Will AI replace ETOs on yachts?

Will AI Replace ETOs on Yachts?

It’s a question that’s becoming harder to ignore:
Will AI make the Electro-Technical Officer obsolete?
We already see the signs:

AI predicting and fixing faults before we even notice them.
Systems optimizing themselves—AV, IT, power—without intervention.
LLMs and chatbots guiding crew through basic troubleshooting.
Shore-based support teams remotely managing more systems.
But what happens when the yacht’s “brain” becomes smarter than its technician?

When AI can predict and resolve faults before we even notice them — do we still need to be onboard?
When AV, IT, and power systems self-optimize in real time — what’s left for us to tweak or tune?
When LLMs like ChatGPT can walk a deckhand through a cable issue — what happens to our value?
When shore-based support teams can remote into everything — why fly an ETO halfway across the world?
Maybe the better question is:
What can we do now to stay ahead of the machines?
Here’s what I believe ETOs should focus on to remain indispensable in an AI-driven future:
🧠 Systems Thinking
Don’t just fix parts — understand and design the big picture. Become the architect, not just the technician.
👨‍💻 AI & Data Literacy
Learn to use, supervise, and improve AI tools onboard. Know how to validate their output and step in when they fail.
🔒 Cybersecurity
With more automation comes more vulnerability. Be the shield that protects the yacht from cyber threats.
📡 Networking & Cloud
Master advanced networks, cloud integrations, and remote support systems. Be the one who keeps everything connected.
🤝 Soft Skills
Communicate complex tech in simple terms. Advise captains and owners on what’s possible (and what’s risky). Lead the human side of the equation.
🎯 Critical Thinking
AI can handle the routine — but it struggles when things go wrong in ways it hasn’t seen before. That’s where we shine.
—
AI will change the role of the ETO — but it doesn’t have to replace it.
Those who evolve into higher-level thinkers, integrators, and overseers will remain essential.
What do you think?
Will AI kill the ETO role — or create a smarter, more strategic version of it?




Post written by ChatGPT :)