ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) is a standard shipping and maritime term that indicates when a vessel is expected to leave its current location. It's like a planned departure time for ships, similar to how airlines have scheduled departure times. This information is crucial for shipping companies, port operators, and logistics coordinators to plan their operations. People working in maritime scheduling and coordination use ETD along with ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) to manage vessel movements, crew schedules, and cargo operations efficiently.
Examples in Resumes
Managed vessel schedules and coordinated ETD updates with port authorities for a fleet of 20 ships
Developed tracking system to monitor ETD and ETA for international shipping routes
Successfully reduced delays by implementing strict ETD compliance procedures
Typical job title: "Maritime Schedulers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Maritime Schedulers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle multiple ETD changes across a fleet of vessels?
Expected Answer: A senior coordinator should explain their system for prioritizing schedule changes, communication procedures with various stakeholders, and how they would minimize impact on connected operations.
Q: What factors do you consider when establishing ETD windows?
Expected Answer: Should discuss consideration of tide schedules, port congestion, crew working hours, weather conditions, cargo operations timing, and coordination with other vessels.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you communicate ETD updates to different stakeholders?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for notifying crew, port authorities, cargo handlers, and other relevant parties, including which communication channels they use for different situations.
Q: What documentation is required when recording ETD changes?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe standard logging procedures, required forms, and systems used to track schedule changes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is ETD and why is it important in maritime operations?
Expected Answer: Should explain that ETD is Estimated Time of Departure and its importance in coordinating vessel movements, crew schedules, and port operations.
Q: What basic information needs to be included when recording an ETD?
Expected Answer: Should mention vessel name, departure location, date and time, reason for any changes, and who authorized the ETD.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of maritime schedules
- Ability to update and monitor ETDs
- Knowledge of maritime terminology
- Basic communication with stakeholders
Mid (2-5 years)
- Schedule coordination for multiple vessels
- Handling schedule conflicts and changes
- Stakeholder communication management
- Understanding of port operations
Senior (5+ years)
- Fleet schedule optimization
- Crisis management and problem-solving
- Strategic planning of vessel movements
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic maritime terminology
- Poor understanding of time zones and international date line
- Lack of experience with maritime communication protocols
- Unable to explain basic scheduling principles
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