Chief Engineer

The Chief engineer is the head of the Engine Department. He shall be responsible to the Master and the
company in all matters to the Engine Department. His duties and responsibilities shall include but not
limited to the following:

a) In case where no fourth engineer is provided, he shall be in charge of safe Engine room watch
keeping at sea from 0800 to 1200hrs and 2000 to 2400hrs.
b) Ensure safe and efficient maintenance and operation of all plants, machinery and equipment
under the charge of the Engine Department including plants, machinery and equipment
associated with safety and environmental protection as defined in the relevant SMS procedures.
c) Responsible for the effective implementation within the engine department all rules and
regulations laid down by the company, master’s instructions and the provisions as specified in
the Safety Management System (SMS).
d) Advise the Master on all technical matters, including those concerning ship’s repair.
e) Ensure proper discipline and welfare of officers and ratings of the Engine Department.
f) Motivate and inculcate habit of cleanliness, cost consciousness, safe working practices,
environmental protection and energy conservation amongst the Engine department staff
g) In charge and responsible for arranging and execution of all drydock repairs and other
deck/engine repairs by ship staff or shore contractors.
h) Implement the planned maintenance program (PMP) for preventative maintenance of the plant
and machinery.
i) Ensure that the survey of machinery (CSM) is carried out as per the requirements of the
classification society.
j) Maintain copies of relevant ‘Interim Certificates of Class’ and ensure that ‘Condition of Class’
(COC) imposed on any CSM item is dealt with as required.
k) Ensure that all engine department records, which include record files are properly maintained
and regularly updated.
l) Ensure that Maker’s manuals, ship’s plans and drawings are maintained on board.
m) Ensure that all reports and records are maintained as per the relevant SMS procedures.
n) Overall responsible for the proper upkeep, inventory control and record keeping of all stores
and spares of the engine department. Also ensure that adequate stores and spares of machinery
and equipment are available to meet any maintenance/repair requirements.
o) Responsible for stock, inventory control and upkeep of engine stores and to ensure optimum
utilization of consumable stores.
p) Ensure proper receipt/storage and optimum consumption of all fuel oils and lubricants on
board.
q) Bunkering and transfer of all fuel and lubricating oils in a safe manner and as per the necessary
SMS procedures.
r) Maintain the ‘Critical Equipment and Systems’ related to the engine department in order to
ensure functional reliability/state of readiness and keep the master informed of any significant
malfunction/inadequate or unsatisfactory performance.
s) Ensure that all procedures related to ‘Shipboard Operations – Engine’ are implemented
efficiently and proper safe working practices are observed during maintenance/repair work on
board.
 t) Identify any potential hazards associated with Engine Department and report all accidents,
incidents and near misses to the Master and stop operation of any equipment on board which in
his view can result in a dangerous situation due to lack of maintenance.
u) On joining the vessel, issue written ‘Standing Orders’ to his staff relating to the engine room
systems and machinery, to cover operations in port and at sea and also actions to be taken in
the event of an emergency.
v) Ensure that all joining engineer officers and engine ratings are provided adequate familiarization
and are familiar with the relevant SMS procedures.
w) Assign specific tasks/roles to the engineer officers and engine ratings whenever required to
comply with the relevant SMS procedures.
x) Ensure that all the relevant SMS procedures, particularly those related to safety and pollution
prevention are observed within his area of responsibility.
y) Whenever required, investigate the relevant non-conformities and take appropriate corrective
action as agreed with the Master.
z) Ensure Oil record book and Engine Log book are accurate and up to date.

Second Engineer
The Second Engineer shall be responsible to the Chief Engineer for Upkeep, maintenance and operation
of equipment under his direct charge as detailed below;

a) Maintenance, upkeep and operation of all the Auxiliary Engines and related safeties.
b) Maintenance and upkeep of auxiliary, exhaust boilers related auxiliaries and safeties.
c) Maintenance and upkeep of emergency generator, lifeboat engine and related safeties.
d) Any other machinery and equipment as assigned by the Chief Engineer / First Engineer.
e) Maintenance and overhauling of main engine fuel valves.
f) To maintain required quality of jacket cooling water and boiler water/feed water.
g) Carry out all other repairs and maintenance as assigned by the Chief Engineer/First Engineer.
h) Carry out the engine shipboard operations and watch keeping efficiently and safely as per the
relevant SMS procedures.
i) Maintain all up to date records of maintenance of machinery and equipment under his direct
charge in proper registers and as per the relevant SMS procedures.
j) Ensure that the machinery and equipment under his charge are kept clean all times and all
leakages are promptly rectified.
k) Ensure proper and safe storage/ upkeep and inventory of all spares of equipment under his
direct charge.
l) Identify potential hazards associated with the operation of engine room machinery/equipment
and systems and remove/ report to the Chief Engineer accordingly.
m) Ensure that all the relevant SMS procedures, particularly those related to safety and pollution
prevention are observed within his area of responsibility.
n) Inform the Chief Engineer immediately of any defects, which may affect the safety or put the
marine environment at risk.