Navigating the ETO and AVIT Roles in Yachting: Insights from Robertson ETO’s
After putting out a post on LinkedIn asking for suggestions for an article, we received an overwhelming response from ETOs and AVIT Officers in the yachting industry. One key takeaway from these comments is the ongoing confusion and taboo surrounding the ETO and AVIT roles. This confusion extends to what yachts expect from these positions and what Captains and management companies seek in candidates.
When a yacht or management company contacts us looking for a candidate, the conversation often starts with, “Hi, we need an ETO to start in 4 weeks.” Our immediate response is to clarify: “Are you looking for an ETO or an AVIT officer? What is the split between electrical and AVIT responsibilities, if any? Is high voltage involved? Is it a dual role?” The ETO job title in the industry covers a broad range of responsibilities, which can be misleading.
The duties of an ETO and an AVIT officer, especially on yachts over 100m, are vastly different. An ETO from a commercial cadetship might excel in electrical systems and high voltage but lack experience in yacht-specific AVIT systems or managing high IT traffic loads. Conversely, an AVIT officer with a background in AVIT system installation or design might not be trained to handle Diesel Electric engines or high voltage systems.
Here’s how we see it:
Around 70m+: Dual roles are common, with candidates handling both AVIT and electrical tasks. Sometimes, a dedicated AVIT officer works alongside a 3rd Engineer with strong electrical knowledge.
Above 100m+: Roles are typically split, with a dedicated ETO (possibly with an ETO CoC) and a dedicated AVIT Officer.
Of course, there are exceptions and specific cases.
We tend to have more AVIT roles than ETO roles, possibly because most ETO roles require an ETO CoC, which usually comes from a commercial cadetship. This creates a tight-knit circle of friends and colleagues who recommend each other, bypassing agencies. AVIT roles are often seen as ‘mysterious’, especially when someone is programming a new Crestron system on a laptop.
The complexity of AVIT systems extends beyond heads of departments to yacht owners themselves. Younger yacht owners and those who value reliable, upgraded systems onboard are more likely to support their AVIT officers and ETOs. However, some owners are content if they can watch sports on TV in port. Since most people (including owners) understand the basics and importance of an engine more than an elaborate AV system, the budget and training plans onboard often favour engineering. Engineers are frequently sent on courses for MTU or CAT engines, but AVIT officers rarely receive similar support for Crestron, Cisco, or Cyber Security courses. This is because AVIT is often seen as complex and misunderstood, leading to limited time and budget for it.
Another common topic is hands-on experience versus an ETO CoC and how to break into the industry. This debate spans all departments and industries. The saying “get your first job in yachting, then you have a foot in the door” is prevalent. Why is it so crucial to get your first job in yachting? It could be due to the unique nature of yachting, which is unlike almost any other job. In what other career do you finish work at 1700, then eat dinner with your colleagues in a small room, share a bathroom, and a cabin? Which other industry provides all your accommodation, food, and travel costs, and has you work 16-18 hours a day for the 1% of the 1%? Having your first year on a yacht on your CV is vital as it shows you can handle the craziness of yachting and still succeed.
Getting your first job in yachting is challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry, with candidates from diverse backgrounds vying for the same positions. Some candidates have an ETO CoC, while others have extensive electrical or AVIT experience that, although not yacht-specific, is still valuable.
This is where the CV, the candidate, the recruiter, and the yacht come into play. Some crew members with an ETO CoC straight from a cadetship might lack hands-on experience due to their age, while a candidate with 10 years of hands-on electrical work might be better suited for some yachts.
There are pros and cons to various backgrounds and qualifications. Ultimately, it is the recruiter’s responsibility to see the candidate as an individual, highlight their strengths, and present them to the yacht. Then, it is up to the yacht to recognize the benefits of a candidate with a strong, applicable background, even if it’s not from yachting.
We hope this sheds light on the ETO and AVIT roles in the yachting industry. At Robertson ETO’s, we are committed to finding the right fit for both candidates and yachts, ensuring smooth sailing for all.