CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 6 STCW Q2

The STCW Convention outlines specific engineering watchkeeping requirements to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a ship’s machinery. These requirements encompass various aspects, including:  

1. STCW engineering watchkeeping principles

1. Manning Levels and Qualifications:

• Minimum Safe Manning: The ship must have a sufficient number of qualified personnel on the engineering watch at all times to ensure safe operation.
• Certification and Competency: All engineering watchkeeping personnel must hold valid certificates of competency appropriate to their rank and responsibilities, as outlined in the STCW Code.
• Familiarization: Engineering officers joining a new ship must undergo a familiarization process to understand the specific systems and procedures on board.

2. Watchkeeping Arrangements:

• Continuous Watch: A continuous watch must be maintained in the machinery spaces at all times while the ship is underway.
• Handover Procedures: Clear and comprehensive handover procedures should be established to ensure a smooth transfer of information and responsibilities between watchkeeping personnel.

3. Duties and Responsibilities of the Watchkeeping Personnel:

• Monitoring and Control: The engineering watch is responsible for monitoring and controlling the main propulsion machinery, auxiliary systems, electrical equipment, and other essential machinery.
• Routine Checks and Maintenance: They must conduct regular inspections, checks, and minor maintenance tasks to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly and identify any potential issues.   1. The Role of Watchkeeping in Engine Room Safety – Arnold & Itkin LLP www.arnolditkin.com
• Record Keeping: The watchkeeping personnel are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all operations, maintenance activities, and any unusual events or observations.
• Emergency Preparedness: They must be familiar with and ready to implement emergency procedures in case of fire, flooding, machinery breakdown, or other critical situations.

4. Additional Considerations:

• Ums Manning: In ships with periodically unattended machinery spaces (UMS), specific watchkeeping arrangements and alarm systems must be in place to ensure safety and detect any malfunctions promptly.
• Rest Periods: Adequate rest periods must be provided to watchkeeping personnel to avoid fatigue and ensure their ability to perform their duties effectively.   1. STCW engineering watchkeeping principles weh.maritime.edu
• Training and Drills: Regular training and drills must be conducted to maintain the competence and preparedness of the engineering watch team.

Specific Requirements:

The STCW Code further outlines specific requirements for different ranks within the engineering watch, such as the Chief Engineer Officer, Second Engineer Officer, and other engineering officers and ratings. These requirements detail their specific responsibilities and the minimum knowledge and skills they must possess to fulfill their duties.  

1. Certification for “Qualification of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships”

By adhering to these engineering watchkeeping requirements, the STCW Convention helps to ensure the safe and efficient operation of ships’ machinery, minimize the risk of accidents and incidents, and promote a culture of safety and professionalism within the maritime industry.

Under restricted visibility conditions, the engineering watchkeeping requirements, as per the STCW Convention, focus on maintaining vigilance, readiness, and effective communication to ensure the ship’s safe operation and prompt response to any potential hazards.

Specific requirements include:

1. Increased Vigilance: The engineering watch must exercise heightened vigilance and awareness, paying close attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, or alarms that might indicate a problem with the machinery or systems.
2. Readiness for Maneuvering: The engineering watch must ensure that the main propulsion and steering systems are ready for immediate maneuvering. This includes maintaining adequate power and responsiveness to commands from the bridge.
3. Communication with the Bridge: Maintaining effective communication with the bridge team is crucial during restricted visibility. The engineering watch must promptly respond to any requests for changes in speed or direction and inform the bridge of any potential limitations or issues with the machinery.
4. Monitoring Navigation Equipment: The engineering watch is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the proper functioning of any machinery or systems that support navigation, such as radar, echo sounders, and other electronic aids.
5. Emergency Preparedness: The engineering watch must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency that may arise due to restricted visibility, such as a collision or grounding. This includes being familiar with emergency procedures and having quick access to relevant equipment and systems.

Additional considerations:

• Enhanced communication and coordination: The engineering watch may need to work closely with the deck officers to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
• Adaptability: The engineering watch must be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and respond flexibly to any unexpected situations that may arise.
• Prioritization: The engineering watch may need to prioritize tasks and focus on the most critical systems and equipment to ensure the ship’s safety during restricted visibility.

In summary, while restricted visibility poses additional challenges, the STCW Convention ensures that the engineering watch is prepared and equipped to handle these conditions safely. By maintaining vigilance, readiness, and effective communication, they contribute to the overall safety of the ship and its crew.

The STCW Convention, while not explicitly specifying requirements for engineering watchkeeping at anchor in an open roadstead or similar sea conditions, does provide general guidelines that apply to such situations. These guidelines emphasize maintaining preparedness, ensuring essential services, and being ready to respond to any changes in conditions.

Here are the key aspects:

1. Maintaining a Safe Watch:
   • Even at anchor, a safe engineering watch must be maintained with qualified personnel onboard. The Chief Engineer, in consultation with the Master, decides whether to maintain the same watch as underway or reduce it based on the prevailing conditions and the ship’s machinery status.
2. Operational Readiness:
   • The engineering watch must ensure that essential machinery and systems, such as the main propulsion plant, steering gear, and auxiliary equipment, remain in operational readiness. This enables a quick response if the ship needs to get underway or maneuver in an emergency.
3. Monitoring and Maintenance:
   • The watchkeepers must continue routine monitoring of machinery and systems, including checking pressures, temperatures, and fluid levels. They should also perform any necessary maintenance or minor repairs, as permitted by the ship’s safety management system.
4. Emergency Preparedness:
   • The watch must remain alert and prepared for any potential emergencies, such as fire, flooding, or equipment failure. Emergency procedures and equipment should be readily accessible and in good working order.
5. Communication and Coordination:
   • Effective communication with the bridge team is vital, especially in an open roadstead where weather conditions can change rapidly. The engineering watch must be ready to respond promptly to any instructions or requests from the bridge.
6. Environmental Protection:
   • The watchkeepers should continue to adhere to pollution prevention measures and monitor any discharges from the ship to minimize environmental impact.
7. Rest Periods:
   • While at anchor, the engineering watch personnel are still entitled to adequate rest periods as per the STCW and MLC requirements, ensuring they remain alert and capable of performing their duties effectively.

In essence, while the engineering watchkeeping requirements may be less intensive when a ship is at anchor compared to being underway, maintaining safety, operational readiness, and environmental protection remain paramount. The watchkeepers must remain vigilant, prepared for any eventuality, and ensure the ship’s machinery and systems are ready to respond to any changes in conditions or emergency situations.

Remember, the specific watchkeeping arrangements at anchor may vary depending on the ship’s type, its machinery configuration, and the prevailing weather and sea conditions. The Chief Engineer, in consultation with the Master, determines the appropriate watchkeeping level to ensure the safety and security of the ship and its crew.