CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 9 ILO Q3

Prior to taking over the engineering watch at sea, the relieving officer should be comprehensively briefed by the off-going officer. This ensures a smooth transition and continuity in the safe operation of the machinery spaces. Here are the essential items of information that should be conveyed:

1. Operational Status of the Machinery:

• Main Propulsion: Current status and parameters of the main engine, including speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and any operational limitations.
• Auxiliary Systems: Status and performance of critical auxiliary systems, such as generators, boilers, pumps, compressors, and purifiers.
• Electrical Systems: Voltage and frequency readings, load distribution, and any specific issues or maintenance being performed on electrical equipment.
• Steering Gear: Status and functionality of the steering gear, including any limitations or maintenance work in progress.
• Other Vital Systems: Status of essential systems like fire-fighting, ventilation, bilge and ballast systems, refrigeration, and sewage treatment plants.

2. Planned and Ongoing Activities:

• Maintenance and Repairs: Any ongoing or planned maintenance or repair work, including the nature of the work, areas affected, safety precautions in place, and estimated completion time.
• Upcoming Maneuvers: Any planned changes in course, speed, or maneuvering that might require specific actions or adjustments in the engine room.
• Special Operations: Any special operations, such as bunkering, cargo operations, or trials, that might affect the machinery space watchkeeping duties.

3. Standing Orders and Instructions:

• Master’s or Chief Engineer’s Instructions: Any specific orders or instructions issued by the Master or Chief Engineer that the relieving officer needs to be aware of.
• Standing Orders: Any relevant standing orders pertaining to machinery space watchkeeping, including emergency procedures, alarm response, and communication protocols.

4. Significant Events and Observations:

• Alarms and Malfunctions: Any alarms or malfunctions that occurred during the previous watch, the actions taken, and the current status.
• Unusual Events: Any unusual events or observations related to the machinery, systems, or the environment that the relieving officer should be aware of.
• Communication Log: Review of the engine room logbook to note any significant events, entries, or communications during the previous watch.

5. Other Relevant Information:

• Weather Conditions: Current and expected weather conditions that might impact the ship’s operation or require specific actions from the engineering watch.
• Fuel and Water Levels: Current levels and consumption rates of fuel, lubricating oil, and freshwater, along with any bunkering or transfer plans.
• Personnel Matters: Any relevant information regarding the engineering crew, such as illnesses, injuries, or changes in watchkeeping personnel.

Key Points:

• Clear and Comprehensive Handover: The handover should be conducted in a clear and organized manner, ensuring the relieving officer has all the necessary information to take over the watch safely and efficiently.
• Open Communication: Both officers should engage in open communication and ask any questions or seek clarification on any points.
• Timely Handover: The handover should be completed with sufficient time to allow the relieving officer to familiarize themselves with the current situation and be fully prepared before taking over the watch.

By following proper handover procedures and ensuring a thorough exchange of information, the watchkeeping team can maintain a high level of safety, operational efficiency, and preparedness in the machinery spaces.

The STCW ’78 as amended outlines several key criteria that should be taken into account when deciding on the composition of the engineering watch:

1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiame

1. Type of Ship and Machinery:

• The specific type of ship and its machinery configuration will influence the complexity and demands of the watchkeeping duties. A large container vessel with advanced propulsion and automation systems will likely require a more experienced and skilled engineering watch team compared to a smaller coastal vessel with simpler machinery.   1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiamet www.transpordiamet.ee
• The condition of the machinery is also important. If there are any known issues or ongoing repairs, additional personnel may be needed to ensure adequate supervision and monitoring.

2. Supervision Requirements:

• The STCW Code emphasizes the need for adequate supervision at all times, particularly for machinery critical to the ship’s safe operation. The composition of the watch should ensure that there are enough qualified personnel to provide proper oversight and respond to any potential issues promptly.   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.fo2. STCW engineering watchkeeping principles weh.maritime.edu
• The level of supervision required may vary depending on the level of automation and the complexity of the machinery. Ships with UMS (unmanned machinery spaces) might require fewer watchkeeping personnel, but those individuals must be highly trained and capable of handling remote monitoring and control systems.

3. Operational Conditions:

• The prevailing circumstances and conditions, such as weather, ice, contaminated water, shallow water, or any emergency situations, can significantly impact the workload and complexity of the engineering watch.   1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiamet www.transpordiamet.ee
• In challenging conditions, additional personnel may be needed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machinery and to respond effectively to any emergencies that may arise.

4. Qualifications and Experience of the Watchkeepers:

• The competence and experience of the watchkeeping personnel are crucial factors in determining the composition of the watch.   1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiamet www.transpordiamet.ee
• The watch team should include a mix of experienced officers and ratings with the appropriate certifications and skills to handle the specific machinery and systems on board.   1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiamet www.transpordiamet.ee
• The Chief Engineer Officer should assess the capabilities of each individual and ensure that the watch team is adequately staffed with qualified personnel.   1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiamet www.transpordiamet.ee

5. Other Considerations:

• The safety of life, the ship, the cargo, and the environment should be paramount when deciding on the watch composition.   1. Procedure for Watchkeeping on Ships – Transpordiamet www.transpordiamet.ee
• International, national, and local regulations relevant to the ship’s operation must be considered.
• The ship’s safety management system and any specific company policies or procedures related to watchkeeping should also be taken into account.

In Summary

Determining the composition of the engineering watch is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of several factors, including the type of ship and its machinery, the level of supervision needed, prevailing operational conditions, and the qualifications and experience of the watchkeeping personnel. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel while complying with all relevant regulations and safety standards.