’t need to be a marine engineer, but you must understand the machines you’re supporting — engine, steering gear, compressor, boiler, reefer, etc. 50% of fault-finding is understanding the system itself.

4. Rules and Regulations

You must know SOLAS, ISM, class rules, IEC standards, and company procedures. These are not just for the office or the chief. A single mistake in electrical work can lead to safety issues, port detention, or even a major failure.

After All That — Remember This:

Once some ETOs become confident, they start thinking they are above others. Yes, sometimes you may know more than the Chief Engineer or 1st engineer — but that doesn’t give you the right to disrespect them.

We are not alone on the ship. Teamwork keeps everything running.

Support others, don’t compete.

Share knowledge, don’t show off.

Work with engineers and deck officers — not against them.

Personal Habits Also Matter

Some habits we see as normal in our culture may look unprofessional or unhygienic to others onboard. Things like chewing betel nuts, spitting, drinking too much, or poor hygiene leave a bad impression — not just about you, but about where you come from.

We should always:

Control alcohol

Stay mentally stable under pressure

Practice clean and respectful habits

You are not only an ETO — you are representing your rank, your company, and your country.

A strong ETO is not just someone who can fix wires and reset alarms. He is someone the ship can depend on — technically, professionally, and personally.

“Be competent, and you’ll stand with the management level. Be careless, and you’ll fall below the cadet.”

Stay sharp. Stay humble. And always take pride in your role.