CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 6 STCW Q3

The STCW ’78 as amended outlines the following machinery space watchkeeping requirements:

General Principles:

• Safe and Efficient Operation: The primary goal is to ensure the safe and efficient operation and upkeep of all machinery affecting the ship’s safety.
• Supervision: The machinery space watch must be supervised at all times, either directly by an engineer officer or remotely through an approved alarm system.   1. STCW engineering watchkeeping principles weh.maritime.edu
• Communication: Effective communication between the engineering watch and the bridge is essential, particularly during maneuvering, emergencies, and other critical situations.   1. BRIDGE AND ENGINE ROOM INTERACTIONS IN AN EMERGENCY – Britannia P&I Club britanniapandi.com
• Record Keeping: Proper records of machinery operations, maintenance, and any incidents or abnormalities must be maintained in the engine room logbook.   1. 3 The requirements for rest periods laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 need not be maintained in the case of an emergency or drill or in other overriding operational conditions. – STCW Home – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers www.navit.fo

Specific Requirements:

• Manning Levels: The ship must have a sufficient number of qualified personnel on watch at all times, as determined by the Minimum Safe Manning Document and the ship’s operational requirements.
• Qualifications: All watchkeeping personnel must hold valid certificates of competency relevant to their duties and responsibilities.
• Handover Procedures: Clear handover procedures must be established to ensure a smooth transfer of information and responsibilities between watchkeeping personnel.
• Duties and Responsibilities: The engineering watch is responsible for:
  • Monitoring and controlling the main propulsion machinery, auxiliary systems, electrical equipment, and other essential machinery.
  • Conducting regular checks, inspections, and minor maintenance tasks.
  • Responding to alarms and taking corrective actions in case of malfunctions or emergencies.   1. STCW engineering watchkeeping principles weh.maritime.edu
  • Maintaining communication with the bridge and other departments.
  • Keeping accurate records in the engine room logbook.

Special Circumstances:

• Restricted Visibility: The watchkeeping personnel must be extra vigilant and attentive to the machinery and navigation equipment during restricted visibility.
• Coastal and Congested Waters: They must ensure immediate manual control of maneuvering machinery, maintain adequate power reserves, and be ready to respond quickly to any situation.   1. 3 The requirements for rest periods laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 need not be maintained in the case of an emergency or drill or in other overriding operational conditions. – STCW Home – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers www.navit.fo
• Anchorage: While at anchor, the watchkeeping level may be reduced, but essential machinery and systems must remain in operational readiness.
• UMS Operation: Ships with periodically unattended machinery spaces (UMS) must have specific watchkeeping arrangements and alarm systems in place.

Key Points:

• Chief Engineer Officer’s Responsibility: The Chief Engineer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that safe and efficient watchkeeping arrangements are in place.
• Officer in Charge of the Engineering Watch (OICEW): The OICEW is the Chief Engineer’s representative and has primary responsibility for the safe operation of the machinery spaces during their watch.   1. 3 The requirements for rest periods laid down in paragraphs 1 and 2 need not be maintained in the case of an emergency or drill or in other overriding operational conditions. – STCW Home – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers www.navit.fo
• Rest Periods: Adequate rest periods must be provided to watchkeeping personnel to prevent fatigue and ensure their ability to perform their duties safely.   1. STCW engineering watchkeeping principles weh.maritime.edu
• Training and Drills: Regular training and drills are essential to maintain the competence and preparedness of the engineering watch team.

By adhering to these requirements, the STCW Convention ensures that the engineering watch is capable of maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the ship’s machinery, preventing accidents, and protecting the marine environment.

In the context of the maritime industry, standing orders are predefined instructions or procedures issued by the Master or senior officers to guide the actions of the watchkeeping personnel in specific situations or during routine operations. They serve as a reference point for the crew, ensuring consistency and clarity in decision-making and actions, particularly when the Master or senior officers may not be immediately available.

Key characteristics of standing orders:

• Clarity and Specificity: Standing orders should be clear, concise, and unambiguous, providing specific instructions on what actions to take in various scenarios.
• Relevance: The orders should be relevant to the ship’s operations, taking into account its type, size, cargo, and any potential risks associated with its voyage.
• Approval: Standing orders are typically issued and approved by the Master or a senior officer, ensuring they align with the company’s safety management system and comply with relevant regulations.
• Regular Review: Standing orders should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations, operational procedures, or the ship’s circumstances.
• Accessibility: Standing orders should be readily accessible to the watchkeeping personnel, typically posted in prominent locations on the bridge or in the engine control room.

Common situations covered by standing orders:

• Navigation: Procedures for navigating in restricted visibility, coastal waters, or congested areas.
• Emergency Situations: Instructions for handling emergencies such as fire, flooding, man overboard, or collision.
• Machinery Operations: Guidelines for operating and maintaining essential machinery and systems.
• Environmental Protection: Procedures for preventing pollution and responding to spills or other environmental incidents.
• Security: Measures to enhance security and respond to potential threats.

Importance of Standing Orders:

• Consistency and Standardization: Standing orders ensure that watchkeeping personnel follow established procedures and act consistently in specific situations, reducing the risk of errors or confusion.
• Safety and Efficiency: By providing clear guidance, standing orders promote safe and efficient operations, minimizing the potential for accidents or incidents.
• Decision-Making Support: Standing orders serve as a valuable reference point for watchkeepers, especially in critical situations where quick decision-making is required.
• Compliance with Regulations: They help ensure that the ship operates in compliance with international and national regulations, reducing the risk of penalties or detentions.

Overall, standing orders are an essential tool for maintaining safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance on board ships. They provide a framework for watchkeeping personnel to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions, even in the absence of direct supervision from senior officers.

The purpose of standing orders within the context of machinery space watchkeeping, as per the STCW ’78 as amended, is to provide clear and concise instructions to the engineering watchkeeping personnel, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the machinery and systems on board the vessel.

Standing orders serve several crucial purposes:

1. Standardization and Consistency: They establish a set of standard procedures and practices to be followed by the watchkeepers, promoting consistency in operations and minimizing the risk of errors or misunderstandings.
2. Guidance and Decision-Making: They offer clear guidance on actions to be taken in various routine and emergency situations, aiding watchkeepers in making informed decisions, especially during critical events when immediate action is required.
3. Safety and Efficiency: By outlining safe operating procedures and maintenance practices, standing orders contribute to the overall safety and efficiency of machinery operations, reducing the likelihood of accidents, equipment failures, and environmental pollution.
4. Compliance with Regulations: They ensure that the engineering watch adheres to relevant international and national regulations, such as MARPOL and SOLAS, thereby minimizing the risk of penalties or detentions.
5. Continuity of Operations: They facilitate a smooth handover between watchkeeping personnel by providing a common reference point for procedures and expectations, ensuring continuity of operations even with changes in personnel.
6. Training and Familiarization: Standing orders can serve as a training tool for new engineers, helping them understand the specific operational procedures and safety protocols on board the vessel.

In summary, standing orders are indispensable for maintaining a safe and efficient machinery space watch. They provide a framework for decision-making, promote standardized practices, and ensure compliance with regulations, ultimately contributing to the overall safety and operational effectiveness of the ship.

Here are some examples of standing orders that might be implemented in a machinery space, with reference to the STCW ’78 as amended, machinery space watchkeeping requirements:

Routine Operations

• Watchkeeping Rounds and Checks:
  • Frequency and specific checkpoints for routine inspections of machinery, systems, and spaces.
  • Parameters to monitor (temperatures, pressures, levels) and acceptable ranges.
  • Actions to be taken if any abnormalities are observed.
• Main Engine Operation:
  • Procedures for starting, stopping, and maneuvering the main engine.
  • Guidelines for monitoring engine performance and parameters.
  • Actions to be taken in case of engine malfunctions or alarms.
• Auxiliary Machinery Operation:
  • Procedures for starting, stopping, and operating essential auxiliary machinery, such as generators, pumps, and compressors.
  • Monitoring and maintenance requirements for auxiliary equipment.
• Bunkering and Fuel Transfer:
  • Safety precautions and procedures to be followed during bunkering operations.
  • Monitoring and control of fuel transfers.
  • Actions to be taken in case of spills or leaks.
• Logbook Entries:
  • Instructions on what information to record in the engine room logbook, including routine operations, maintenance activities, and any incidents or observations.

Emergency Situations

• Fire:
  • Procedures for raising the alarm, notifying the bridge, and initiating firefighting measures.
  • Evacuation procedures and muster stations for engineering personnel.
• Flooding:
  • Procedures for identifying and isolating leaks, operating bilge pumps, and taking other damage control measures.
  • Communication protocols with the bridge and other departments.
• Man Overboard:
  • Actions to be taken by the engineering watch in case of a man overboard incident, including stopping or maneuvering the ship as directed by the bridge.
• Machinery Breakdown:
  • Procedures for troubleshooting and attempting repairs, if possible.
  • Guidelines for switching to backup systems or alternative power sources.
  • Communication with the bridge regarding the impact on the ship’s operation.
• Pollution Prevention:
  • Procedures for preventing and responding to spills or discharges of oil, sewage, or other pollutants.
  • Reporting requirements and communication with relevant authorities.

Additional Examples:

• Confined Space Entry: Procedures for safe entry and work in enclosed spaces, including atmospheric testing, ventilation, and communication protocols.
• Hot Work: Safety precautions and permit requirements for conducting hot work (welding, cutting, etc.) in the engine room.
• Security: Procedures for maintaining security in the engine room and responding to potential threats.

Remember that these are just examples, and the actual standing orders will vary depending on the specific ship, its machinery configuration, and its operational requirements. The key is to have clear, concise, and relevant instructions readily available to the engineering watchkeeping personnel, promoting safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.

According to STCW ’78 as amended, an officer in charge of an engineering watch should NOT hand over responsibility to a relief watchkeeper if they have any reason to believe that the relief watchkeeper is obviously not capable of carrying out watchkeeping duties effectively.

Circumstances that might indicate this include:

• Impairment: If the relief watchkeeper appears to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that could impair their judgment, coordination, or ability to perform their duties safely.
• Fatigue: If the relief watchkeeper shows signs of excessive fatigue or tiredness that could compromise their alertness and ability to respond to situations effectively.
• Illness or Injury: If the relief watchkeeper is suffering from an illness or injury that could affect their ability to carry out their duties safely.
• Lack of Familiarity: If the relief watchkeeper is new to the ship or unfamiliar with its specific machinery and systems, and has not yet received adequate familiarization training.
• Inadequate Qualifications: If the relief watchkeeper does not hold the required certificates or endorsements for the specific watchkeeping duties.
• Behavioral Issues: If the relief watchkeeper exhibits any behavior that raises concerns about their ability to act responsibly or follow safety procedures.

In any of these circumstances, the officer in charge of the engineering watch has a duty to:

• Refuse to hand over the watch.
• Immediately notify the Chief Engineer Officer of the situation.

The Chief Engineer will then assess the situation and take appropriate action, which could include:

• Providing additional support or supervision to the relief watchkeeper.
• Arranging for another qualified watchkeeper to take over.
• Taking disciplinary action if necessary.

Important Note: The officer in charge of the engineering watch has a responsibility to prioritize the safety of the ship, its crew, and the environment. Refusing to hand over the watch in situations where the relief watchkeeper’s competence is in doubt is crucial to fulfilling this responsibility.