ETO CoC Eligibility & Exam Fees
Table of contents
Overview
- The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) issues the ETO COC (Electro-Technical Officer Certificate of Competency) in India.
- The ETO CoC certificate verifies the holder’s ability to manage and maintain on-board electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring that marine vessels operate safely and efficiently. To get an ETO COC, applicants must go through rigorous training, which includes taking a designated ETO course, acquiring practical experience at sea, and passing the Certificate of Competency Exam administered by the local maritime authority.
- Once earned, the ETO COC provides as formal validation of the individual’s qualifications to hold this vital position in the marine sector.
1. What is an ETO?
An Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is responsible for managing the electrical and electronic systems aboard a ship.
To be eligible to become an ETO within the Merchant Navy, candidates must finish a 4-month ETO Course that follows shipping standards and includes practical demonstrations, audio-visual aids, and hands-on instruction.
Following the training term, applicants must take the Certificate of Competency Exam offered by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. Successful completion of this exam results in formal recognition as an ETO in the Merchant Navy.
2. Eligibility Criteria to Become an ETO
To enroll in an ETO course, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Completion of 12th grade with a minimum aggregate of 60%, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.
- Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Telecommunication, or a related field (such as B.Tech/BE) or a Diploma in Engineering.
- Additionally, candidates are required to undergo written examinations followed by a personal interview as part of the selection process for further evaluation.
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3. Sea Time Required to Become an ETO
Sea time for an ETO consists of three stages:
- Pre-Sea Training (4 Months)- Pre-Sea Training is a four-month training approved by the Directorate General (DG). Upon completion, trainees are eligible to join the crew at sea.
- Sea Training Part 1 (8 Months)- This phase consists of an 8-month training term as a Trainee Electro-Technical Officer, during which time you will receive practical experience on board.
- Sea Training Part 2 (6 Months)- After the first sea training, there follows a 6-month training session as an Assistant Electro-Technical Officer. Individuals who complete this stage are eligible for employment as full-fledged ETOs.
4. ETO CoC Exam Eligibility
| Eligibility Criteria for ETO COC Exams | |
| Educational Qualifications | Diploma/B-Tech |
| – 3 years of diploma (For DG Shipping eligibility) | |
| – 4 years of B-Tech (As required by Anglo, Great Eastern, Tolani, etc.) | |
| Training Requirements | – 4 months of pre-sea course |
| – 8 months of onboard training | |
| Advanced Courses | – Completion of 3 advanced courses |
| (or High Voltage course only for those sailing on ships with high voltage) |
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5. ETO CoC Exam Fees
| Course | Average Cost Range (INR) | Cost Range in Mumbai (INR) | Cost Range in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai (INR) |
| Advance STCW | ₹13,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹13,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 |
| High Voltage (Management) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Eligibility Assessment | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Written Exam | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 |
| Oral Exam | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 | ₹4,500 |
| COC Application | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Fooding, Travelling, Lodging (if extra attempts) | ₹50,000 | – | – |
| Total Approximate Cost | ₹37,000 – ₹50,000 | – | – |
Average Cost of Each Course:
- AFF (Advanced Fire Fighting): ₹ 4,599
- MFA (Medical First Aid): ₹ 2,499
- PSCRB (Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats): ₹ 5,999
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the college or training institute.
6. ETO CoC Advance Courses Duration and FeesÂ
| Advanced Course | Duration | Minimum Seatime Required | Average Cost (INR) | Cost Range in Mumbai (INR) | Cost Range in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai (INR) |
| Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) | 5 Days | 6 months | ₹ 4,599 | ₹ 4,599 | ₹ 4,599 |
| Medical First Aid (MFA) | 4 Days | 6 months | ₹ 2,499 | ₹ 2,499 | ₹ 2,499 |
| Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) | 5 Days | 6 months | ₹ 5,999 | ₹ 5,999 | ₹ 5,999 |
| Management High Voltage | 5 Days | – | – | – | – |
| Operational High Voltage | 2 Days | – | – | – | – |
Please note that the Management and Operational High Voltage courses do not have a specified minimum sea time requirement.
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7. Documents Required for ETO CoC
- Online Printout of the Seafarer’s Profile, duly updated.
- Copy of CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) – First and last page, along with relevant sea service pages.
- Copy of Passport – First and last page.
- Fees for ETO examination and assessment (₹12,000) – Assessment (₹3,000), Written booking (₹4,500), Oral booking (₹4,500), plus any bank charges if applicable.
- Copy of Education qualification certificates.
- Copy of approval course certificate.
- Copy of Sea Service Testimonials duly signed by the Chief Engineer and Master of the vessel.
- Article of Agreement (only for Indian flag vessels).
- Sea Service Extract (only for navy candidates).
- Copy of Valid Medical Fitness Certificate (DGS approved).
7.1:- Original Certificates of the following;
- STCW Courses (ensuring they are valid within the specified timeframes or have undergone refreshers):
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) – valid within 5 years or refresher.
- Advanced Fire Fighting – valid within 5 years or refresher.
- Medical First Aid – valid within the last 5 years.
- Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PSSR) refresher.
- Ship Security Officer (SSO) or Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (STSDSD).
Ensure all documents are duly attested and organized as per the guidelines provided by DG Shipping for a smooth application process.
Conclusion
- Finally, an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) is critical to ensuring that electrical and electronic systems on ships run well. To become an ETO in the Merchant Navy, applicants must go through extensive training, which includes a four-month course and a Certificate of Competency Exam conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.
- With a high need for qualified workers in the maritime industry, a career as an ETO can provide exciting prospects for people who enjoy technology and the sea.
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