How to Join Merchant Navy After Electrical Engineering: A Clear Path

Why Electrical Engineering Gives You a Good Shot

Electrical engineers already know circuits, power systems, control, electronics — skills directly useful on ships, especially in the ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) role. Rather than starting from scratch, you adapt your learning to marine equipment: shipboard power, navigation electronics, automation, communication systems.

You can join the merchant navy after electrical engineering by taking the ETO course (about 4 months), then doing shipboard training. So the route is shorter and more specific than doing a full marine engineering degree.

What Is the ETO Course?

ETO = Electro-Technical Officer. On a ship, this person is responsible for all electrical / electronic / automation systems (communications, control, navigation, power).  

Key features:

• It’s a pre-sea course (classroom + labs). 
• Duration is typically 4 months residential training. 
• After that, you go for 8 months shipboard / on-board training as a trainee ETO. 
• After successful training and passing the required exams (Certificate of Competency, per DG Shipping), you become a full ETO onboard. 
  

Eligibility & Requirements

To enroll for ETO after electrical engineering, you must satisfy academics, age, and medical standards. Here’s what I found:

Academic requirements

• You should hold a Degree (BE / BTech) in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Electronics & Telecommunication (ECE), or Electronics & Instrumentation or equivalent. 
• Some colleges demand minimum marks (for example, 65% aggregate in degree) before you can apply to their ETO course. AEMA, for instance, requires 65% in degree. 
• Also, in your 10th / 12th (or equivalent), you must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM). 
• English: you often must have secured a minimum percentage (like 50%) in English in 10th or 12th. 
  

Age & Other Conditions

• Many institutes cap the maximum age (e.g. AEMA says max age 28). 
• You must be medically fit, including eyesight (vision 6/12 or acceptable standards), and no color blindness. 
• Some require English in degree medium or marks if you didn’t get English earlier.
  

If you meet those, you can apply to ETO courses.

Selection Process & Steps

Here’s how the process usually goes:

1. Application / Entrance Test: Many colleges conduct their own tests for ETO admission. 
2. Panel Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview. 
3. Medical Examination: Must clear DG Shipping approved medical checks. 
4. Pre-sea Training: If selected, do the 4 months classroom/lab ETO training. 
5. Shipboard Training: After finishing classroom, go onboard for 8 months as trainee ETO. 
6. Certificate of Competency / Exam: After training, appear for required exams (CoC) to qualify as ETO. 
7. Begin ETO career: Once certified, you serve as ETO on ships, maintaining all electrical / electronic systems. 
   

What Does an ETO Do Onboard?

Understanding the role helps you see whether this suits you:

• The Electro-Technical Officer is responsible for all electrical, electronic, automation, control systems onboard: navigation aids, communication, power systems, sensors, instrumentation. 
• Unlike traditional engine officers, the ETO usually does not take engine room watches. They are on ad hoc shift or standby duty, servicing electrical systems, diagnostics, troubleshooting. 
• ETO reports to the Chief Engineer or head of the engineering department, but is a specialized function focusing on the ship’s “brains and nervous system” (electronics). 

The role demands a blend of electrical knowledge, adaptability, prompt decision making, and ability to maintain critical systems under pressure.

Also Read: Top DG-Approved ETO Colleges in India: Courses, Eligibility & Best Institutes

Best ETO Colleges / Institutes

Which colleges offer DG-approved ETO courses? 

• AEMA (Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy) 
• SI MS (Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies) 
• HIMT College 
• IMI (International Maritime Institute) 
• GEIMS
• Euro Tech Maritime Academy. 

Before finalizing, always cross-check their DG Shipping approval status, fees, current placement records, and ship onboard training capacity.

Pros & Challenges of Choosing the ETO Route

Pros

• Faster route compared to a full marine engineering degree: 4 months training + 8 months sea time is relatively quick. 
• Use your electrical engineering background, so less content is foreign to you.
• ETO has niche importance: modern ships rely heavily on electronics and automation, making ETOs increasingly essential. 
• Good global mobility: ETOs are recognized under STCW (Section A-III/6) code worldwide. 
  

Challenges

• Limited seats in reputable institutes; competition is strong.
• Some institutes may delay actual ship posting or have weak ship tie-ups.
• The workload and stress are high: you must maintain critical systems continuously, often in challenging conditions.
• Technology changes fast: you must keep updating yourself.

If your institute or course loses DG approval, your qualification might lose weight.