The Engine Department consists of Egineering Offices and Crew whose objective is the propulsion and support systems of the vessel. They must operate, maintain and repair these systems.
Chief Engineer +
Description: The Chief Engineer is a licensed mariner in charge of the engineering department on a vessel. The Chief Engineer is responsible for all operations and maintenance that has to do with any and all engineering equipment throughout the entire ship. Under many jurisdictions the chief engineer is of equal rank to the captain, with responsibility being split between the two posts; the chief engineer taking responsibility for engine room and maintenance, and the captain taking responsibility for navigation and deck operations.
Requirement: National Certificate of Competency Unlimited Marine Engineer Officer, previous experience in senior engine officer capacity 5-10 years.
Second Engineer +
Description: The Second Engineer is usually in charge of boilers, fuel, auxiliary engines, condensate and feed systems, and is the third most senior marine engineer on board. Depending on usage, “the Second” or “the Third” is also typically in charge of fueling (a.k.a. bunkering), granted the officer holds a valid Person In Charge (PIC) endorsement for fuel transfer operations.
The exact duties of this position will often depend upon the type of ship and arrangement of the engine department. On ships with steam propulsion plants the Second/Third is in charge of the boilers, combustion control, soot blowers, condensate and feed equipment, feed pumps, fuel, and condensers. On diesel and gas turbine propulsion plants the Second is in charge of auxiliary boilers, auxiliary engines, incinerator, air compressors, fuel, and fuel oil purifiers.
Requirement: National Certificate of Competency Unlimited Marine Engineer Officer, previous experience in third engineer capacity 1-2 years.
Third Engineer +
Generally the most junior marine engineer of the ship, this person is usually responsible for electrical, sewage treatment, lube oil, bilge, and oily water separation systems. Depending on usage, they are called “the Third” or “the Fourth” and usually stands a watch. Sometimes assists the third mate in maintaining proper operation of the lifeboats.
Requirements: Officer of an Engineering Watch Certification (OEW), all additional STCW’95 safety and certification trainings. An official engine cadet/rating program either through specialized maritime institutions or attaining sea-time.
Electrical Technical Officer +
Description: Officer who is responsible for the maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment
Requirement: At least 18 years old, Medical certificate, Certificate of Competency, STCW’95 safety and certification training, Sea-Experience and Combined workshop training not less than 12 months.
Trainee Marine Engineer (Engine Cadet) +
Description: Engineering cadets train to become marine engineers, and as such their fields encompass a range of theoretical and practical engineering subjects, including Mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, control engineering, applied mathematics, welding and fabrication. Engineering practice is mostly learned during the cadet’s assignment to a ship.
Requirements: At least 18 years of age, minimum 6 months of workshop training, Medical certificate Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat, other than Fast Rescue Boat (STCW A-VI/2), Advanced Fire-fighting (STCW A-VI/3), Medical First-Aid (STCW A-VI/4), Basic Training (STCW A-VI/1), and STCW’95 security certification.
Oiler +
Description: The oiler is also required to keep the engine room clean, tidy and freshly painted. Oilers have various duties, some of which include, performing regular maintenance of the ship’s engines and other equipment, assisting the engineers with the repair and overhaul of the ship’s engines and equipment, making regular rounds of the engine room and designated spaces and alerting the engineer on watch of any problems noted.
Requirements: At least 18 years old, Ratings Certificate. STCW’95 safety and certification training, Medical Certificate and previous sea experience 6-12 months.
Fitter +
Description: A fitter responsibility encompasses minor repairs of engine room equipment, cleaning and maintenance.
Requirement: At least 18 years old, Medical Certificate, Ratings Certificate. STCW’95 safety and certification training. Previous sea experience 12-24 months.
Wiper +
Description: A wiper is the most junior crewmember in the engine room of a ship. The role of a wiper consists of cleaning the engine spaces and machinery, and assisting the engineers as directed
Requirement: At least 18 years old, Medical certificate, Ratings Certificate. STCW’95 safety and certification training. Previous sea experience 6 months.
