A conversation with the team at Wilsonhalligan Recruitment

Superyachts are becoming more connected, more integrated and more dependent on technology.

From reliable internet access and entertainment systems to cybersecurity, automation and guest-facing platforms, technology now influences almost every aspect of life onboard. Behind that seamless experience is an increasingly important group of technical professionals: ETOs and AV/IT Engineers.

At YachtEye, we work closely with the technology that supports the onboard guest experience. We therefore spoke with the team at Wilsonhalligan Recruitment, specialists in superyacht crew recruitment, about how technical roles are changing and what yachts are now looking for when recruiting these positions.

How has the role of the ETO changed in recent years?

The ETO’s traditional responsibilities have certainly not disappeared. Electrical systems, power distribution and essential vessel operations remain a fundamental part of the position.

However, the role has expanded considerably.

Today, an ETO may also be involved in managing the yacht’s IT network, satellite communications, AV systems, cybersecurity, CCTV, automation and integrated monitoring systems. They are often the link between the crew and the many specialist technology suppliers supporting the yacht.

On increasingly connected vessels, the ETO is no longer responsible for individual systems in isolation. They need to understand how those systems communicate and how they collectively affect the day-to-day operation of the yacht.

Why are more yachts recruiting dedicated AV/IT Engineers?

On larger yachts and technically advanced new builds, the scope of the technology can simply become too broad for one person.

A dedicated AV/IT Engineer can focus on areas such as onboard networks, Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, connectivity and guest technology, while allowing the ETO to retain a broader focus on the yacht’s electrical and technical operations.

This distinction is becoming particularly important because owners and guests increasingly expect the technology onboard to work as intuitively and reliably as it does in their homes or offices.

They do not necessarily see the complex infrastructure behind the experience. They simply expect the television to work, their devices to connect, video calls to remain stable and onboard information to be immediately available.

Are these positions becoming more difficult to recruit?

Demand for experienced ETOs and AV/IT Engineers has continued to grow, particularly among larger yachts, new builds and yachts undergoing significant refits.

The challenge is that the most relevant skills are also highly transferable. Someone with strong experience in networking, cybersecurity, AV integration or systems engineering may also be attractive to technology companies, luxury hotels, commercial shipping businesses or shoreside engineering firms.

The number of candidates who combine advanced technical knowledge with genuine superyacht experience remains relatively limited. This naturally makes recruitment more competitive.

What are yachts looking for beyond technical qualifications?

Technical expertise is essential, but it is rarely the only consideration.

The strongest candidates can explain complicated issues clearly, remain calm when a system fails and communicate confidently with captains, crew, guests and external suppliers.

A technical crew member may be solving a network issue behind the scenes one moment and assisting a guest with an entertainment system the next. That requires patience, discretion and a service-oriented mindset.

Adaptability is also increasingly important. Onboard technology evolves quickly, so yachts need people who are willing to keep learning rather than relying solely on the systems and qualifications they already know.

How is technology changing the guest experience?

Technology is no longer merely supporting the onboard experience. In many cases, it is helping to define it.

Guests expect uninterrupted connectivity, intuitive entertainment systems and simple access to the information relevant to their stay.

Platforms such as YachtEye bring information including itineraries, weather, menus, crew profiles, destination details and onboard services together in one place. The experience for the guest should feel effortless, but delivering that simplicity requires a reliable and carefully managed technical environment behind the scenes.

Each new guest-facing solution becomes part of a wider onboard ecosystem involving servers, networks, televisions, mobile devices, bridge data and third-party integrations.

That is why close cooperation between software providers, integrators and onboard technical crew is so important.

What can yachts do to attract and retain strong technical crew?

Competitive salaries and rotation packages are naturally important, but technical professionals also want to work in an environment where their expertise is understood and respected.

Clear responsibilities, realistic expectations and access to training can make a significant difference. It is also important that technical crew are involved early when new systems are being selected or installed.

When an ETO or AV/IT Engineer inherits a collection of systems without proper documentation, training or supplier support, even straightforward issues can become unnecessarily difficult.

Investing in the people operating the technology is therefore just as important as investing in the technology itself.

What do you expect to see over the coming years?

Yachts will continue to become smarter and more connected.

We are likely to see further growth in remote access, cloud-based services, cybersecurity requirements, integrated guest platforms and increasingly sophisticated automation. Owners and management companies will consequently place even greater value on crew members who understand both the technical infrastructure and the guest experience it supports.

The ETO and AV/IT Engineer are no longer simply maintaining technology behind the scenes. They are helping to deliver the seamless onboard experience that owners and guests now expect.

For technical crew interested in exploring new opportunities, or yachts looking for guidance on the current recruitment market, contact the Wilsonhalligan Recruitment team at info@wilsonhalligan.com.

‍