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1.

State the proper hand-over of watch to incoming watch-keeper and enumerate important things
for the turn-over.

It is critical to read the chief engineer's standing orders on the first day you join a vessel while taking
over the watch. If there is any uncertainty, this should be consulted. Before you take over the watch
from the other watch engineer, make a full circuit of the engine rooms. It's a good idea to start your
takeover rounds at least half an hour before the start of your watch. Keep a pocket diary to record all of
your round's vital parameters, especially the anomalous ones. If you own a business, make a check list
and keep it with you for reference. Anything that occurs after you take over the watch is your
responsibility. Meet with the on-duty engineer and go through all of the factors you noticed during your
round with him.

The following regions will receive special attention:

Stacks — the smoke from the stacks will be visible. The hue of the smoke reveals the state of the
machine. What should the smoke's hue be? Cylinder oil carryover is indicated by blue smoke. Water
carryover or extra air is indicated by white smoke. Check the pressure differential across the economizer
with the manometer.

Check for exhaust or steam leaks from the soot blowing glands. The pressure differential indicates
whether or not the economizer's smoke side is unclean. If the pressure differential is small, the
economizer is in good working order. When the pressure difference rises, it signifies the economizer is
unclean and needs to be cleaned.

Check the water level in the main engine expansion tank. Examine the steering gear room's
machinery, including the steering gear motor, hydraulic leaks from rams, seals, and pipes. Any oil leaks
from the rams should be reported to the first engineer, who will determine when the glands should be
tightened. Improper tightening could exacerbate the leak, resulting in steering failure.

Check the bilge water level. If an emergency fire pump is available, inspect it for water leaks. Tighten
the gland of the emergency fire pump if sea water is seeping from it, but don't overtighten it. During
operation, this will overload the motor.

Checking the lashings on all oil, paint, and chemical drums. The importance of drum lashing cannot
be overstated. Failure to do so could result in oil and chemical leaks on the floor during a storm, putting
the crew in danger.

Check the water level gauge glass on the boiler platform. Check for fuel oil and steam leaks from
valves, manholes, burners, and other places; if the boiler is on, check the color of the flame. During your
checks, take careful note of all values. You can compare these numbers to the normal values to see if
there are any deviations; but, because you have not yet taken possession of your watch, you must not
make any adjustments without first consulting the watch engineer.
2. Describe the importance of maintaining machinery logs, engine room records and significance of
the reading taken.

Logbooks are an integral element of everyday operations onboard ships, since they facilitate the
organization of critical information and parameters for future reference. As with our previous post on
bridge log book entries, it is critical that ship engineers maintain a separate Engine Room Log Book as
part of their routine.

A logbook for the engine room keeps track of all ship equipment parameters, performance,
maintenance, and failures. The values and information collected serve as a reference point for
comparing and recording data in order to assess the continuous functioning of various engine room
machinery.

The log book entries are critical during machinery breakdowns and accidents. They are also used as
reference or proof by the insurance company, surveyor, or other third party for the purpose of filing an
insurance claim if any accidents occur.

A trustworthy maritime engineer the watchkeeper must always complete the logbook for his or her
own watch time, together with the signatures of all other watchkeepers for their respective watch
timings.

Additionally, the chief engineer must countersign this book daily to ensure that all entries are
completed in accordance with corporate requirements.

In a manned engine room, mechanical data is manually recorded throughout each watch using
readings from local gauges. It is usual practice for the watchkeeper's assistance (TME, Oiler, etc.) to
record all critical machinery local parameters. These parameters must be entered exclusively by the
watch-keeping engineer, not by the assistant.

3. Explain the knowledge in the detection of engine room faults and proper reporting procedure.

The first and most critical step toward enhancing your ability to perform your tasks during a watch is
to have a strong knowledge base. One must understand the fundamentals of machines and their
operation, as well as emerging trends and technologies, as well as maritime regulations and their
amendments.

Knowledge boosts an engineer's confidence and also leads in more precise job selections. Engine
room operation also necessitates knowledge of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical,
hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic systems, and refrigeration. Understanding these
fundamentals strengthens an engineer's basis.

On ships, it is generally stated that in order to be a successful watchkeeper, an engineer must utilize
all six senses, namely touch, hearing, smell, vision, taste, and kinaesthetic (6th Sense). When used
properly, each of these senses enables an engineer to gain a deeper understanding of the state of
machinery.

Sensing the temperature of a machine can provide information on the status of the machinery, for
example, a high temperature indicates that something is wrong.
It is usually prudent to monitor the sounds emanating from various machines in the engine room, as
any abnormality will cause the sound to alter.

Another highly effective sense that aids in determining an issue is smell. This sensor easily detects
the burning of parts or accessories as a result of a rise in temperature, oil leakage, or chemical exposure.

The most frequently employed sense is vision, which is beneficial for determining engine room and
mechanical problems. Upon entering the engine room, you must immediately seek for any visual
anomaly.

Each engine room is equipped with hundreds of documents, including manuals, operating
instructions, and instructions on safety and pollution avoidance. Maintain strict adherence to them
throughout your watchkeeping operations.

A wise engineer would understand the value of the engine room logbook and how to interpret past
readings from various equipment from the same.

Effective communication between marine personnel is critical to ensuring the safe and efficient
operation of a vessel. If you are a watchkeeper, you must convey any operations, problems, and
suspicions to your superiors and crew members in a clear and concise manner.

While machine automation and alarm systems are usually beneficial for detecting early-stage
problems, it is a well-known truth that human alertness is more capable of recognizing and interpreting
errors effectively.

When performing an engine room round, it is necessary to inspect all machines on all levels for
appropriate operation. Additionally, make a note of your results in the logbook for future reference.

Engine room alarm systems provide an indicator or forewarning of any problem in the engine room
machines. Occasionally, an alarm will become faulty owing to a technical issue such as a connection or
an electronic malfunction, and will emit auditory and visual warnings every few minutes.

Faults are unavoidable in an engine room with hundreds of machines. At times, you may feel as
though the fault is too large for a single person to handle alone. In such cases, do not be afraid to seek
assistance. Ship operation is all about collaboration, which you should value and respect.

A good watchkeeper must obey valid commands from elders with more expertise and knowledge of
machines. However, a prudent watchkeeper should exercise his or her own judgment when the
situation warrants it. Consider the feedback and counsel of your superiors, yet maintain your confidence
as you carry out your responsibilities.

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