AETO (Assistant ETO) Jobs
Unfortunately, nothing was found as per your request
Find Current Assistant ETO Vacancies
Find актуal Assistant ETO jobs on merchant, tanker, and gas fleets. JobMarineMan is a direct hiring platform where seafarers apply to shipowners directly without intermediaries or agency commissions.View Assistant ETO Vacancies
What Is an AETO and Why Does This Position Exist
Assistant ETO (AETO, trainee ETO, assistant electro-technical officer) is not an official STCW position. Shipowners created this role as a bridge between ship electricians and fully qualified ETO officers.Requirements vary significantly between companies, which is why many seafarers are confused about the position.
Why Shipowners Introduced the AETO Position
Large vessels such as 8,000+ TEU container ships, VLCC tankers, and LNG carriers have massive electrical workloads:
- 6600V HV switchboards
- Hundreds of electric motors
- Thousands of reefer sockets
- Automation systems
- Navigation electronics
- Ex-proof electrical systems in hazardous cargo areas
A single ETO often cannot handle the entire workload alone, while a standard electrician cannot fully perform officer-level responsibilities such as PMS planning, spare parts management, budgeting, and coordination with superintendents.The solution became a two-level electrical department structure:
- ETO — officer-level specialist responsible for planning, management, documentation, and communication with shore management.
- AETO — qualified technical specialist handling the majority of hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
Onboard, the AETO reports to the ETO for technical matters and to the Chief Engineer for general engine department operations.
Three Common AETO Employment Models
1. AETO with STCW III/6 License
The candidate already holds an ETO officer certificate but lacks officer sea experience. Companies employ them as AETO for 1–2 contracts before promotion to full ETO.
2. AETO with STCW III/7 Certificate
An experienced electrician with ETR certification who is progressing toward III/6 certification. This is the most common career path.
3. AETO Without Convention-Level Diploma
On older fleets and some dry cargo vessels, AETO may simply mean a senior electrician or second electrician with expanded responsibilities. Strong practical experience may be sufficient.Upload CV and Apply for Assistant ETO Jobs
AETO Duties and Responsibilities
An AETO performs most electrical and automation work onboard, including many officer-level tasks.
High Voltage Systems (HV Systems)
Maintenance of HV switchboards, generators, transformers, and high-voltage motors. Work with ABB, Siemens, and Schneider HV systems is common. HV Safety Certificate is usually mandatory.
Motors and Drives
Maintenance of AC/DC motors, VFDs, soft starters, contactors, insulation testing, and motor troubleshooting.
PLC and Automation Systems
Diagnostics and repair of Siemens, ABB, and Schneider PLC systems. Work with HMI panels, automation logic, and remote-control systems.
Reefer Containers
On container ships, AETO maintains reefer sockets and diagnoses Carrier, Daikin, Thermo King, and Star Cool refrigeration systems.
Navigation and GMDSS Equipment
Maintenance of ECDIS, radar, AIS, VSAT, and GMDSS systems.
Ex-proof Systems
On tankers and LNG vessels, AETO maintains explosion-proof motors, lighting systems, sensors, and hazardous-area electrical equipment.
PMS and Documentation
Work with Planned Maintenance Systems such as AMOS and Star IPS, preparation for PSC and SIRE inspections, spare parts tracking, and maintenance records.
Vessel Types for AETO Positions
Container Ships
The largest market for AETO vacancies. Mega container ships have extremely complex electrical systems and thousands of reefer connections.Salary: $3,500–5,000.
Tankers
Focus on Ex-proof equipment, cargo monitoring systems, and SIRE inspections.Salary: $3,500–4,800.
LNG and LPG Carriers
The most technically advanced segment involving cryogenic systems, HV systems, gas detection systems, and dual-fuel engines.Salary: $4,500–5,500.
Offshore Vessels
DP systems, thrusters, converters, and offshore automation equipment.Salary: $3,500–5,000.Find Ships in the Global Vessel Database
Assistant ETO Salary
Typical AETO salary ranges:
- Bulk carriers: $2,800–3,800
- Container ships: $3,500–5,000
- Tankers: $3,500–4,800
- LNG/LPG carriers: $4,500–5,500
- Offshore vessels: $3,500–5,000
For comparison:
- Ship Electrician: $2,500–5,500
- Full ETO: $4,500–7,000+
View AETO Vacancies with Salaries
Career Path: From AETO to ETO
How to Become an AETO
- Ship Electrician → AETO
- Graduate with STCW III/6 → AETO
- Shore-based Industrial Electrician → AETO
Future Career Opportunities
- ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)
- Senior ETO
- Electrical Superintendent
- Service Engineer for ABB, Siemens Marine, Wärtsilä, or Kongsberg
How to Choose an AETO Vacancy
Clarify the Employment Model
Is the role designed as a career step toward ETO or simply a second electrician position?
Verify Certificate Requirements
Does the company require III/6, III/7, or only practical experience?
Check if an ETO Is Onboard
Without an onboard ETO, you may be expected to handle the entire electrical department independently.
Verify the HV System Type
440V and 6600V systems involve completely different responsibility levels.
Check the Shipowner Reputation
A structured AETO → ETO development program is a strong advantage.Check Shipowners in the Shipowners Directory
Find AETO Jobs Through JobMarineMan
- Verified shipowners
- All fleet types
- Daily vacancy updates
- Direct communication with employers
- No agency commissions
Upload Your CV and Get Direct Contact with Shipowners
FAQ — Assistant ETO Jobs
Who Is an AETO on a Ship?
Assistant ETO is a transitional position between electrician and ETO.
Is STCW III/6 or III/7 Required?
Requirements depend on the company and vessel type.
How Much Does an AETO Earn?
Typically between $2,800 and $5,500 per month.
What Is the Difference Between AETO and ETO?
ETO is a fully licensed officer position, while AETO is a training and transitional role.
Is HV Safety Certificate Required?
For vessels with 6600V systems — yes.
What Vessel Types Hire AETOs?
Container ships, LNG carriers, tankers, and offshore vessels.
How to Progress from AETO to ETO?
1–2 successful contracts plus obtaining STCW III/6 certification usually leads to promotion.
Related Maritime Jobs
ETO JobsChief Engineer JobsSecond Engineer JobsThird Engineer JobsFourth Engineer JobsJunior Engineer JobsSingle Engineer JobsGas Engineer JobsOiler JobsFitter Jobs