Non-Mandatory Qualification
There has been an STCW ‘Electro-Technical Officer’ certificate of competency for some time now, but the recent PYA survey results showed that there is a need for improvement in this important area.
The ETO certificate of competency involves a similar level of training as the unlimited deck and engineering certificates, and is currently only available as a full-time programme at UK nautical colleges.
What was proposed was a non-mandatory qualification based on the existing ‘Electro-Technical Rating’ certificate, with ‘add-ons’ to make the training relevant to yachts in areas such as audio visual equipment, yacht cybersecurity, etc.
Since the word ‘rating’ is not one that is much understood in our sector, it was suggested that the qualification take the form of a “Superyacht Electro-Technical Endorsement” on an existing MCA deck or engineering CoC.
The MCA are currently considering this.
Please feel free to share your comments with us at
thebuzz@bluewateryachting.com, or you are able to contact MYBA or the PYA directly if you have strong views either way.
