Electro Technical Officer ETO Guideline

Electro-technical
Officer (ETO)
This guideline is for new applicants for an Electro-technical
Officer (ETO) certificate of competency
Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency
Page 1 of 22
Electro-technical
Officer (ETO)
Last updated: 25 November 2014
In this guide
1. Overview
2. Requirements
2.1 Prior certification and qualifications
2.2 Sea service
2.3 Training
2.4 Fit and proper person
10
2.5 Medical examination and eyesight tests
11
2.6 Age and identity
12
3. When and how to apply
13
3.1 Certified copies
13
3.2 Fees and payment options
14
3.3 Application process
15
3.4 Checklist
17
3.5 Where to send your application
20
4. Contact us for help
21
5. Forms
22
Page 1 of 22
1. Overview
Electro-technical Officer (ETO) certificate of competency
This guideline is for new applicants for the Electro-technical Officer certificate of competency.
The information in this guideline covers training, sea service and other requirements for the
certificate, how to apply and pay for your certificate, and where to find more information.
It does not cover recognition of an equivalent certificate obtained outside New Zealand.
Your ETO certificate is valid for five years.
For more information about recognition and renewal (revalidation) of certificates, refer to the
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) website:
maritimenz.govt.nz/seafarers
This is a new certificate. Its approved training options, including an internationally recognised
training record book, are under development. The information in this guideline about training and
sea service requirements will be updated when the details have been confirmed.
If you are interested in applying for this certificate, you should become familiar with the
competency framework for this certificate and the associated requirements in this guideline.
Check with your training provider about when courses will be available and whether any of your
prior learning could be recognised towards the certificate.
The ETO certificate is issued under regulation III/6 of the International Convention on the
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended
(STCW).
With this certificate, you can perform electrical, electronic and control engineering functions
and duties at an operational level on a ship of any propulsion power in any operating area.
This is the most senior electro-technical role.
Disclaimer:
These guidelines provide information and explanations about the requirements set out in the
maritime rules, but are not a substitute for the rules themselves, which are the law. These
guidelines refer to provisions in the Maritime Rules Part 32, Seafarer Certification. The Director of
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) will grant a certificate only when satisfied that all requirements have
been met. In this guideline, any references to we or Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) relating to a
decision about the issue or renewal of any seafarer certificate are references to the Director or a
person acting under the Directors delegated authority.
maritimenz.govt.nz/rules
Page 2 of 22
2. Requirements
Before you spend time doing sea service and training, we recommend you check that you
can meet the medical fitness and eyesight standards (including for colour vision), and that
you understand the fit and proper person requirements.
To get this certificate, you need to prove that you meet all of the requirements. In summary, you need to:
be at least 18 years old, medically fit and have good eyesight
be of good character and a fit and proper person
prove you have met the minimum sea service requirements
meet the training requirements
have the required ancillary certificates
pass MNZs final exam.
Each of these requirements and how to prove that you meet them is explained below.
You must also have English conversation, reading and writing skills appropriate to the responsibilities and
functions for the level of your certificate, so that you can satisfactorily complete training, pass examinations
and discharge your duties.
2.1 Prior certification and qualifications

None required.
Page 3 of 22
2. Requirements (continued)
2.2 Sea service

The amount of seagoing service you need depends on the option you choose for combining sea service
and training.
Sea service requirements

Your sea service must be relevant and appropriate to the requirements set out in the maritime rules. In
practice, this will require you to complete one of the following options:
Option 1: at least 36 months combined sea service and workshop skills training on ships of 750kW
propulsion power or more, including:
at least 30 months working in the engine department and
at least six weeks of workshop skills training relevant to electro-technical duties.
Option 2: a total of 12 months combined sea service and workshop skills training on ships over
750kW propulsion power, including:
at least six months sea service and structured on-board training documented in an approved
training record book and
at least six weeks workshop skills training
Note: Option 2 will be made available when an internationally accepted standard suitable for a New
Zealand context has been developed for the training record book. This guideline will be updated when
Option 2 becomes available.
All of your sea service must have been completed in the 10 years immediately before you apply for the
certificate.
Proving your sea service

You are responsible for making sure your sea service is documented and verified by your ships master or
company. You can use the summary of sea service form on MNZs website to help keep track of your sea
service. (This form is not required for your certificate application.)
To support your sea service for both options, you must provide at least one of the following documents for
each vessel you have served on:
certificate of sea service (available on MNZs website)
completed seafarers record book
discharge certificate or discharge book (ensuring that any section on watchkeeping is

appropriately signed off).
If it is not included in one of the documents above, you must also provide a reference (on company
letterhead), from the ships master or your employer. The reference(s) must state the start and end dates of
your service and duties while in service. Any references must cover your experience, conduct, sobriety and
ability.
Page 4 of 22
The documents you provide must contain all of the following details for each vessel you have served on:
your employers name and contact details
the name, tonnage and type of vessel (for example, cargo vessel, tanker, bulk carrier)
the type of cargo carried and area of operation
the engine type, make, model and output power
the dates you were employed and the sea time completed between those dates
your duties, including the actual time you spent on engine room watchkeeping.
Any statutory declarations you have made are not acceptable as proof of your sea service.
Calculating sea service

Relevant qualifying sea service is expected to be on voyages of 24 hours or more, calculated as follows:
from the sign-on date of starting work on the ship to the sign-off date of discharge (both dates are
inclusive)
by counting each whole calendar month during this period as one month
for multiple voyages, by adding together extra days that do not fall within a calendar month, with
each addition of 30 days to be calculated as one month.
Extended time in port is generally not counted as sea service, and nor is time on leave.
Note:
Voyage means a voyage between a port or place of departure and a ships final port or place of
arrival. It includes any period of 24 hours (or more) where you are signed on or employed on the
vessel and you remain on board.
For example: If your service record shows your sign-on date as 3 March and sign-off date as 14
April, your sea service would be calculated as one month (3 March to 2 April) and 12 days (from 3
to 14 April inclusive).
For more information about calculating your sea service, refer to the MNZ website:
Page 5 of 22
Sea service pre-assessment

If you are unsure about whether you have met the sea service requirements, you can ask us to assess your
sea service time before you make your full application. We charge a fee to do this (see 3.2 Fees and
payment options).
To have your sea service pre-assessed, you need to:
apply for pre-assessment using MNZs pre-assessment form
pay a pre-assessment fee
send us the documents we need (see Proving your sea service above) in order to check your sea
service.
Note:
If you are pre-assessed and have the required sea service for the ETO certificate, add your preassessment reference number to your seafarer certificate application form.
Page 6 of 22
2.3 Training
The sea service, training and experience required for this certificate must involve functions and duties
associated with electrical, electronic and control engineering at an operational level, on a ship of 750kW
propulsion power or more in any operating area.
As part of your training, you are required to gain electro-technical (electronic and electrical) workshop skills
relevant to the duties of an electro-technical officer. This training may be carried out ashore with an
approved training provider. On-board training should be documented in the training record book by
qualified assessors.
This information will be updated when courses have been approved. The competencies you will need to
gain and demonstrate are set out in Table A-III/6 of the STCW Code, and the competency framework for
the ETO certificate is provided on MNZs website:
maritimenz.govt.nz
Option 1 (at least 36 months combined sea service and workshop skills training)
You must attend and pass an ETO training course that is acceptable to the Director of MNZ and meets the
required competencies specified in section A-III6 of the STCW Code. You should check that the course
provides the required training in electro-technical workshop skills.
Your combined sea service and workshop skills must total at least 36 months and include at least 30
months of sea service.
Option 2 (at least 12 months combined sea service and structured training)
This guideline will be updated when this option, for combined sea service and structured training, becomes
available.
For more information about approved training providers and the ETO competency framework, refer to the
MNZ website:
Final examination
You must pass a final exam to show you have met the standards of competency specified in section A-III/6
of the STCW Code.
The final exam is currently an oral examination, which you must arrange to have with an MNZ-approved
Maritime Examiner (unless your training provider does this for you). Your results will be sent to MNZ.
Refer to the MNZ website for more information:
Page 7 of 22
Ancillary certificates
You must provide copies of the ancillary certificates you gained as part of your ETO training. Your training
provider should also offer this training and will provide you with a certificate for each of these courses to
confirm you have demonstrated proficiency in the required skills.
If you already have an ancillary certificate that demonstrates proficiency in the areas listed below and at the
required level, you may use it as long as the specific requirements are met and the certificate is still
current (not expired) at the time MNZ issues your ETO certificate.
Document(s) you must provide
Ancillary certificate requirements
STCW basic training
STCW basic training that complies with STCW A-VI/1

paragraph 2 and covers basic personal survival
techniques (A-VI/11), fire prevention and fire fighting (AVI/12), elementary first aid (A-VI/13) and personal
safety and social responsibility (A-VI/14). This may be
issued as one certificate citing the four elements or as
four separate certificates
Proficiency in survival craft and rescue

boats other than fast rescue boats (PISC)
STCW survival craft and rescue boats other than fast

rescue boats certificate that complies with STCW Code
section A-VI/2 paragraphs 14 (Table A-VI/2-1)
Advanced fire fighting
STCW advanced fire fighting certificate that complies

with STCW Code section A-VI3, paragraphs 14 (Table
A-VI/3)
Medical first aid
STCW medical first aid on board ship certificate that

complies with STCW Code section A-VI/4, paragraphs
13 (Table A-VI/4-1)
Your ancillary certificates must:
be current (not expired) when we issue your ETO certificate

Note: The following STCW ancillary certifications must be less than five years old from the date of
issue (or, if older, you must demonstrate that you have maintained the required standard of
competency to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities specified in the relevant STCW
tables):
o
STCW A-VI/1-1 basic personal survival techniques
STCW A-VI/1-2 fire prevention and fire fighting
STCW A-VI/2-1 proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats
(PISC)
STCW A-VI/3 advanced fire fighting (section 3.6 and Table A-VI/3).
Although not an STCW requirement, we encourage you to maintain the currency of your certificates
for first aid, in accordance with the requirements of the issuing organisation (which usually require
refresher training every two years).
Page 8 of 22
Your certificates must also:
conform to the STCW regulations and have the appropriate STCW regulation number
be from a training provider approved under the New Zealand Education Act or by the Director of
MNZ, or from a training provider in a country where MNZ has determined that ancillary training is
STCW-compliant. (Refer to the recognition guidelines on MNZs website for information about
recognition of ancillary certificates obtained outside New Zealand.)
be seen by us before we can issue your ETO certificate.
For more information about ancillary certificate requirements, including the information you need to provide
to demonstrate currency if you already hold an ancillary certificate, refer to the ancillary guidelines on the
MNZ website:
Security awareness training

MNZ strongly recommends that you also get an ancillary certificate for proficiency in security awareness
training (STCW A-VI/6-1.1). This certificate is needed if you wish to work on any ship that the International
Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code applies to.
If you do not provide this ancillary certificate, your certificate will have a condition stating that without a
current Proficiency in Security Awareness Training (STCW A-VI/6-1), it is not valid for vessels to which ISPS
applies.
We will accept a proficiency in security awareness training certificate that has been approved by the
administration of any country with which New Zealand has an agreement (memorandum of understanding)
for recognition of STCW certificates.
For more information about security awareness training requirements and recognition of STCW certificates,
refer to the ancillary guidelines on the MNZ website:
Page 9 of 22
2.4 Fit and proper person

We need to confirm that you are of good character. To help us do this, there are several
forms we need from you, which are outlined below.
Requirement
Be of good character
A character reference describing what you are like

as a person. It must:
o
be signed and dated
refer to the last 12 months
not be from a family member
A completed fit and proper person form, which

must have been signed and dated no more than
three months before we receive your application
A police clearance report for any country or

countries outside New Zealand that you have lived
in for 12 months or longer in the past five years
(covering the entire period you lived in that country
or countries)
Refer to 5. Forms for all of the forms that you will need to complete your application.
Page 10 of 22
2.5 Medical examination and eyesight tests

You need to prove that your medical fitness and eyesight meet the required standard.
Requirement
Be medically fit
A certificate of medical fitness for seafarers that is valid at the time we issue
your ETO certificate.
Have good eyesight
This is a special medical certificate that complies with STCW regulation

I/9. You must get this from an approved medical practitioner, or from a
medical practitioner approved for issuing seafarer medicals in another
country that is party to STCW.
You may use an existing medical certificate if it will be valid (usually less
than two years old) when your ETO certificate is issued.
Your medical practitioner will send us a copy or we will accept a

certified copy.
Eye test results showing you have met the required standards for:
visual acuity (including a letter eyesight test). Your eyesight test results
must be less than 12 months old at the time we issue your certificate
colour vision this may initially be assessed as part of the seafarers

certificate of medical fitness, using the Ishihara colour vision test.
If you fail the Ishihara test, you will need to take an alternative colour
vision test with a registered optometrist (for more details, refer to the
Advisory Circular for Part 34 on MNZs website).
Your colour vision test results (of either test) must be less than six years
old at the time your certificate is issued.
If there is any doubt about you passing the eyesight test, your medical
practitioner will refer you to a registered optometrist. Your medical practitioner
(or optometrist, if required) will send us the results of your eye tests
For more information about the medical and eyesight requirements for this certificate, refer to
the guidelines on MNZs website:
Page 11 of 22
2.6 Age and identity

We need to confirm your age and identity. There are several forms we need from you to help
us do this.
Requirement
Prove your identity and be 18 or older
Your completed seafarer certificate application

form (remember to sign both boxes)
Either your passport (make sure it has not

expired) or your drivers licence and birth
certificate
Four passport-sized photographs (or ask the

photographer to provide an electronic copy,
which you can then forward to MNZ if you are
emailing us your application)
Refer to 5. Forms for all of the forms that you will need to complete your application.
Links for these requirements
Apply for or renew a passport [Internal Affairs website]
Get your drivers licence [NZ Transport Agency website]
Apply for your birth certificate [Internal Affairs website]
Page 12 of 22
3. When and how to apply

Apply when you have completed all of the certificate requirements. Once we have received
all of the information we need from you, it may take us up to 20 working days to process
your application, so send it in as soon as possible (and at least one month before you need
your certificate).
Make sure you include all of the documents we have asked for. Refer to 3.4 Checklist to make sure you
have everything you need for your application. (If you have made a mistake or left out something we have
asked for, your application is likely to be delayed.)
3.1 Certified copies

We need certified copies of your supporting documents, not the original versions (except for your training
record book if you have completed one we must see the original of this).
A certified copy is a photocopy that has been certified as being a true and accurate copy. Certified copies
must clearly show the certifiers name and title beneath their signature. Any additional pages must show
the initials of the person certifying the document.
Your documents can be certified by:
a justice of the peace
a notary public
a barrister or solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
your training provider.
You can get contact details for your local certifiers from the Citizens Advice Bureau or Yellow Pages.
We do not need to see any of the documents you have already sent to us for other applications (unless
they have expired or will expire before we issue your certificate). Just make a note about these documents
in your application. However, if any of these documents has expired or will expire before we issue your
certificate, we need to see a certified copy of the new or renewed document.
Page 13 of 22
3. When and how to apply (continued)
3.2 Fees and payment options

The fee for this certificate is NZ$676, which includes goods and services tax (GST).
If applicable, the sea service pre-assessment fee is $304, including GST. With pre-assessment, the
application fee for an ETO certificate reduces to $541, including GST.
You need to include payment by cheque or indicate your other chosen payment method on your seafarer
certificate application form.
You can pay:
online using a credit card or debit card, or
by internet banking or bank deposit, or
by cheque (which you include with your application).
Note: If you are not paying by cheque, we will give you the payment reference details when we receive
your application. We do not want you to send us your credit card details.
Refer to the MNZ website for more information about how to pay your fees:
maritimenz.govt.nz/howtopay
As well as the application fee, you may have other fees and expenses to pay. For example, you may need
to pay for your eyesight tests and medical examination, your training and ancillary courses, and to make
copies of your documents and have them certified.
Page 14 of 22
3.3 Application process

This is the application process for this certificate of competency. Complete each step before
you move on to the next one.
Do you meet all the requirements?

Check that you meet all of the requirements for this certificate.
Apply for pre-assessment of your sea service time if you are unsure about
meeting the sea service requirements.
Move to step 2 once you know what the requirements are and that you can meet them.
Do you have the documents we need?

Prove that you meet the requirements. Include all of the documents we have
asked for. Use the checklist (see 3.4. Checklist) to help you.
Remember: We need certified copies (but the original of your training record book, if
applicable).
Move to step 3 once you have certified copies of all of the documents we have asked for.
Complete the application forms

You need to complete several forms as part of your application. Use the checklist
to help make sure that you have provided all of the information we need.
Move to step 4 once you have completed all of the forms needed for your application.
Pay the application fee

You need to pay an application fee.
The options for payment are:
pay by bank deposit or internet banking, or
pay online using a credit card or debit card, or
include a cheque with your application.
Move to step 5 when you know what you need to pay and have either included a cheque with
your application or chosen another payment option.
Page 15 of 22
Send us your application by courier or email

There are two options for you to send your application:
1. Use a courier to send us your completed application forms, certified documents,
original training record book (if applicable) and cheque for the application fee (if using
that payment option).
2. Send your application by email, attaching the scanned documents. (The application
form has information about the requirements for electronic copies. Note that if you
have completed a training record book, you will need to courier it to us separately.)
Move to step 6 when youve ticked everything on the checklist and either couriered or
emailed your completed application to MNZ (using the address provided at 3.5 Where to
send your application).
Confirmation and/or request sent

We will send you an email or letter to:
confirm that we have received your application
give you reference details to pay the application fee (if you did not include a cheque with
your application)
list any documents we need from you before we can assess your application.
We must receive your payment before we can progress your application.
Assessment
After you have paid the fee and sent us all the documents we need, we will assess your
application and make a decision. This will usually take 20 working days (about a month) from
the time we let you know that we have received your application.
Issue certificate
We will send you:
1. your certificate, if your application has been successful, or
2. a letter or email explaining why your application was unsuccessful.
Page 16 of 22
3.4 Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure that you have everything you need for your application.
Check that your documents are complete and have been signed, dated and certified as required.
We need to see all of the documents listed below to confirm that you have met each requirement. The only
exceptions to this are documents that you have already sent to us for other applications (just note this in
your application). However, if a document has expired or will expire before we issue your certificate, we
need to see a certified copy of the new or renewed document.
About you
Seafarer certificate application form (remember to sign in the boxes)
Passport or drivers licence and birth certificate
Four passport-sized photos or an electronic copy
Character reference
Fit and proper person form
Police clearance for other countries (if applicable)
Certificate of medical fitness for seafarers
Your pre-assessment reference number if we pre-assessed your sea service time
Page 17 of 22

Your sea service
Include at least one of the following for each vessel/period of sea service:
Certificate of sea service
Discharge book (or discharge certificates)
Seafarers record book showing your seagoing service
Include the following to cover all of your sea service:
Summary of sea service form (unless you provide a training record book)
Masters and/or employers reference (testimonial) on company letterhead (unless included in
evidence of sea service above)
Your ETO training

Your course completion letter and assessment record (for Option 1)
Evidence of your electro-technical workshop skills training (if required)
Your training record book (for Option 2)
Your ancillary certificates

STCW A-VI/1 basic training
STCW A-VI/2-1 proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (other than fast rescue boats)
STCW A-VI/3 advanced fire fighting
STCW A-VI/4-1 medical first aid
STCW A-VI/6-1 proficiency in security awareness training (if completed)
Page 18 of 22

Remember:
Either include a cheque (in $NZ) or indicate which other payment option youd like to use
Have your documents certified
Send your application to us as early as you can
Send your application to us by courier or email (if you are emailing your application and have
completed a training record book, you will need to send it by courier)
Check that your examiner has sent your exam results to us
Check that your doctor (or optometrist, if required) has sent your test results to us
Page 19 of 22
3.5 Where to send your application

To provide extra security, we recommend that you courier your application forms and
documents to us.
Alternatively, you can scan and email your application and supporting documents (refer to
the application form for information about how to send your documents electronically). Note
that if you have completed a training record book, you will need to send it to us by courier.
Courier your application to:
Seafarer Certification
Maritime New Zealand
1 Grey Street
WELLINGTON 6011
Or
Email your application to:

seafarers@maritimenz.govt.nz
Page 20 of 22
4. Contact us for help

If you need more information about the requirements for your application, visit the Seafarer
Certification section of our website.
If you cant find the information you need, send us an email:
seafarers@maritimenz.govt.nz
Tell us what you need help with and remember to include your contact details (email address and phone
numbers).
We need your completed application before we can assess whether you meet the requirements for this
certificate of competency. However, you may apply for pre-assessment of your sea service (refer to 2.2
Sea service).
Page 21 of 22
5. Forms
To apply for a maritime certificate of competency, there are several forms that you must
provide and some that you may provide, depending on your situation.
Everyone applying for this certificate of competency must complete and send us all of the following forms:
Seafarer certificate application form
Fit and proper person form
Other forms you may need to use:
Sea service pre-assessment form
Certificate of sea service
Summary of seagoing service form
Each of these forms is available on the MNZ website:

Note:
You must complete these forms correctly for your application to be valid. Carefully read any notes
before you start.
Page 22 of 22

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Electro-technical

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

2.1 Prior certification and qualifications

2.2 Sea service

2.4 Fit and proper person

2.5 Medical examination and eyesight tests

2.6 Age and identity

3. When and how to apply

3.1 Certified copies

3.2 Fees and payment options

3.3 Application process

3.5 Where to send your application

4. Contact us for help

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

be at least 18 years old, medically fit and have good eyesight

be of good character and a fit and proper person

prove you have met the minimum sea service requirements

meet the training requirements

have the required ancillary certificates

pass MNZs final exam.

2.1 Prior certification and qualifications

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

2.2 Sea service

Sea service requirements

at least 30 months working in the engine department and

at least six weeks of workshop skills training relevant to electro-technical duties.

at least six weeks workshop skills training

Proving your sea service

certificate of sea service (available on MNZs website)

completed seafarers record book

discharge certificate or discharge book (ensuring that any section on watchkeeping is

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

your employers name and contact details

the type of cargo carried and area of operation

the engine type, make, model and output power

Calculating sea service

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

Sea service pre-assessment

apply for pre-assessment using MNZs pre-assessment form

pay a pre-assessment fee

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

Ancillary certificate requirements

STCW basic training

STCW basic training that complies with STCW A-VI/1

Proficiency in survival craft and rescue

STCW survival craft and rescue boats other than fast

Advanced fire fighting

STCW advanced fire fighting certificate that complies

Medical first aid

STCW medical first aid on board ship certificate that

Your ancillary certificates must:

be current (not expired) when we issue your ETO certificate

STCW A-VI/1-1 basic personal survival techniques

STCW A-VI/1-2 fire prevention and fire fighting

Electro-technical Officer (ETO) Guidance for certificate of competency

be seen by us before we can issue your ETO certificate.

Security awareness training