9. Engineering Watchkeeping

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9.1 Main and auxiliary propulsion machinery

Duty or Tasks Performed Satisfactorily (Check off signature and date):

• Demonstrated ability to prepare and test steering gear for sea. What tests are carried out on the steering gear before leaving port?
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, start and place on line a ship service generator.
• Demonstrated ability to parallel two ship service generators.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare all auxiliary machinery and systems for propulsion system start up.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare main propulsion machinery and systems for sea.
• Demonstrated ability to manoeuvre propulsion system.
• Demonstrated ability to shut down the main propulsion system and machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor propulsion systems, auxiliary equipment and their operation.
• Demonstrated ability to make rounds of the machinery spaces.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions from chief and second engineer.
• Demonstrated ability to recognise problems that should be reported to the chief engineer and to the second engineer.
• Main propulsion system control understood. How do throttle orders from bridge, effect speed change of the propeller? What alternate means are available should the main control system fail?
• Demonstrated ability to recognise operating problems related to the vessel operating in shallow water, ice choked waters, or heavy seas.
• Demonstrated ability to operate propulsion system in special operational modes, due to equipment failures, adverse ship conditions or reduced power requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manipulate/bypass or isolate propulsion or auxiliary equipment in order to carry out repairs.
• Demonstrated ability to locate common faults in the propulsion and auxiliary equipment and take action necessary to prevent damage.
• Demonstrated ability to locate and use relevant manuals, drawings diagrams and instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to record all events related to the main and auxiliary machinery which have occurred during the engineering watch.
• Demonstrated ability to take over, and perform an engineering watch in port.

9.2 Auxiliary Machinery

Duty or Tasks Performed Satisfactorily (Check off signature and date):

• Demonstrated ability to transfer fuel oil, including a detailed understanding of all associated tanks, pumps and pipework.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and operate an evaporator and or distillation plant, including a detailed understanding of all associated tanks, pumps and pipework.
• Demonstrated ability to operate the bilge system and oily water separator, including a detailed understanding of all associated tanks, pumps and pipework. What is the "parts per million" (ppm) rating of the oily water separator?
• Demonstrate ability to prepare and operate air compressors, including a detailed understanding of all associated tanks, pumps and pipework.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer ballast water, including a detailed understanding of all associated tanks, pumps and pipework.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer fresh water, including a detailed understanding of all associated tanks, pumps and pipework.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out machinery and systems checks in engine room related compartments. e.g. battery rooms, fan rooms etc.
• Demonstrated ability to determine the level and where applicable the condition of residues in bilges, ballast tanks, slop tanks, sewage tanks and any special arrangements for it's disposal.
• Demonstrated ability to determine the condition and level of fuel in the various (storage, settling, clean, day and emergency fuel tanks).
• Demonstrated ability to check the mode of operation of the various main and auxiliary systems, including the electrical power distribution system.
• Demonstrated ability to operate the automatic and manual controls related to the boiler.
• Ship's electrical distribution understood. Generators to breaker panels, including voltage/current trips, transformers, supply voltages, shore connections and emergency switchboard connections.
• Steering gear control understood. How bridge inputs result in steering gear movement. What procedures/backup systems are in place when normal bridge inputs are lost?

9.3 General

Duty or Tasks Performed Satisfactorily (Check off signature and date):

• Taking over a watch routine understood. What specific items and checks are to be carried out before accepting a watch?
• Handing over watch routines understood. When should the watchkeeping engineer not hand over the watch to the relieving engineer?
• Watchkeeping Standards STCW 95 A/VIII read and understood.
• Demonstrated ability to receive reports from engine room staff that relate to the operational status of the engine room and to take appropriate action.
• Demonstrated ability to operate emergency generator, fire pumps, watertight doors and other equipment in the event of an emergency. What equipment is to be operated when alarms are sounded?
• Demonstrated ability to isolate systems and shut downs in the event of emergencies.
• Lubricating system for the main engine(s)/turbines understood in detail. Normal and alarm parameters for pressures and temperatures stated. What safety devices, alarms and shut downs are fitted?
• Cooling water system for the main engine understood in detail. Normal and alarm parameters for pressures and temperatures stated. What safety devices, alarms and shut downs are fitted?
• Feed water system for the boilers understood in detail. Normal and alarm parameters for pressures and temperatures stated. What safety devices, alarms and shut downs are fitted?
• Fuel oil system for the main engine(s)/boilers understood in detail. Normal and alarm parameters for pressures and temperatures stated. What safety devices, alarms and shut downs are fitted?
• Sewage system understood in detail. What safety devices, alarms and shut downs are fitted?

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