Hire an ETO in 24 Hours

Our comprehensive recruitment service includes an initial consultation to understand your exact requirements, access to our exclusive network of pre-vetted ETO candidates, shortlist delivery within 24-48 hours, interview coordination and logistics support, thorough background checks and reference verification, offer negotiation assistance, and ongoing support through the onboarding period. We operate on a success-fee basis—you only pay when your new ETO starts work. Our replacement guarantee provides additional security, offering a free replacement if the placement doesn't work out within the guarantee period.

Our typical ETO placement timeline runs 2-4 weeks from initial consultation to start date, though urgent placements can be expedited. You'll receive your first shortlist of pre-vetted candidates within 24-48 hours of our consultation. Interview scheduling typically takes 3-7 days depending on availability and time zones. Final selection, reference checks, and offer acceptance usually require another 5-7 days. Start dates depend on candidate notice periods, which typically range from 2-4 weeks for employed ETOs. For emergency coverage, we can often provide temporary ETOs within 48-72 hours while conducting the permanent search.

Essential qualifications include an STCW III/6 Electro-Technical Officer certificate, valid seafarer's medical certificate (ENG1 or equivalent), and basic STCW safety training. For yachts over 500GT, a GMDSS General Operator's Certificate is typically required. Beyond certifications, look for candidates with yacht-specific experience, as commercial shipping backgrounds don't always translate to yacht operations. Strong ETOs also possess IT networking skills, experience with yacht-standard equipment (KVH, Peplink, Crestron), and the soft skills necessary for working in close quarters with demanding schedules.

Our replacement guarantee provides free replacement if your ETO doesn't work out within the guarantee period (typically 90 days from start date). If the placement fails for any reason—performance issues, personality conflicts, or the ETO choosing to leave—we'll find a replacement at no additional cost. This guarantee reflects our confidence in our vetting process and ensures you're protected in your investment. The guarantee period begins when the ETO starts work, and we maintain regular contact during this time to ensure smooth integration.

Our seven-step vetting process ensures only qualified, reliable ETOs reach your shortlist. We verify all certifications directly with maritime authorities, conduct comprehensive background checks including criminal records, and speak with at least three references, focusing on previous captains and chief engineers. Our technical consultants assess system knowledge through detailed discussions about troubleshooting experiences and technical challenges. We evaluate soft skills through behavioral interviewing and psychometric profiling when appropriate. All documents including passports, visas, and certificates are verified for authenticity and validity.

ETO compensation varies significantly based on experience level, responsibilities, location, and specific requirements of the role. During our initial consultation, we provide detailed salary benchmarking tailored to your specific situation and market conditions. This ensures your offer is competitive enough to attract quality candidates while remaining aligned with current market rates. We draw on our extensive placement experience to advise on the full compensation package including benefits, accommodation, and other factors that influence candidate decisions.

Yes, we assist with visa and work permit guidance throughout the hiring process. We identify any visa requirements during candidate screening and alert you to potential restrictions or processing timelines. While we don't directly process visa applications, we connect you with specialized maritime immigration services and provide supporting documentation for employment verification. Our consultants understand flag state requirements and can advise on nationality restrictions that might affect certain positions. We also help coordinate timing to ensure work authorizations are in place before the start date.

Absolutely. Our global network includes ETOs in all major yachting hubs—Mediterranean, Caribbean, USA, and Pacific regions. We can source candidates already in your location to minimize travel costs and start delays, or find ETOs willing to relocate for the right opportunity. For remote locations or specific cruising grounds, we identify candidates with relevant experience. We also consider time zone preferences for rotational positions and help structure travel arrangements that work for both yacht operations and crew changes.

Emergency placements are a specialty at Lighthouse. For urgent needs, we immediately activate our network to identify ETOs available for quick deployment. We maintain relationships with qualified ETOs open to short-notice opportunities, including those finishing contracts or available for temporary coverage. While our standard 24-48 hour shortlist timeline still applies, we can often arrange interviews within hours and have temporary ETOs traveling within 48-72 hours. We can also provide temporary coverage while conducting a thorough search for permanent placement.

Starting your ETO search is simple—contact us by phone at +44 20 7193 5866, email info@lighthousecareers.com, or complete our online inquiry form. We'll schedule a 15-30 minute consultation to discuss your requirements, vessel specifications, and timing needs. Our technical consultant will explain our process, provide market insights, and answer any questions. Once you're ready to proceed, we immediately begin identifying suitable candidates. Most clients receive their first shortlist within 24-48 hours, with no upfront costs or commitments required.

Yes, our service extends well beyond placement. We maintain regular contact during the first 90 days to ensure smooth integration and address any concerns early. Our consultants remain available for guidance on performance management, professional development planning, and team dynamics. We can assist with performance review frameworks specific to ETO roles and advise on retention strategies. Many clients engage us for succession planning, helping develop junior officers or planning for rotation positions as their programs evolve.

Yacht ETOs require a unique blend of technical expertise and service orientation rarely found in commercial shipping. While commercial ETOs focus primarily on cargo operations and regulatory compliance, yacht ETOs must maintain guest-facing systems to luxury standards while working in close quarters with owners and guests. They need flexibility to handle diverse systems from entertainment to navigation, often working alone rather than in large technical departments. The pace is different too—yacht ETOs must respond instantly to guest needs while maintaining preventive maintenance schedules around owner use. Cultural awareness, discretion, and polished presentation are essential in yachting but less critical in commercial shipping.