Marine Engineer Guide Part 1

A Guide to
Become A Successful
Marine Engineer
Part 1: Operational Level Officer
www.marineinsight.com
Marine Insight©
“ A Guide to Become a Successful Marine Engineer
Part 1 – Operational Level”
Publication date: Nov’17

Author: Bimal Roy (Chief Engineer)
Co-Author: Anish Wankhede (2nd Engineer)
Editor : Raunek Kantharia

This eBook is an honest effort to help people who aims to have a
Published by: Marine Insight
successful career as a “Marine Engineer”.
Graphic Design: Swapna Lekshmanan

It provides detail info not only for the entry levels but also explains
Copyright 2017 Marine Insight
the duties,
NOTICE OF RIGHTS best practices and do’s and don’ts for operational level
officers – 4thNoengineer
All rights reserved. part of this bookand
rd engineer.
3rewritten,
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or
distributed in any form or means, without prior written permission of the publisher.
You will find helpful tips, Warnings and thoughts from seafarers
NOTICE OF LIABILITY
who
The have
authors already
and editors seen
have made aeffort
every fruitful
possiblecareer inaccuracy
to ensure the the shipping industry.
of the information provided in the
book. Neither the authors and Marine Insight, nor editors or distributors, will be held liable for any damages caused
either directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book, or the equipment, tools, or methods described
herein.
DISCLAIMER
Tips, thoughts, and warnings used in the eBooks are based on real life experiences of seafarers. Some of them are
already published under the comments section of articles published on Marine Insight. Photos used in the eBook are
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ABOUT
This eBook is an honest effort to help people who aim to have a

successful career as a “Marine Engineer”.
This guide not only provides information for the entry level
engineers but also explains the duties, best practices, and do’s and
don’ts for the operational level officers – 4th engineer and 3rd
engineer.
You will find helpful tips, warnings, and thoughts from seafarers,
who have fruitful careers in the shipping industry.
Watch out for:
Thoughts From Seafarers Helpful Tips Warnings

Content
Chapter 1 MEO In The Making: 5th or Junior Engineer on Ship
- Role of different Authorities
- Duties of 5th Engineer
- Learning On Ship
- Do’s & Don’ts
- Courses and Certificates
Chapter 2 The First Responsibility: Duties of 4th Engineer
- First Independent Watch

- What to Expect from Your Ship
- Duties of 4th Engineer
- Art of Troubleshooting
- Shore Opportunities
Chapter 3 Gaining Experience: Role as 3rd Engineer
- Duties of 3rd Engineer

- The 0000 to 0400 hours Watch
- Stepping into 2nd Engineer’s Shoes
Marine Engineer Officer (MEO) in
The Making:
Chapter 1 5th or Junior Engineer on Ship
MEO in the Making: 5th or Junior Engineer on Ship www.marineinsight.com
Ch. 1
5/E
Role and Importance of Training not discussed openly. The few main ones
Ch. 2
being:
4/E
Career at sea is a dream of many young
aspirants, who are attracted to the idea of Fact 1. Number of seafarers quitting the
Ch. 3
3/E
sailing in open seas on mega-ships with an sea job is increasing every year.
Ch. 4 easy option to see the world. Smart
2/E
uniforms and high-paying jobs are some of Fact 2. There is still a shortage of
the main factors, which attract youngsters management level officers as many
Ch. 5
C/E to the maritime industry. seafarers plan to move ashore after certain
years working at sea.
“Today, shipping is a modern, highly
technical, and professional discipline that Fact 3. Seafarers mainly quit because of
requires a great deal of skills, knowledge negligible social life and unfriendly working
and expertise from the maritime workforce. environment.
A safe, secure and clean shipping industry
can only be built on effective standards of
education and training”
~ Former UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon
However, there are a few hard-hitting facts

of the seafaring industry, which are often
Hard work in the engine room - Photo Credit: Joerge Dordas
1 2
Ch. 1
5/E Fact 4. No or very less emphasis on fatigue Therefore, it is of utmost importance that
Ch. 2
management training and facility. Institutes training institutes not only show the
4/E do not usually provide any additional glamorous side of the sea life but also
training on how to manage physical and include the hardships and reality a seafarer
Ch. 3
3/E mental stress at sea. faces at sea.
Ch. 4
2/E Important Role of Training Institutes
Ch. 5
C/E The maritime institute must follow the
norms laid down in accordance with
Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
regulation III/1 along with the
requirements of Section A-III/1.
The important role of an institute before

enrolling a student should be:
 To conduct psychometric tests to check

his/her aptitude and projection of life at
Cadets in the training institutes - Photo Credit: Gerónimo Levrero
sea
3 4
Ch. 1
5/E  To provide details of seafarers’ work and  To train the students on importance of
Ch. 2 lifestyle, which the students will have to TAR book and how to fill the same
4/E adapt to at sea
 To apply and look after Seaman’s Book
Ch. 3
3/E  Awareness on effects of restricted social (Continues Discharge Certificate - CDC)
life on ship and database of seafarers (INDOS
Ch. 4
2/E number in India) for all enrolled
The role of an institute during the training students
Ch. 5
C/E period should be:
Role of the Shipping Company
 To include as much practical training as
possible for the students
 To include coaching related to reality of

life at sea
 To conduct medical examination at

regular intervals, ensuring students
meet the criteria
 To provide Training Assessment Record Company training selected candidates
(TAR) book Once a company recruits a student as a 5th

engineer or as an engine cadet, the
 To provide stress management training responsibility of mentoring the student is
5 6
Ch. 1
5/E transferred to the Company Training Officer
Ch. 2
(CTO) and Shipboard Training Officer (STO)
4/E in accordance with the STCW regulation
Ch. 3
III/1, along with the requirements of
3/E Section B-II/1 .
Ch. 4
2/E Apart from providing advance training on
environmental policy, security, and ship
Ch. 5
C/E systems, the company has to ensure that
the cadet or junior engineer is being
trained properly by providing various
onboard tasks and assessments.
Difference Between 5th Engineer and Engine
Cadet? Training on ship - Photo Credit: Prem Cescnath
An engine cadet is a designation given to an An engine cadet again goes to the institute
engineering student, who comes onboard a post onboard training to complete
ship in the 4th year of his/her maritime graduation by giving the final examination.
training program.
Role of CTO (Company Training Officer)
A 5th engineer is a graduated marine
engineer, who comes onboard as a trainee When a cadet is ashore, the Company
marine engineer (TME) to become eligible Training Officer (CTO) is in-charge of
for Class IV exam. his/her training.
7 8
Ch. 1
5/E The CTO shall interview the cadet to  Look after the training and modules as
Ch. 2
ascertain that he/she has received efficient per the Training and Assessment Record
4/E support from the shipboard personnel. The (TAR) Book
Ch. 3
CTO may also delegate the assessment
3/E duties to the cadet’s training institute.
Ch. 4
2/E If the institute reports any inadequacy in
the cadet's progress, the CTO shall take
Ch. 5
C/E appropriate actions, as required by the
institute, to improve the cadet's
performance.
Role of STO (Shipboard Training Officer)
A Shipboard Training Officer (STO) is the

guardian of a 5th engineer on the ship. 2nd engineer training junior engineer
 Give appropriate tasks according to TAR

Traditionally, the responsibility of STO is book to help gain practical knowledge of
given to a 2nd engineer, who needs to: shipboard operation
 Train the 5th engineer on safety aspects  To ensure 5th engineer’s work – life
balance is maintained with appropriate
 Train for watchkeeping procedures time given for assignment completion
9 10
Ch. 1
5/E
With increase in tasks and International The Captain also works as a link between
Ch. 2 Safety Management (ISM) pressure on the the Company Training Officer (CTO) and
4/E
ship’s staff, the 5th engineers rarely get the Ship Training Officer (STO). He/she may
training they deserve; hence, it is also have to assign a new STO if the latter is
Ch. 3
3/E
important for him/her to learn the to be relieved during upcoming voyage.
Ch. 4 shipboard operation by self-learning
2/E through keen observation. Role of Assessment Centre
Ch. 5
C/E Role of The Captain Every country has an assessment center,
which is responsible for maintaining
The captain of the ship has the ultimate records of the shipboard training program.
responsibility to look after the training and For e.g. in India, Lal Bahadur Shastri
technical upbringing of the 5th engineer. College of Advanced Maritime Studies And
Research (LBSCAMSAR) has been
designated as the Assessment Centre and
is responsible for maintenance of records
related to the Shipboard Structured
Training Program (SSTP). It may also
monitor the reports submitted by the
institutes.
The assessment center has to verify and

endorse the certificates issued by the
institute.
Captain with Cadet-Photo Credit: Anil Samotra
11 12
Ch. 1
5/E If the center is not satisfied with the Importance of Shore Based Training
Ch. 2
reports, it may withhold the issuance
4/E of the endorsement until satisfactory As stated above regarding the hectic life
explanations have been received from the and work pressure onboard ships, it is rare
Ch. 3
3/E institutes. to find a 5th engineer, who is given time to
complete his/her assignments during
Ch. 4
2/E All those concerned with the Shipboard working hours.
Structured Training Program (SSTP) are
Ch. 5
C/E required to ensure that the conduct of the
entire program is covered under a valid
Quality Management System.
Photo Credit: Mohd Asrul Khairul Asmawy Mohammad
Without a doubt, a ship is the best place to

learn practicality of seafaring and technical
Shipboard training of engineer - Photo Credit: Mrityunjay Singh aspects of all the systems.
13 14
Ch. 1
5/E But to adapt and learn in an unfriendly foundation and to build basic concepts
Ch. 2
working environment with negligible time right before he/she starts working on ships.
4/E for studies, it is essential to learn at least Important aspects of shore-based training
the basics of all the important subjects. includes visiting a ship/workshop,
Ch. 3
3/E carrying out of various mock drills,
The institute is where a 5th engineer will watching live demonstrations and training
Ch. 4
2/E learn the why and how of the subjects and videos etc. Subjects such as marine
implement them onboard to learn practical engineering, maritime law, seamanship,
Ch. 5
C/E application. workshop technology, management etc.
are taught at length and exams are
conducted based on them.
Unlike earlier times, now a days the intake

requirements have been diluted to a large
extent. Hence, if the input itself is wrong how can
any amount of training drastically change the
output? The growth of the training institutes is a
recent phenomenon. Therefore, the next and
vital part of training is the onboard training,
which has also been diluted, including the sea-
time requirements, leading to drastic effect on
Shore based specialized training on engine operation
the quality of seafarers. If we have to get better
Therefore, the training imparted at the quality, these issues need to be addressed.
shore-based maritime academy is equally ~ Capt. S S Shivangi
important for a cadet to create a strong
15 16
Ch. 1
5/E It is important for engine cadets to get as grasp concepts. Once the cadets complete
Ch. 2
much knowledge as possible during this their shore-based training, it is equally
4/E period to help them better understand ship important to preserve all the study
operations. materials and notes, which were provided
Ch. 3
3/E during the training, as they will be of
All the calculations and operations taught immense use later on ships.
Ch. 4
2/E in shore-based training, if understood with
clarity, can help engineers to understand as STCW is also important because it is proved
Ch. 5
C/E to how marine machinery is operated, that photographic impressions and lessons
overhauled, and maintained in a better last longer in one's mind than the written
way. text.
Role of STCW Courses
The four basic STCW courses namely

Elementary First Aid, Basic Fire Fighting,
Personal Survival Techniques, and
Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue
Boats are mandatory before a cadet boards
a ship.
With the help of STCW courses and state of

the art technologies used nowadays, cadets
have a better opportunity to learn and Safety training - Photo Credit: Emmanuel Ephraim
17 18
Ch. 1
5/E Better understanding and retention of reality, the TME is as an extremely
Ch. 2
knowledge occurs when visuals or live important asset to the engine room.
4/E demonstrations take place when cadets are
getting hands-on experience. He/she is an additional hand in day-to-day
Ch. 3
3/E jobs, which will eventually help the trainee
From Trainee Marine Engineer (TME) to to understand the engine room operation.
Ch. 4
2/E Responsible Marine Engineer Officer As mentioned earlier, the 2nd engineer acts
(MEO) as a Ship Training Officer (STO) and is
Ch. 5
C/E responsible for the training of TME.
These daily jobs and responsibilities that a

cadet performs as shipboard routine also
help in creating awareness in prioritizing
tasks and their execution on time.
On ships, trainees need to be guided in the

right direction and encouraged for
enhancing their participation in various
tasks.
Their keenness to learn, obedience, and

Trainee engineer in ECR - Photo Credit: R. P. Patil
dedication towards the vessel and
Having a novice person onboard is an add- teammates are the parameters, which an
on responsibility to fellow officers, but in engineer can assess while imparting
19 20
Ch. 1
5/E onboard training to them. performing smaller but important tasks
Ch. 2
such as internal oil transfer, small
4/E Some companies provide dedicated study machinery overhauling, soundings,
hours for the engine cadets/ TME and take paperwork, etc.
Ch. 3
3/E enough care to ensure that there is
sufficient time provided for the same. Though officers onboard assess and
Ch. 4
2/E monitor these situations covertly, giving
such responsibilities help trainee engineers
Ch. 5
C/E in developing abilities to work efficiently
under stress and perform better during
emergencies.
“A newly joined 5th engineer approached
with a sounding sheet and a concern of
shortage of fuel before getting the next
bunker. I noticed he missed few factors to
calculate the Remain On-Board (ROB) at
the end of the voyage; I was amazed by his
raised concern and his thinking similar to
an experience 4th engineer. I gave a pat on
Working independently in workshop
the back of the 2nd engineer who did an
Once the trainee engineer starts
excellent job in training this young boy.”
understanding various engine room
operations, the 2nd engineer will give some
~ Ex C/E Yin Yin (Burma)
more independence to the trainee for
21 22
Ch. 1
5/E On his first port of call after boarding a Training Assessment and Record Book
Ch. 2
ship, the 5th engineer was called upon by
4/E the 2nd engineer to transfer engine spares In accordance to STCW 95 Section A III/1
from ship to jetty. As he was a novice, while and Merchant Shipping (Standards of
Ch. 3
3/E walking on a shaky gangway, he dropped a Training Certification and Watchkeeping for
fuel injector in the water which was Seafarers), Rules 1998 Volume-I Rules
Ch. 4
2/E supposed to be kept at the jetty. 21(III) and Section M-III/9 paragraph 1.3;
every candidate for certification as officer
Ch. 5
C/E The 5th engineer was not trained on the in-charge of an engine room watch on
basics of walking on board, i.e., “One hand ships shall follow an approved program of
for You and one hand for the ship.” He was onboard training, closely supervised and
not holding the gangway railing and while monitored by qualified and certificated
descending the stairs, he misbalanced and engineer officers.
in an effort to hold-on to something, he
dropped the injector into the water. The intention of providing a Training and
Assessment Record (TAR) book for a
The chief engineer eventually realized it trainee candidates is to ensure that he/she
was too soon to handover such jobs to a undergoes the required training and at the
newly joined trainee engineer and advised same time is guaranteed by adequately
the 2nd engineer to train him on various documenting the process in the TAR book.
safety aspects, signs, and languages
used on the ship. The TAR book needs to be acquired by the
trainee engineer before boarding his/her
training ship.
23 24
Ch. 1
5/E In India, the book can be purchased online Depending on the type and size of the ship,
Ch. 2
from Institute of Marine Engineers website the endorsement in the TAR book of the
4/E - www.imare.in . candidates may vary. In fact in most cases
the TAR book may not be completed in all
Ch. 3
3/E respects within the 6 or 8 months that the
candidates serve on a ship before his/her
Ch. 4
2/E MEO Class IV examination.
Ch. 5
C/E Duties of 5th Engineer
A Junior engineer embarks on a ship with
lots of expectations and to gain practical
knowledge from his/her seniors onboard.
The TAR book is required to be duly

endorsed by the Chief Engineer Officer/2nd
Engineer or the Ship Training Officer (STO)
on ship, certifying skills and proficiencies
attained by the candidate during his/her
sea-going service.
To be eligible for MEO Class IV Examination,

the TAR book has to be submitted as a
documentary evidence New Cadet doing ship familiarization- Photo Credit: Gaxiola
25 26
Ch. 1
5/E In most cases, the 5th engineer feels his/her officer has the right attitude to carry out
Ch. 2
knowledge acquired in the training institute any job in future.
4/E is under-utilized, and he/she is ordered to
do less important jobs such as cleaning, Many cadets think that cleaning and
Ch. 3
3/E tracing, drills, etc. on ship. mopping should not be added in the job
list of a graduate engineer. But the idea
Ch. 4
2/E behind such training is simple - With
reducing workforce on ships to save money
Ch. 5
C/E and to make more cargo space, a person
working onboard must be able to carry out
any possible job single-handedly.
Bilge cleaning - Photo Credit: Sir Kolev
Though these are the typical tasks given to

the 5th engineer in the early days, it is
mainly done to ensure that the engineer JE Independently overhauling purifier Photo Credit: Prem Cescnath
27 28
Ch. 1
5/E E.g., if you're given a task to overhaul a Other important tasks for the 5th engineer
Ch. 2
machine with no additional manpower, is to understand the general layout of the
4/E then you should be able to arrange for the ship, to know the importance of safety and
tools and clean the place on your own once drills, and to perform necessary machinery
Ch. 3
3/E the job is done. operations on a daily basis.
Ch. 4
2/E The purpose of initial training on a ship is The 5th engineers are on board to get
to develop a positive attitude, considering practical training and to assist their senior
Ch. 5
C/E no job on board is big or small. If you are engineers in different activities.
working in the ship’s engine room, you Being a Trainee Engineer/5th Engineer
need to get your hands dirty; there is no onboard, you will be required to out carry
option to that! the following tasks:
The idea that you are only on board to work for a  Drain the Air Bottle
single purpose, i.e., solely for furthering
education is ridiculous. At the end of the day, if
you are not willing to do something yourself,
then you have no right to ask someone else to
do it for you. Potential future engineering
officers should be MORE than aware of the
leadership role into which they are entering, and
that, at sea they may be called upon to perform
tasks outside of their usual role.
~ Ryan Houston
29 30
Ch. 1
5/E  Transfer the bilge well to bilge tank  Transfer the fuel oil drain tank
Ch. 2
4/E  Dry Washing of turbocharger  Transfer the fuel oil to settling tank
Ch. 3
3/E  Soot blow of economizer  Coupling arrangement for cargo
operation
Ch. 4
2/E  Starting the main engine
 Starting the incinerator
Ch. 5
C/E
 Starting the boiler
 Starting the pumps
 Starting other machinery
General Duties of 5th Engineer
One of the primary requirements of a 5th

engineer on a ship is to get the required
Learning to Operate Main Engine from Local Stand training of various machinery systems and
 Soot blow of boilers to understand the working and operation
of the life-saving and fire-fighting systems.
 Take on load /off load generators
31 32
Learn About Various Components of a 2-Stroke Marine Engine
Ch. 1
5/E The main duties that a 5th engineer mainly • To get acquainted with various pipelines
Ch. 2
perform are: and understand how to trace line
4/E diagram
Ch. 3
• To learn watchkeeping practices from
3/E senior engineer officers • To understand the starting/stopping of
important machinery such as a
Ch. 4
2/E compressor, pumps, purifiers,
generators, fresh water generator
Ch. 5
C/E (FWG) , incinerator, boiler, etc.
• To learn to safely bring generators in

parallel
• To assist senior engineers in routine

engine room activity
Junior Engineer Learning Controls from Chief Engineer

Duties a 5th engineer must know of:
• To understand the fire-fighting and life- A responsible 5th engineer should know the
saving appliances present on ship following:
• To understand the ballast system and  Know the safe transfer procedures for
bilge transfer system bilge and sludge
33 34
Ch. 1
5/E  Know the safe transfer procedure of fuel
Ch. 2
oil to various tanks
4/E
Ch. 3
 Know the coupling arrangement for
3/E cargo operation
Ch. 4
2/E  Know the operating procedures (starting
and stopping procedures) of various
Ch. 5
C/E machinery systems on ship such as
DG shipping India
boiler, purifier, compressor etc.
check if it contains the right salary and
Things a 5th engineer would do before other perks discussed during the
joining a ship appointment. Some important points to
check are:
• Take job contract only via/with
approved companies or agents (In India,  If the company provides the
the Director General of Shipping is repatriation or not (Ethically, a
responsible for regulating the ship reputed company will always pay
manning companies and agents) for all the expenses till you reach
your ship during signing-in and to
• Read and understand the contract: Do your home while signing-off)
read the contract provided by your
employer and before signing, cross  If employers want to bound you in
35 36
Ch. 1
5/E a long-term contract (This trend your loved ones (calling a ship’s satellite
Ch. 2
has seen a rise in recent times due phone would be expensive but it’s always
4/E to lack of jobs) handy for emergency).
Ch. 3
3/E  Other salient and hidden points Make sure you also give the contact details
Ch. 4
of the right person from your shipping
2/E company so that in case your family fails to
Ch. 5
contact you, they can always pass on the
C/E message through your company during
emergency.
Also, while filling in your phone book not

only take contact details of your parents
and siblings but also of your close relatives.
This is helpful in situations wherein you are
Reading the Contract Before Signing
not able to contact your parents due to
some odd reasons.
Exchanging contact details with your
family: Contact details you can exchange:
This is the most basic and essential thing a  Personal email address
mariner has to do before joining a ship.
Give all your contact details including your  Ship’s email address (this you will most
ship’s email address and phone number to probably know once you reach the ship)
37 38
Ch. 1
5/E  Ship’s phone number (For extreme Give Bank Account Details to Your Family:
Ch. 2
emergency only)
4/E Your family back on land might need the
Ch. 3
 Your phone number (In case you have financial backing while you’re at sea, and
3/E activated international roaming or have giving your bank details is a significant
taken number of the countries your ship thing that needs to be done without fail.
Ch. 4
2/E visits)
Make sure you give all details of your bank
Ch. 5
C/E  Crew personnels’ contact details account so that your loved ones can use
(Important) the money you transfer to the account.
 Also, give your colleague’s email address If you are a mariner, then you would have
in case your account is not able to an NRE account (in India).
receive emails because of some
technical glitch To make it easier for your family, issue a
dependent debit/ ATM card (under Power
 Contact of seafarer trusts (for e.g. of attorney clause) and leave it back at
Maritime Union of India, ITF, etc.) home for your family to use. Additional
bank details you can share:
Social networking sites are very unreliable
to contact your loved ones especially in  Account details
emergencies, so please don’t depend on
them.  Cheque book
39 40
Ch. 1
5/E  Online banking details For this reason, senior engineers in the
Ch. 2
engine room keep themselves a bit lenient
4/E and give the fresher some space and time
to absorb and learn things.
Ch. 3
3/E
Ch. 4
2/E
Ch. 5
C/E
 You may also sign a few blank cheques,

which can be used in case some
problem arise with your debit card
Junior Engineer joining his first ship
Things Junior Engineer Should Learn On
Joining a Ship However, a junior engineer shouldn’t
expect unlimited time to learn his or her
A Junior Engineer when new to ship is duties.
surrounded by doubts, confusion, and fear.
When new to the ship, it is very normal for After the very first month, or probably
any marine engineering professional to after 15-20 days, the new engineer would
make mistakes. be expected to carry out independent
duties without making mistakes.
41 42
Ch. 1
5/E Things that a Junior engineer should do The sooner you familiarize with the ship,
Ch. 2
when new to a ship the better and easier it would be for you.
4/E
1. Ship Familiarization: Not only juniors but even senior engineers
Ch. 3
3/E whenever appointed on a ship must spare
Familiarize yourself with the ship as soon as some time for ship familiarization, as then
Ch. 4
2/E possible. Don’t keep the mindset that you the life will be more comfortable. With an
are going to be there on the ship for understanding of critical equipment, Life
Ch. 5
C/E several months and thus have ample of Saving and Fire Fighting Appliance (LSA &
time to do so later. FFA), escapes routes, valves, and other key
areas, it will be easier to tackle any
situation of emergency.
~ Syed Ismail Shah
2. Know the Escape Routes Thoroughly:
While familiarizing yourself with the ship,

make sure you remember ship’s emergency
escape routes and doors like the back of
your hand. This is the first lesson of safety
on a ship, especially for new crew
members.
Engineer on ship - Photo Credit: Vishal Patil
43 44
Ch. 1
5/E 3. Know the location of Muster Stations: 5. Segregation of garbage
Ch. 2
4/E Find and remember the location of muster Junior Engineer should know what garbage
Ch. 3
stations. You don’t want yourself to get lost to throw in which designated colored
3/E during an emergency or a drill. garbage box. The color coding would be
the same for all the ships and thus would
Ch. 4
2/E be helpful throughout his/her sailing life
Ch. 5
C/E
Garbage segregation on ship

Muster station on ship
4. Know the DPA: 6. Company rules and policies:
Junior engineer should find out who the To avoid unnecessary trouble, the junior
Designated Person Ashore (DPA) of the ship engineer should know the company norms
is. This is important according to the and procedures thoroughly. This would give
International Safety Management Code him/her a clear idea as to what can be
(ISM). done and cannot be done when on a ship.
45 46
Ch. 1
5/E 7. How to Use Emergency Equipment: 8. Learn About Various Alarms:
Ch. 2
4/E Personal safety comes first for any crew Learn identifying various alarms such as
member new to the ship. Junior engineer Co2 alarm, general alarm, engine room
Ch. 3
3/E should learn how to use emergency alarm, and fire alarm, along with actions to
equipment such as the emergency take in case of such situations.
Ch. 4
2/E generator, life-saving appliances,
firefighting tools, etc. along with their
Ch. 5
C/E locations.
Checking CO2 fire fighting system alarms
9. Know SOPEP:
Know about the Shipboard Oil Pollution

Emergency Plan (SOPEP) locker and what
Using SCBA in fire fighting drill - Photo Credit: Aadil Khan
all things are present in it.
47 48
Ch. 1
5/E 10. Launching of Life Boat: control room.
Ch. 2
4/E It is imperative that everyone on the ship
Ch. 3
knows how to launch a lifeboat. A junior
3/E engineer should be aware how to launch
and operate a lifeboat, along with the
Ch. 4
2/E procedure to start the life boat’s engine.
Ch. 5
C/E
Machinery controls in ECR
12. Learn About Manuals

Life boat launching drill - Photo Credit: Sergey S.
Find out about all manuals/ drawings/
11. Know the Automation in the Control plans available in the engine room and
Room: their location. Generally, a 5th engineer
keeps the record of all the engine room
Know how to operate the basic operations and ship machinery manuals/drawing plans
and equipment present in the engine along with their location in a separate file.
49 50
Ch. 1
5/E 13. Familiarize with Engine Room and Do’s and Don’ts when you join
Engine Room Workshop
Ch. 2
4/E
the ship
Ch. 3
This is where an engineer would be
3/E spending most of his/her time on the ship. Following things you must know and do as
It is important to know different types of soon as you are onboard a ship:
Ch. 4
2/E tools present in the workshop and their
nomenclatures.  Report to seniors: The first step when
Ch. 5 you join a ship is to report to the captain
C/E
to handover the important documents
and later report to engine room in -
charge (2nd or chief engineer)
 Check your surroundings: The most

important thing is to check the places
where you will spend maximum of your
time: accommodation and engine room.
 Nearest Emergency Exit: Check the

accommodation and engine room for
the nearest emergency exit, lifesaving
appliances, firefighting tools, emergency
alarms, way to muster station etc.
Engineer working in engine room workshop - Photo Credit: Vadym Bezkrovnyi.
51 52
Ch. 1
5/E  Settle down: Make sure you are well  Know the management: It is important
Ch. 2
aware of your cabin, including different to know the Designated Person Ashore
4/E notices and information posted, general and other designated people on land
Ch. 3
layout, location of life saving appliances,
3/E engine room alarm panel, etc. Following things to avoid when onboard
ship
Ch. 4
2/E
x Don’t wander around on ship without
Ch. 5
C/E Informing: We know that being new to
an interesting place such as a ship can
be highly intriguing. However, a junior
engineer should show some restrain
and avoid going to any part of the ship
without informing senior officers.
x Don’t take any decision related to work

Cabin of junior engineer
without consulting: A junior engineer
 Be informed: Read all the relevant has been sent to a ship to observe
manuals as soon as possible, for e.g., seniors and learn from them. Because of
SOPEP, fire manual, safety management lack of experience, a junior engineer
system (SMS) etc. Also, understand the should never take any work related
emergency duties assigned to you and decisions. He/she must not touch or
various pollution prevention regulations explore any machinery, switches or
53 54
Ch. 1
5/E valves in the engine room without actions if he/she is in any doubt
Ch. 2
orders from senior officers regarding the work. Wait, ask, and then
4/E proceed
Ch. 3
x Don’t go on the main deck without
3/E informing: A junior engineer must not x Don’t Take Any Shortcut: It is evident
go out on the main deck without that anyone who is new to the working
Ch. 4
2/E informing anyone onboard, especially environment of the ship might get a bit
during rough weather. frustrated and can start avoiding work
Ch. 5
C/E or taking shortcuts. A junior engineer
should never indulge in taking any
shortcut for he/she would not be aware
of the consequences. Tempted to take a
shortcut? Stop! Ask the senior and take
a brief break instead
x Don’t go to the Shore without

informing: A junior engineer should
never step off the ship without
informing seniors, or else it can land
him/her in great trouble. In case he/she
Seafarer on ship’s deck - Photo Credit: Angelbert Dungog
wants shore leave, permission must be
x Have Doubts? – Stop there! Even while take from 2nd engineer or chief
working under a senior officer, a junior engineer
engineer must not take any further
55 56
Ch. 1
5/E ship. “Respect seniors and fellow crew
Ch. 2
members, even if they shout or scold; it
4/E is for junior engineer’s own good.”
Ch. 3
3/E x Don’t Indulge in any Malpractices:
Sometimes monotonous routines or
Ch. 4
2/E lucrative intentions can provoke a
person on board to indulge in
Ch. 5
C/E malpractices. Being someone who is just
starting his or her career, a junior
engineer should stay away from all kind
of malpractices on board ship to
Ready to go for shore leave - Photo Credit: Cleven Lonzaga
prevent threat to the professional
X Avoid Arguments – Be a Team Player: A career
ship has very less number of people
working on board. They have to stick x Don’t Skip Safety Procedure: Personal
together through all kind of situations, safety should be given utmost
irrespective of personal and professional importance on ship. A junior engineer
differences. A junior engineer should try should know and learn how to use all
best to avoid getting into any kind of personal safety equipment and should
argument with the seniors and should never skip any safety procedure, related
make the best out of the golden to both machine safety and personal
opportunity he/she has got to learn on safety
57 58
Ch. 1
5/E X Don’t Miss Safety Meeting and Drills: X Do Not Hide Mistake. Be Honest! : No
Ch. 2
Proper training at the start of the career one is perfect; and a fresh junior
4/E adequately grooms the officer as he/she engineer will tend to make mistakes!
moves forward. A junior engineer Even on making a mistake, admit the
Ch. 3
3/E should never miss any safety meeting, same and take the blame, if needed.
personal protective equipment training, This would not only help the J/E
Ch. 4
2/E and drills on board ship. These remember the lesson learnt but also
important sessions play a great role in prevent any accident that can occur
Ch. 5
C/E deciding how an officer will react in from the same. It would also help gain
times of emergencies respect from seniors for being honest
X Keep Away from Strangers: When a

ship is at port, several people come on
board for various tasks. A junior
engineer should always be careful
whom he or she talks to, for there are
people who would try to take undue
advantage. To prevent any such
incident, do not deal or talk directly
with any person coming on board unless
asked to
X Practice Patience: A junior engineer

Safety meeting on ship - Photo Credit: Karun Yimyong
should know how to keep cool for it will
59 60
Ch. 1
5/E help her/him in the long run to face and Sign-Off Procedure
Ch. 2
tackle emergency situations. Don’t be
4/E overenthusiastic and restless, learn to The day of the sign-off from the ship is
develop patience as haste will lead you probably the most joyous, adrenaline-
Ch. 3
3/E nowhere. fueled, hectic as well as emotional for
every sailor.
Ch. 4 When I was sailing as Master, every time I
2/E
made a mistake I wrote a near miss report
This is true especially for a trainee
Ch. 5 against myself. I learnt a lot as I started
C/E engineer, who has learned the first life
self-analyzing my mistakes or didn’t follow
lessons on the ship and has been waiting
my instinct. Even the company started
for the sign-off day to go home and meet
questioning why I was making a report
loved ones after a long time.
against myself, but they appreciated it.
The days leading up to sign-off consists of
Often it was because of commercial
sleepless nights, relentless packing and a
pressures – But when the risk becomes
constant state of euphoria! After all, only a
unacceptable/unmanageable and not
seaman can understand what it is like to go
worth taking, as a Master, I invoke my
home after a long and tedious stint at sea.
overriding authority and not even the
Operations, the Safety Department, or the
However, in this process, seafarers tend to
DPA could do anything about it but stand
ignore the essential things that are
pat on my decision.
imperative to the sign-off process.
Documents, money, and other such aspects
~Capt. Gabriel Alfredo V. Illenberger
61 62
Ch. 1
5/E become secondary in the rush to get home. be checked when receiving from the
Ch. 2
Not to forget, the hectic workload at the master. Checking their physical conditions
4/E sign-off port until the reliever is onboard (for damage) is necessary to avoid any
makes that day all the more intense. complications at the airport. The stamp
Ch. 3
3/E indicating the sea service time must be
reviewed in the CDC.
Ch. 4
2/E
A seaman must never forget that without
Ch. 5
C/E these two booklets, it is impossible to
conduct any kind of work in his/her sea
career.
2. Other Important Documents: Important

documents handed over to the master at
Signing off from ship - Photo Credit: Parth Khanna
the time of joining such as the yellow fever
Thus, to ensure that the seafarers enjoy the vaccination certificate, STCW certificates,
sign-off process without jeopardizing what etc. must be checked when received during
is essential, a few important points must sign-off.
not be forgotten:
As is with the Passport and CDC, these
1. Passport and CDC: The two most documents also form one of the pillars of a
important documents for any seafarer – seafarer’s essential paperwork, and
Passport and Continuous Discharge therefore must be checked properly.
Certificate (CDC or seaman’s book), are to The travel tickets must also be verified for
63 accuracy. 64
Ch. 1
5/E Check the travel itinerary, including All paperwork related to the exit visa and
Ch. 2
boarding, departure and arrival timings, immigration process must be checked
4/E seating details, and all aspects of the trip. thoroughly.
Ch. 3
3/E
Ch. 4
2/E
Ch. 5
C/E
Important Documents - CDC, COC, Passport etc.
Cross-check the name on the travel tickets Passing the immigration checkpoint
with that on the passport to see if it is As seafarers will be signing off in an alien
spelled correctly. country, they must have all their
documents to avoid any kind of
Seafarers should store the company agent’s unnecessary interrogation.
contact number for any help that can be
required during the trip. 3. Sea Service Letters: This aspect is critical
65 66
Ch. 1
5/E from one’s career point of view. Sea service airport to buy things at the duty-free shops
Ch. 2
letter and testimonial spanning the time of and to spend on some good food!
4/E duty for the ongoing contract should be
taken from the master. The pay slip must be cross-checked to
Ch. 3
3/E ensure that all transactions are transparent
Check the letter for appropriate signatures and any duly payable amount is cleared.
Ch. 4
2/E and stamps, wherever required. Check if
the dates, Certificate of Competency (COC)
Ch. 5
C/E number, statement of conduct and sobriety
are duly filled and accurate.
During sign-off, a lot of people forget to

check such details; hence it is best to get
this sorted out one day prior to the sign-off.
4. Cash: Everyone wants to get their hands

on the most important thing in the process
of sign-off i.e. money! Cash advance
5. Official Packages: At times, the master

Any due balance or cash advance that has may hand over a package to the signing-off
been asked for must be counted and crew for delivering to the company or
received (along with the pay slip). A small agent. In that case, a personal judgment
amount of money is always handy at the must be applied.
67 68
Ch. 1
5/E If taken, it becomes the responsibility of
Ch. 2
the crew member to hand it over to the
4/E company in proper condition.
Ch. 3
3/E The crew member carrying the package
should also check it for any tampering to
Ch. 4
2/E avoid blame for unseen wear and tear
Ch. 5
C/E 6. Unofficial Packages: Just like the captain,
crew members may also ask to deliver a
package or an envelope to their family/
friends. Questioning by immigration officer
thoroughly.
Again, personal discretion is of utmost
importance here with regards to Checking the unofficial package is
trustworthiness. extremely
. important as it should not
contain illegal substances or unapproved
It is important to explain to the person items as per the country one is
(politely, of course) that there’s always a signing-off from,
chance that one could get interrogated for
carrying something that doesn’t belong to 7. Travel Preparation: To ensure that
him/her. Keeping that in mind, (if the crew seafarers don’t have to flip through all the
member still feels obligated to deliver the papers in case any authority (airport,
package) open it and check the contents customs, etc.)
69 70
Ch. 1
5/E asks for an individual document, it is Ensure that the baggage does not exceed
Ch. 2
important to keep everything handy and the permissible amount (it's generally 40 kg
4/E ready in one’s hand baggage. for foreign travel, with the maximum on
one bag capped at 23 kg).
Ch. 3
3/E Keep photocopies of all the documents as it
can be asked by the authorities. However, every airline has its own policy,
Ch. 4
2/E so one should always ask the agent for the
Keep all important documents in the hand permissible baggage limit.
Ch. 5
C/E baggage; this is a common practice among
seafarers because there have been Need more traveling tips to ensure your
instances wherein the main luggage has safety? Read our eBook:
been lost or delayed in the transit.
It might be considered paranoid thinking,

but in case the certificates are in the main
luggage, which gets lost; it’s utmost painful
and time-consuming to obtain the original
certificates all over again. Better safe than
sorry!
Seafarers should check the baggage weight

on the ship itself before signing-off (The
galley department will have a weighing
scale).
71 72
Ch. 1
5/E 8. Know the Local Laws: In all likeability, a Some nations have a limit on the amount
Ch. 2
seafarer signs off at a country he is not a of cash you can carry. Once again, ask the
4/E citizen of. In that case, know the local agent for any such information that may be
legislation and customs and respect them. of importance to your repatriation.
Ch. 3
3/E
For example, Singaporean authorities are 9. Hand Over Report: All the previously
Ch. 4
2/E very strict with respect to pirated CDs (Your mentioned points were aimed at
immigration document generally contains a safeguarding interest of the person who is
Ch. 5
C/E warning against the carriage of these signing-off. However, this point is to
objects). emphasize the need to ensure that the
reliever is not left in the dark concerning
Ensure that you do are not carrying any of his/her duties.
them.
It is not compulsory for a trainee engineer
to make a hand over report for signing off,
but now many senior officers and
companies emphasize on making one as it
develops the skills, which are needed once
they become certified officers.
Prepare the handing-over notes well in

advance. For obvious reasons, there will be
no time for last moment explanations to
73 74
Ch. 1
5/E the reliever regarding his/her the safety of the ship and its personnel.
Ch. 2
responsibilities and duties. The signing-off crew should take time out
4/E and let the on-signer clear any looming
Prepare a comprehensive and informative doubts that may exist regarding the ship or
Ch. 3
3/E document to facilitate a smooth transition his/her duties
and to cancel out any unnecessary
Ch. 4
2/E confusion. He/she should be taken around and shown
the lockers he/she is in-charge of, briefed
Ch. 5
C/E It is the fundamental responsibility of every about the maintenance that needs to be
officer to make the on-signer feel at ease carried out, and provided information
with his/her duties. regarding the ways of the master and other
personnel onboard
10. Handing Over The Cabin:
The signing-off person has lived in the

cabin the way he/she wanted to; and there
is no doubt that it was a comfortable little
abode; a place of Zen after a day’s hard
work.
Helping the new joiner So why not leave it like that for the next
To be engrossed in one’s sign-off process is person as well! Although it is the job of the
evident, but not at the cost of jeopardizing steward to keep the cabins up to the mark,
75 76
Ch. 1
5/E there is not much of an effort required to
Ch. 2
dispose of the trash a day before signing
4/E off, arranging the bed a little, and
Ch. 3
maintaining a general sense of order in the
3/E cabin.
Ch. 4
2/E Also, the signing-off person should check
the cabin thoroughly to avoid forgetting
Ch. 5
C/E any belongings. This aspect is not really
relevant to anyone's duty or responsibility.
However, it is indeed critical to the Cleaning the cabin for new junior engineer
perception of the on-signer of signing-off vibe to the person, who is about to spend
person. the next few months of his/her life in that
little space. The day of the sign-off is the
A clean cabin that is being handed-over happiest day in a seafarer’s life, and it
automatically calls for a little respect which should be kept that way.
makes the transition all the more easier.
As long all the identification,
As mentioned earlier, it doesn’t require documentation, and other things are in
much effort to clean up one’s living space order, one can be assured that the sign-off
for the next person and in return, it makes will be free of any worry. The signing-off
the other person feel a lot better. person should just adhere to the standard
process and rejoice in anticipation of
A messy room, however, gives out a bad reuniting with friends and family.
77 78
Ch. 1
5/E
Courses and Certificates apply for MEO Class IV exam:
Ch. 2
4/E
Once a 5th engineer finishes his/her • Proficiency in Survival Craft and
required sea-time on a vessel with a marine Boat(PSCRB)
Ch. 3
3/E
propulsion plant of 750KW and above,
he/she can apply and appear for Marine • Advance Fire Fighting (AFF)
Ch. 4
2/E
Engineering Officer Class IV (MEO CL IV)
Ch. 5 COC exams.
C/E
Advance Fire Fighting (AFF) training on shore
• Medical First Aid (MFA)
• Engine Simulator Course- Operational

Personal survival training Level
Following are the additional STCW-2010
modular courses which are needed to • Security Training For Seafarers with
79 80
Ch. 1
5/E designated Security Duties / Ship of Competency (COC) examination. This
Ch. 2
Security Officer (STCW 2010) course is optional unlike Class II or Class I
4/E course.
Ch. 3
• Boiler training if not sailed in a vessel
3/E with a boiler Shore Jobs After Sailing as
Ch. 4
2/E
Junior Engineer
Ch. 5 Technically, there aren’t many possibilities
C/E
for a junior engineer to get a job on the
basis of credentials. If one want to switch
career at this stage, most probably he/she
needs to start fresh.
If the junior engineer wants to continue in

the marine field, one option is to apply for
a junior surveyor position or junior safety
Shore based boiler training officer position in ship registry organization
Once all the required courses are finished, or shipyard on the basis of college degree.
one can appear in Class IV COC
examination. There are many institutions, Additional courses such as NEBOSH
both in India and abroad (The UK, NZ, etc.) (National Examination Board in
which conducts class 4 preparatory courses Occupational Safety and Health), surveyor
to help students prepare for the certificate courses, etc. will add to the credentials.
81 82
First Responsibility:
th
Duties of 4 Engineer Chapter 2
First Responsibility: Duties of 4th Engineer www.marineinsight.com
Ch. 1
5/E According to the policies of shipping 4th engineer becomes an ongoing process
Ch. 2
companies to comply with STCW 2010, as there is always a requirement for
4/E seafarers joining any vessel have to be refresher courses and regular safety
competent, qualified and experienced. training.
Ch. 3
3/E Joining a ship as a 4th engineer is the first
step towards a sailing career. First Independent Watch
Ch. 4
2/E
It is only after becoming a 4th engineer that The second step in the ladder of success
Ch. 5
C/E a mariner experiences real responsibility on for a marine engineer is to clear the Class
board. IV exam and become a certified engineer
officer to take responsibility of an
independent watch.
Fourth Engineer on ship - Photo Credit: Vishnu Kuttan
It's appreciated that the training part of a Independent watch by fourth engineer
83 84
Ch. 1
5/E There will be some nervousness, experienced oiler or Trainee Marine
Ch. 2
excitement, and a pinch of fear when a 4th Engineer (TME) to be with you during
4/E engineer joins the first ship and does not the initial period
Ch. 3
have someone monitoring him/her all the
3/E time like it was in the training days.  Arrive early in the engine room (at least
15 – 20 minutes) to take a brief round of
Ch. 4
2/E Excitement is to handle the job the machinery space before taking-over
independently and nervousness because it the watch from other engineer officer
Ch. 5
C/E will be the first time he/she will have to
make decision without asking anyone (not  In initial days, keep monitoring the
applicable on all/ major issues) or without parameters from the control room
someone’s guidance. during the watch as the exact local
location of the gauges are not yet
The independent watchkeeping can be of known
two types:
1. Manned watch
2. Unmanned watch
In a ship having manned watch:
The 4th engineer should keep the following

things in mind: :
 Do not hesitate to ask 2nd engineer or Control room with alarm panels
85 86
Ch. 1
5/E  Do not hesitate to ask for any help from problem, go ahead and do not forget to
Ch. 2
the assistant watchkeeper (TME or oiler update your senior or 2nd engineer
4/E who is with you). They have more
experience of the ship than you  Ask questions about the general
Ch. 3
3/E practice or procedures for various
 During initial days (7 days period), if you machinery and systems
Ch. 4
2/E notice any abnormality, it is always
advisable to call the 2nd or senior In a Ship Practicing Unmanned Watch
Ch. 5
C/E engineer before taking action on the
same Operations of unmanned ships are
practically different than those performed
in manned ships.
Confused 4th engineer
 If you are fully confident of solving a

Unattended Machinery Space
87 88
Ch. 1
5/E During the day, all the engineers work on buttons
Ch. 2
planned maintenance of the ship, and one
4/E assistant watchkeeper (oiler or TME) keeps  Check the number, location, and types
an eye on various parameters and oil levels. of firefighting equipment and damage
Ch. 3
3/E control gear in the machinery spaces,
As most of the system and machinery are in along with their uses and other safety
Ch. 4
2/E auto mode, the engineers are assigned precautions
responsibility to attend any alarm, which
Ch. 5
C/E comes during the night.
On joining an unmanned vessel for the

first-time, as a 4th engineer you should:
 Take a complete round during the day

with an experienced engineer to
understand the general layout and
procedures practiced on the ship
Emergency escape signboard in the accommodation
 Ask your fellow engine room crew about  Check the escape routes from
the location and use of appropriate machinery spaces as during night watch
internal communication systems you would be alone in the engine room
 Check the location of dead man’s alarm  Ask the extra hand (TME or experienced
systems and various emergency alarm oiler) to take watchkeeping rounds at
89 90
Ch. 1
5/E night during initial days of joining Joining An Old/New Ship
Ch. 2
4/E  Do not hesitate to call a senior engineer What to expect from a Newly Constructed
Ch. 3
if an alarm comes during the night and Ship
3/E you’re not 100% sure of what exactly to
do As the shipping industry is evolving with
Ch. 4
2/E new technology and automated engines,
 Before entering engine room for modern vessels are becoming more
Ch. 5
C/E watchkeeping rounds, contact the digitalized and therefore more reliant on
previous day watchkeeper and computerized technology.
understand any abnormality he/she
faced, along with the general Technically, a simple /mechanical
watchkeeping procedure practiced on /hydraulic/ pneumatic converter is being
ship replaced or integrated with programmable
logic controllers (PLCs) and
DNV classification society rules governing microprocessors for controlling the
periodically unattended machinery spaces automation systems. As a first time
state “The extent of automation shall be watchkeeper in a newly constructed ship:
sufficient to permit unattended engine
room operation for 24 hours or for the  Ensure to read manuals of all the
maximum continuous operation time when automation of machinery system you
less than 24 hours. Normal service at sea & are in-charge of
normal maneuvers is presumed.”
 Ask electrical officer or 2nd engineer if
91 92
Ch. 1
5/E you have any doubt on automation of manually controlled ship
Ch. 2
procedure’s
4/E  Learn from superior engineers to
Ch. 3
 Check the spare PLCs and other understand which alarms are to be
3/E electronics (sensor, solenoids, etc.) attended first, as the number of display
needed for automation. Raise the signals will be more and the critical
Ch. 4
2/E request to maintain a minimum quantity systems to be attended first need to be
sorted out from the rest
Ch. 5
C/E
 Learn from superior engineer on how to
manually operate and control the
critical machinery systems in the engine
room
What to Expect in an Old Ship
Automation panel in ship’s engine room An old ship is a perfect place for a new 4th
 Learn the maneuvering procedure, engineer to practically learn the
which will be entirely different from that maintenance of machinery systems and to
of an old ship get hands-on experience of ship board
operations.
 Learn how to deal with a blackout
situation in a fully automated ship as its When boarding an old ship (10-15 years), a
procedure is entirely different from that 4th engineer should ensure to do the
93 94
Ch. 1
5/E following:  Practically, every old ship will have an
Ch. 2
operating procedure slightly modified or
4/E  The fundamental difference which adapted from another ship even when
between a new and an old ship is - in the same type of machinery is fitted on
Ch. 3
3/E new ship, you first have to learn how both ships
the system works, and in an old ship you
Ch. 4
2/E initially learn how to work on the system  Different parameters in old ships are
controlled manually. Learn from senior
Ch. 5
C/E engineers on how to control
temperature, pressure, etc. by manually
operating valves of different systems
(i.e. how much to open or close)
Refrigeration system of old ship
 In an old ship, all the machinery systems

are operated manually with minimum/
upgraded automation. The first thing to
learn in such engine room is the manual
operating procedure specific to that ship Keeping track of parameters from local panel
95 96
Ch. 1
5/E  Check with seniors and signing off 4th  Do not hesitate to ask any doubt to the
Ch. 2
engineer on the fundamental problem superior engineers
4/E faced by the ship’s engine staff. For e.g.,
leakages, temporary repairs, etc.  An old ship is all about tracing the
Ch. 3
3/E pipelines of different systems and
 Learn from seniors about preferential knowing the line diagrams of all valves
Ch. 4
2/E system breakers and their location to that are to be manually operated. Make
reset during blackout situation and the sure to learn the piping and valve
Ch. 5
C/E procedure to bring the ship back to structure of various engine room
normal operation machinery systems as soon as possible
 Learn the manual maneuvering

procedure, including critical RPM,
manual start of auxiliary blower, cylinder
lubrication, etc. of the main engine
Tracing line diagram on ship
 It is important to understand that as the

ship machinery/ systems are old, they
will need regular maintenance and
repair
Learning manual / emergency maneuvering procedure
97 98
Ch. 1
5/E  Take note of all spares available onboard As mentioned earlier, joining a ship as a
Ch. 2
for the machinery you are in-charge. If 4th engineer is the first step for a sailing
4/E needed, ask the 2nd engineer to order career at sea.
Ch. 3
for any shortcomings
3/E It is only after becoming a 4th engineer that
a mariner experiences real responsibility
Ch. 4
2/E on a ship by independently conducting the
watchkeeping and maintenance
Ch. 5
C/E operations.
After clearing the class IV examination, a

seafarer will realize that he/she has not
been to a ship for many months because of
preparing and giving exams. Joining the
first ship as a 4th engineer is similar to
joining as a 5th engineer with real
Checking spares for assigned machinery responsibility on one’s shoulder. Make sure
to remember all the teachings from your
Duties of 4th engineer experience as a 5th engineer and act as a
responsible marine engineer. Also, make a
According to policies of all shipping bond with your assigned machinery and
companies, a 4th engineer joining any treat it as your own family member.
vessel has to be competent, qualified and
professional. ~ 3rd Engineer, Branson John
99 100
Ch. 1
5/E On all types of ships, irrespective of the Duties of 4th Engineer Upon Joining a
Ch. 2
shipping company, a 4th engineer will Vessel
4/E report to the 2nd Engineer, who shall assign
the duties to him/her, both at sea and at A 4th engineer, upon joining a vessel,
Ch. 3
3/E the port; and whose orders should be should carry out the following duties:
considered valid and binding as though
Ch. 4
2/E emanating from the chief engineer. • On joining, report to the chief engineer
or in his/her absence to the 2nd
Ch. 5
C/E Moreover, the 4th engineer shall also assist engineer
the 2nd engineer in carrying out engine
room duties, when required. • Take a thorough round of the engine
department with the signing off
engineer and do a proper taking over of
the duties
• Check the inventory and location of all

purifier and compressor spares
• Check running hours and maintenance

schedule of the designated machinery
systems
• Check inventory and location of pumps,

2nd engineer assigning task to operational engineer
spares, and tools
101 102
Ch. 1
5/E • Check general condition of machinery • Take sounding of all fuel, bilge and
Ch. 2
and operating procedures sludge tanks and crosscheck with the
4/E quantity mentioned in the sounding
Ch. 3
• Check Layout of bunkering system, book
3/E including valve operations and location
of tanks and sounding pipes • Crosscheck consumption of lube oil, fuel
Ch. 4
2/E oil, marine diesel or gas oil, and cylinder
• Check condition and layout of sludge oil with the quantity mentioned in the
Ch. 5
C/E and bilge discharge systems including sounding log book
the operations of valves and pumps
• Check daily production of bilge and
sludge on board and crosscheck with
the quantity mentioned in the
wastewater sounding book
• After completion of the engine room

round, the 4th engineer shall report the
details to the 2nd engineer and notify
observed discrepancies, if any
The 4th engineer as in-charge of purifier,

compressor, and machinery other than the
main engine, auxiliary engine, and boiler, is
Fuel valve
103 104
Ch. 1
5/E responsible for: the assigned machinery
Ch. 2
4/E • Carrying out planned maintenance • Thorough sounding of all fuel, bilge and
routine under the supervision of chief or sludge tanks
Ch. 3
3/E 2nd engineer
• Daily consumption of lube oil, fuel oil,
Ch. 4
2/E marine diesel or gas oil, and cylinder oil
for daily record-keeping in sounding log
Ch. 5
C/E book
• Daily production of bilge and sludge on

board for record keeping of wastewater
sounding log
• Acting as assistant in-charge to chief

engineer for operations during
bunkering of fuel, diesel and lube oil
• Completing the month end official

papers for the designated machinery
• Compliance of environment policy and

Repairing machine in the engine room MARPOL requirements under the
• Record-keeping of the running hours for guidance of chief engineer
105 106
Ch. 1
5/E • Maintenance and up-keeping of the type of the ship and shipping company.
Ch. 2
engine room logbook and all other files
4/E on board as advised by the chief Essential Duties:
Ch. 3
engineer
3/E
1. Bunkering
Ch. 4 2. Daily Sounding

2/E
Ch. 5 3. Watchkeeping
C/E
4. Machinery in-charge
Bunkering
Although the responsibility of bunkering

lies with the chief engineer, it is the 4th
engineer, who ensures all the preparations
and soundings are done prior to starting
the bunkering operation.
Writing the engine room log book- Photo Credit: Thomas Farr
Those duties mentioned above are the Bunkering requires the involvement of all
primary requirements for any 4th engineer the ship’s crew to complete the operation
going on board. However, duties might be without any accident and oil spill. The 4th
subtracted or added on the basis of the engineer will provide the Remaining on
107 108
Ch. 1
5/E Board (ROB) of fuel/ lube oil calculated  Preparing The Shipboard Oil Pollution
Ch. 2
from the sounding log book to the chief Emergency Plan (SOPEP equipment for
4/E engineer for ordering bunker well ahead of bunker station and keeping the sample
time. The responsible officer in the bunker bottles and flange ready
Ch. 3
3/E station (generally 4th engineer) must be
familiar with all the aspects of ship’s
Ch. 4
2/E bunkering system and operation.
Ch. 5
C/E After attending the pre-bunker meeting
(carried out 24 hours before bunkering),
the 4th engineer will start the preparation
for the operation, which will include:
 Taking pre-bunker sounding of all the

fuel tanks and making bunkering plans
to receive safe quantity in the required
tanks
 Communicating with deck officers on

Checking Pipe Connections - Photo Credit: Anil Samotra
expected timing of bunkering operation
and necessary deck preparation  Preparing all the checklists and
paperwork and getting them signed by
 Check if scupper plugs are in place the concerned officer as and when
required
109 110
Ch. 1
5/E  To assist chief engineer in supervising  The 4th engineer should go to the
Ch. 2
the complete bunkering operation along bunker barge to check the paperwork
4/E with taking regular sounding of the and quantity in the tanks from which
filling tanks the bunker oil is to be supplied. He/ she
Ch. 3
3/E should also get the following
4th engineer should ensure the bunker
parameters from the bunker supplier for
Ch. 4 station is always manned and constant
2/E calculation of bunker oil received by the
communication is maintained with the
ship:
Ch. 5 bunker barge/ trucks to avoid unfortunate
C/E
events during emergency.
• Data of the barge pump which will
be used for the bunkering
operation
• Quantity and type of oil to be

transferred
• Initial transfer rate, maximum

transfer rate, maximum transfer
pressure
Essential steps a 4th engineer should take

during bunkering operation:
Assisting and supervising bunkering operation- Photo Credit: Sohit Shukla

• Establish a method of communication
111 112
Ch. 1
5/E between the barge and the • BDN) has been received by the ship
Ch. 2
vessel/terminal
4/E • Secure the bunkering station once the
Ch. 3
• Check if pipe connections between the operation is finished
3/E barge and vessel are properly secured
This is not an exhaustive list for bunkering
Ch. 4
2/E • Check all hoses provided by the barge operation. The bunkering procedure can
are in good condition have a more elaborative list of safety
Ch. 5
C/E concerns.
• Connect drip sample flange to collect oil
sample Daily Sounding
• In the event of an oil spill; ensure a clear

understanding exists on steps to be
taken (containment, clean up, reports,
etc.)
• Assist the chief engineer to complete

the final paperwork and documentation
Sounding of a fuel tank
in Oil Record Book (ORB) once the
bunkering operation is over
• Ensure the required bunker quantity as Another important duty of the 4th engineer
stated in the Bunker Delivery Note ( is to take daily soundings of various tanks
113 114
Ch. 1
5/E related to engine room operation and to The daily sounding of all the tanks, which
Ch. 2
update the records in the daily sounding also includes bilge, sludge, water tanks, etc.
4/E book. are taken to track the record of bilge
production and water consumption.
Ch. 3
3/E These records are used by the chief
engineer to send the daily noon report to This process further helps in tracking
Ch. 4
2/E the shore office and to understand the ROB various leakages in the engine room and
status of fuel/lube oil on the ship for raising any abnormality in machinery. The water
Ch. 5
C/E bunker requisition. production and consumption of fresh
A 4th engineer on ship plays a vital role in
water can be tracked through comparison
ship’s record-keeping. One of the most of daily soundings.
important entities in the engine room is oil.
He/she will be the first person to know any Watchkeeping duties
abnormality in the tank level as in most of the
ships the 4th engineer is responsible for The watchkeeping duties are an important
taking soundings of all engine room related part of engineer officer’s job on the ship.
tanks. Unlike deck officer, the ship engineer has
to make sure all the machinery are running
Any tank or valve leakage in ship’s storage or under normal parameters, and standby
settling tanks can only be detected by systems are ready for use.
continuous monitoring of their level, i.e., tank
sounding. If the engine room is of manned type, the
time slot for 4th engineer is from 0800hours
~ 2nd Engineer Ravish Balaji to 1200hours and 2000hours to
115 116
Ch. 1
5/E 2400 hours, in addition to the overtime In case of a manned engine room, once
Ch. 2
prescribed by the company manual. relieving the former watch officer, check
4/E the computer regarding previous alarms of
the day and assess for any abnormality.
Ch. 3
3/E
Check the log book for any unusual entry of
Ch. 4
2/E any parameter or other operations carried
out previously.
Ch. 5
C/E
If any assistance is present in the watch,
ask him/her to take a proper round of the
engine room and to check all the oil levels
in various machinery and tanks.
Keeping a close watch - Photo Credit: Rajiv Naresh
For unattended machinery space (UMS)
Initial watchkeeping duty is to enter the ship, a 4th engineer should
engine room well before the watch-time
and take a complete round of the engine Ensure to take a round of the ship at the
room to check all working machinery ideal time (between 7 pm – 9 pm), when
systems and their parameters. most of the crew is awake and available for
help in case any fault is noticed and repair
In case of any fault, ask the former is needed. Enter the engine room only
watchkeeping engineer about the matter after activating dead man’s alarm.
and take help for any urgent repairs.
117 118
Ch. 1
5/E
Fatigue plays a significant role in most of
Ch. 2 the engine room accidents and incorrect
4/E
decision making. Take appropriate rest.
Ch. 3
3/E
Action in Case of Emergency During Watch
Ch. 4
2/E
As a 4th engineer, one of the
Ch. 5
C/E Taking engine room round alone
responsibilities allotted is to take care of
the watchkeeping duties independently.
The most famous mantra for a good

watchkeeper is : “NO LIE” & “LIE DOWN”
NO LIE: If something goes wrong in your

watch due to your fault, “Never lie” or hide
things from your seniors, but report it as
soon as possible. If it requires rectification,
actively participate in rectifying the same.
LIE DOWN: It is important that during the

rest hour period, proper rest is taken,
which includes a good sound sleep of at
least 6 hours at a stretch. Emergency Stop of a Machine
119 120
Ch. 1
5/E It is necessary to always keep the seniors in • the fire alarm immediately, irrespective
Ch. 2
the loop in case assistance is needed during of the size of. Even a small fire can
4/E emergency situation. Following are the convert into a big disaster in no time
Ch. 3
actions a 4th engineer should take in case of
3/E emergency: • Use appropriate portable extinguisher
to fight the fire
Ch. 4
2/E • If the emergency is related to ship’s
propulsion power, inform the bridge
Ch. 5
C/E about the situation (problem in the
main engine or steering gear or
intermediate shaft, etc.)
• Press engineer’s call alarm if help is

needed immediately
• Call and report the problem to chief

engineer and 2nd engineer
Using portable extinguisher to fight fire
• If the alarm is related to the main
engine (For e.g., Oil Mist Detector or • Once the problem is tackled and all
OMD alarm), slow down the engine engine room systems are running
after informing the bridge smoothly, log the report in engine room
log book/ 4th engineer daily routine
• If the emergency is related to fire, ring book
121 122
Ch. 1
5/E • Keep a close watch on engine taken care by the 3rd engineer, who is
Ch. 2
parameters and surroundings of the better experienced than the 4th engineer.
4/E troubled machinery/system
Ch. 3
3/E
Ch. 4
For machinery alarms like OMD, uptake
2/E high temperature can reoccur even once all
Ch. 5
parameters settle down to normal. Keep a
C/E close watch on such situations.
Machinery in-charge
As mentioned earlier, the 4th engineer is

mainly responsible for either one of these
machinery systems – purifier or generator
and boiler or compressor.
Engineer Taking Round of Purifier room - Photo Credit: Thomas Farr
The machinery allocation will depend on
the experience of the engineer and power/ Needless to say, the 4th engineer must
type/number of such machinery present in know how to operate all the machinery in
the engine room. the engine room and what to do when a
machinery shows a sign of trouble or
Generally, the generator and the boiler are during an emergency situation.
123 124
Check Out The Best Source To Learn Engine Room Machinery Operations
Ch. 1
5/E The job of a 4th engineer is not limited to ISM requires exhaustive documentation of
Ch. 2
those mentioned earlier, but he/she is also records and onboard work, which can be
4/E responsible for overlooking: used as a reference during breakdown,
surveys, repairs, and insurance claim etc.
Ch. 3
3/E  Maintenance and upkeep of engine
room pumps
Ch. 4
2/E
 Sounding records
Ch. 5
C/E
 Bilge transfers and management
 Cooling water tests and dosing
 Lube oil testing
 Weekly tests on emergency machinery 4th engineer doing paperwork

and systems
Following are different paperwork jobs
Paperwork carried out by the 4th engineer:
Paperwork has become an integral part of • Maintenance record keeping of assigned

any maritime operation, and the engine machinery
room is not excluded.
• Machinery overhauling data and records
125 126
Ch. 1
5/E • Machinery performance and test problem.
Ch. 2
records
4/E Though marine engineering training
Ch. 3
• Sounding records including, sludge and inculcates the very basics of maritime
3/E bilge record, daily fuel sounding, lube oil concepts, it is only through hands-on
sounding, water tank sounding, etc. experience that marine engineers
Ch. 4
2/E understand the vital techniques of engine
• Record of tests carried out on room operation, maintenance and
Ch. 5
C/E emergency machinery/systems troubleshooting.
(emergency compressor, emergency
bilge suction, testing of engine room fire
hydrants etc.)
Learning the Art of

Troubleshooting
For marine engineers working on ships,
troubleshooting problems related to engine
room machinery is the most important task
they have to deal with on a daily basis.
Technically, several aspects play an

important role in solving a machinery
Troubleshooting a machine
127 128
Ch. 1
5/E Some valuable tips for a 4th engineer to or abnormal without the need of any
Ch. 2
master troubleshooting techniques are: reference. This will help in saving time
4/E during emergency
Ch. 3
 Know your machinery better by reading
3/E its maker’s manual, most importantly, its  Keep checking and comparing the
troubleshooting section current and past log book values of your
Ch. 4
2/E machinery to detect any abnormality
 Ensure to know all the relevant
Ch. 5
C/E parameters of your machinery, along  Use all your senses to identify which
with their operating and critical values component or part of the machinery
system is at fault
 Trust your 6th sense - If you feel

something is wrong with a system, do
not ignore even if there is no substantial
proof
 Try to find out the reason for your

doubt. Once the component or cause is
found, think logically as to where the
fault lies in the machinery
Checking machine parameters from local station  Check other parts connected to the
 You must know a parameter is normal faulty component are working properly
129 130
Ch. 1
5/E Most common troubleshooting practices
Ch. 2
popularly adopted by marine engineers
4/E are:
Ch. 3
3/E  Direct Approach
Ch. 4
2/E  Reverse Thinking
Ch. 5
C/E Direct Approach
Engineer trying to locate problem
The direct approach works on pointing out
the faulty component or cause of the 3. Identifying faulty area: Finding how
problem different parts play a role in causing the
problem
The direct approach works on the basis of
following points: 4. Localizing the trouble to a faulty
component: If the part/ equipment/
1. Problem recognition: Identifying which system responsible for the problem has
part of the system or machine is causing been localized, analyzing what will be the
the problem reason within the part/system/ equipment
that is leading to such problem
2. Problem elaboration: Knowing how the
issue is linked with the machinery and what 5. Rectification: Once the fault is localized,
will be the future implication rectify the problem
131 132
Ch. 1
5/E involves addressing the opposite of the
Ch. 2
problem you’re trying to solve; so instead
4/E of attempting to find solutions for a
specific problem, try to find what could
Ch. 3
3/E cause more of the same problem
Ch. 4
2/E
BRAINSTORM
Ch. 5
C/E
Repairing troubled blower
6. Retest the solution: Once the problem is

solved, recheck troubleshooting by running
or operating the equipment/ system
RETHINK
Reverse brainstorming
Instead of asking what a problem is and
It is a process of problem-solving which how to fix the same, reverse brainstorming
133 134
Ch. 1
5/E asks - In my 30 plus years experience as a Chief
Ch. 2 Engineer, I’ve used Reverse Approach
4/E “What causes the problem?” or “How could techniques in aiding less experienced
Ch. 3
I possibly cause the problem?” engineers to solve problems with
3/E malfunctioning machinery even when the
Reverse thinking is a proven method for solution may not be obvious to myself.
Ch. 4
2/E solving problems and finding innovative
solutions to the same problem. Rather than having the engineer jump around
Ch. 5
C/E
changing pieces in a disorganized manner, I
This provides a practical approach to get him to step back and ask himself “What is
solving complex issues on board ships. So going wrong and what could cause this to
to apply reverse thinking, instead of finding happen?” This technique works well when
there is a lot of time to troubleshoot an issue,
solutions to the problem at the last
but in an emergency, it may be necessary for
moment we can reserve think the issue in
an experienced engineer to take charge and
advance to find what are the probable rectify the situation more efficiently. However,
causes. after the problem has been corrected, time
If you are not sure of a solution for the would be taken to educate the less
troubled machinery, ensure to consult with experienced engineer on how the solution was
your superiors. Never take a decision based found. This will boost confidence in his/her
on your assumptions as a wrong step can ability to solve problems in a logical and
further complicate the current situation of efficient manner.
the machinery involved. Crosscheck the
~DH Winsor (Chief Engineer)
findings with the 2nd engineer.
135 136
Ch. 1
5/E Importance of Log book parameters and notes in the log book and
Ch. 2
sounding book.
4/E As a certified marine officer, a 4th engineer
has to acknowledge and sign all the Why keeping track of log books is
Ch. 3
3/E documents he/she is responsible for, important?
including the log and sounding books.
Ch. 4
2/E The log books are used to keep a record of
various parameters, values, notes, and
Ch. 5
C/E details of ship systems for future reference.
This will help-
 To understand the operational dynamics

of machinery systems over a period of
time
 To check the abnormality in the

machinery parameters
 To test the efficiency of the machinery

or system over a period of time
Filling the logbook - Photo Credit: Thomas Farr
 To understand previous changes of parts
It is important for a responsible 4th or structure of machinery (For. e.g., a
engineer to go through old recorded ground shaft of an auxiliary engine
137 138
Ch. 1
5/E needs to be noted in all the major Courses and Certificates after
record books including the log book. The
Ch. 2
4/E bearing shell used in such shaft will be
Class IV:
Ch. 3
of different thickness)
3/E
Certification and training as per the STCW
 To refer the documents for port state or code are an essential requirement for
Ch. 4
2/E insurance company in case of any competent seafarers onboard.
mishap or accident
Ch. 5 With the introduction of STCW 2010, many
C/E
certificates need to be revalidated to
comply with the new STCW training
procedures. Revalidation of basic safety
courses is not
Surveyor checking generator after over speed accident
 To have a signed record proof from the

officer in-charge
Personal Safety and Survival course
139 140
Ch. 1
5/E required if certificate is achieved in last five Ship security officer and ship security
Ch. 2
years (Personal Survival Techniques, awareness training are the two courses
4/E Elementary First Aid etc.). which are required and helpful if
such duties are performed on the ship.
Ch. 3
3/E Apart from those mentioned earlier, a 4th
engineer has to undergo different post-sea If the Certificate of Competency (COC)
Ch. 4
2/E certification and training courses. acquired by Class IV officer is as per
STCW’95, then revalidation of the COC has
Ch. 5
C/E Following are the list of courses that a 4th to be done.
engineer is required to take (which may or
may not require revalidation): There are other courses which are not
Courses to undergo: compulsory for everyone but can be a
requirement depending on the ship type
• Medical First Aid (MFA) (e.g., Dangerous Cargo Endorsement or
DCE for tanker ships).
• Survival craft and rescue boat (PSCRB)
It is always an additional advantage for
• Advance firefighting (AFF) candidates having advanced course
certificates, which can fetch him/her a job
Out of the above certificates, MFA does not in different types of ships in the industry
require revalidation. PSCRB and Advance
Firefighting have an expiry of 5 years after ~ Jason Mills (Tech. Superintendent)
which one needs to do the course.
141 142
Ch. 1
5/E Shore Opportunities can be preferred over others
Ch. 2
(some of these jobs may require an
4/E Many marine engineers want to shift to additional management degree):
Ch. 3
shore jobs as soon as possible but end up
3/E in a long sailing career not knowing the Technical Admin in Shipping Company
correct position to apply to or because of
Ch. 4
2/E not getting the desired salary on land. You can apply for a technical administration
job in a shipping company or a shipbuilding
Ch. 5
C/E However, if needed, in an emergency, yard. The standard additional requirement
family problem, or medical reason, can a for such kind of position is a PG degree
class IV COC candidate try for a job (MBA).
onshore?
The Answer is Yes.
Even if the job does not fetch a handsome

salary as that on the ship, in the long run,
one can get a decent earning with a good
position in shore job.
Apart from those jobs which can be applied

for on the basis of a mechanical/ marine
engineering degree, following are the shore
jobs wherein a marine engineer candidate Technical admin visiting ship
143 144
Ch. 1
5/E Facility Management Hotel Power Plant
Ch. 2
4/E Facility Management is a service providing Another land job which a marine engineer
sector, which encompasses multiple can apply for is the engineering
Ch. 3
3/E disciplines, ensuring functionality of the department of a reputed Hotels. Every big
built environment by integrating people, hotel usually has own power plant which
Ch. 4
2/E places, processes, and technology. will include generators, air conditioning,
refrigeration unit, sewage treatment plant
Ch. 5
C/E (STP), boilers, etc. which requires proper
watchkeeping and maintenance.
Facility management employee
This can be used in a shipping port for Air conditioning plant in a hotel
maintenance of the infrastructure or in a For such jobs, one may need to take
big technology park. MBA degree might courses and training for land air-con
add to the expected salary for this job as installations, local fire and building safety
technically it is management of services. codes, etc.
145 146
Ch. 1
5/E Maritime College Instructor or a 3rd party involved in the survey
Ch. 2
industry) is a graduate mechanical degree.
4/E This is a very popular job category as plenty Technically, as the marine engineering
of maritime colleges and training institutes degree is equivalent to the mechanical
Ch. 3
3/E are present on land. engineering degree, a 4th engineer has an
added advantage of practically knowing the
Ch. 4
2/E ship machinery systems, operations and
maritime regulations.
Ch. 5
C/E
This knowledge is helpful to a surveyor as
he/she is required to understand different
legal requirements a ship or shipping
company should follow under IMO and
local laws.
Maritime College Instructor
If someone is good at teaching, by taking

few additional courses (Trainer/instructor
course), he/she can make a career in
maritime education and training.
Ship Surveyor
The primary requirement for becoming a

ship surveyor (for any classification society Ship insurance surveyor
147 148
Gaining Experience: Photo Credit: Thomas Farr
Role as 3rd Engineer Chapter 3

Gaining Experience: Role as 3rd Engineer www.marineinsight.com
Ch. 1
5/E
Duties of 3rd Engineer The shipping company assigns the position
Ch. 2
of a 3rd engineer to an eligible candidate
4/E
After taking enough experience as a 4th having enough experience and skills, as
engineer, the next rank on a ship is that of attaining this position does not require any
Ch. 3
3/E
a 3rd engineer. It is to note that some examination, i.e., the decision is based on
shipping flag states provide Certificate of the candidate’s experience and
Ch. 4
2/E
Competency (COC) of 3rd engineer instead performance as a 4th engineer.
Ch. 5 of a 4th engineer, but the hierarchy
C/E remains the same. Such COC holders will The 3rd engineer will report to the 2nd
join the ship as a 4th engineer or relevant engineer and the chief engineer as and
position. when required.
Duties Upon Joining a Vessel
The main tasks a 3rd engineer needs to

carry out upon joining a vessel are as
follows:
 Report his/her presence on board to the

Chief Engineer (or to the 2nd Engineer)
 Take a thorough round of the engine

room
Engineer maneuvering ship - Photo Credit: Abdulkadir Maiyadi
149 150
Ch. 1
5/E with the signing-off engineer and system and discharge system, including
Ch. 2
properly take-over the duties valves and pump operation
4/E
Ch. 3
 Check the inventory and location of the
3/E boiler and generator spares
Ch. 4
2/E  Check the inventory and location of
main engine spares and tools
Ch. 5
C/E
 Check the running hours and
maintenance schedule of the designated
machinery
 Check the general condition of other

machinery systems and procedure for
operation
Checking marine boiler
 Check the condition and layout of lube  Take thorough soundings of all lube oil
oil bunkering system, including valve tanks, boiler feed water tanks, etc.
operation, tanks, and sounding pipe
locations  Learn the job of management level
officer by examining the duties
 Check the condition and layout of boiler performed by 2nd engineer
feed water system, blow-down
151 152
Ch. 1
5/E Essential Duties of a 3rd Engineer: 4. Paperwork
Ch. 2 rd
4/E The 3 engineer is responsible for essential Auxiliary engine upkeep and maintenance:
Ch. 3
machinery in the ship’s engine room,
3/E especially auxiliary or main boiler, The most critical machinery system, which
whichever is present, along with the keeps all the other systems running, is the
Ch. 4
2/E auxiliary engine plant. However, it is to power generation plant of the ship.
note that his/her maintenance tasks and
Ch. 5
C/E duties are not constrained to only these The 3rd engineer has to keep monitoring
machines. the auxiliary engines for correct operation
and parameters.
Important Duties of 3rd Engineer are:
1. Auxiliary engine upkeep and

maintenance
2. Marine boiler upkeep and maintenance

(main and auxiliary)
3. Maintenance and upkeep of Cargo

Operated Pump Turbine (COPT), turbine
generator and shaft generator
4. General watchkeeping duties Auxiliary engines of ship - Photo Credit: Thomas Farr
153 154
Learn The Complex Overhauling Procedure From Our Popular
Step By Step Guide
Ch. 1
5/E In a cargo ship, the number of generators is It is always advised to keep a separate
Ch. 2
usually two or more; therefore it’s record of auxiliary engine maintenance so
4/E important to plan their maintenance as per that it can be referred to at any time when
Ch. 3
the running hours' maintenance system. doing major overhauling of the
3/E
machinery.
Apart from the planned maintenance, the
Ch. 4
2/E generator may undergo breakdowns and The 3rd engineer is responsible for properly
untimely repairs, requiring proper planning the overhauling of auxiliary
Ch. 5
C/E inventory of all spares and tools to be engine in such a way that the power to
maintained. ship’s machinery is not interrupted when
one generator is under repair, in case the
ship is still sailing.
Marine boiler upkeep and maintenance

(auxiliary and main) :
The marine boiler supplies steam to

various other machinery and systems for
keeping them warm.
However, the boiler is also considered one

of the most dangerous machinery systems
on ship with several accidents recorded till
Auxiliary engine spare parts – bearings and housing date. The 3rd engineer therefore needs
155 156
Ch. 1
5/E to be careful while operating and doing  Testing and chemical dosing
Ch. 2
maintenance on the boiler.
4/E  Preparation for survey
Ch. 3
Essential duties of 3rd engineer on ship’s
3/E boiler are:  Upkeep of boiler's spare parts inventory
Ch. 4
2/E  Safe operation of boiler- Starting and  Doing planned and breakdown
stopping procedure maintenance
Ch. 5
C/E
 Regular checks of alarms and safety  Planning and conducting major
system overhauling in dry dock or for survey
 Regular checks on the water quality- Other important machinery:
Apart from ship’s auxiliary engine and

boiler, the 3rd engineer will be responsible
for operating and maintaining:
• Turbine generator
• Shaft generator
• Cargo Operated Turbine pump in tanker

ships (COPT)
Boiler refractory
157 158
Ch. 1
5/E • Inert Gas system, Framo pump, pump General Watchkeeping Duties
Ch. 2
room equipment, etc.
4/E During watchkeeping, a 3rd engineer has to
Ch. 3
• The emergency generator and its weekly focus on all the machinery systems.
3/E trials
Depending on the age and condition of the
Ch. 4
2/E • Lifeboat engine and its weekly trials vessel, manned or unmanned watch
system is adopted in the engine room.
Ch. 5
C/E An experienced 4th engineer can also take
care of the maintenance and weekly testing
of lifeboat/emergency generator, as the
assistant in-charge to the chief engineer.
Maintenance is always the best tool for an

engineer to ensure smooth operation of
any system or machinery on board. By
following a properly planned maintenance
scheme, a lot of money and time can be
saved. Applying flexible and proactive
maintenance strategy helps to get more
Manned Engine Room Watch - Photo Credit: Arjun Kalra
efficiency in maintenance.
It is important for the 3rd engineer to
~ Amen Thirka (2nd Engineer) immediately take care of any minor fault
159 160
Ch. 1
5/E and for major faults, 2nd / chief engineer the computer regarding previous alarms
Ch. 2
must be informed. of the day and assess for any abnormality.
4/E
Ch. 3
The watch timings may vary depending on
3/E the management decision and
requirements of the ship.
Ch. 4
2/E
Ch. 5 For a manned ship, the watch timings for a

C/E
3rd engineer are usually from 1200 hours.
to 1600 hours. and 0000 hours. to 0400
hours., with addition of 2 hours of overtime
from 1600 hours. to 1800 hours.
 In case of any fault, ask
Alarmthe former
system in the ECR computer
Watchkeeping duties of a 3rd engineer are: watchkeeping engineer about the matter
and take help for any urgent repairs.
 To enter the engine room well before
the watch-time and take a complete  Check working machinery and their
round of the engine room to check all parameters
working machinery systems and their
parameters  If any assistance is present in the watch,
ask him/her to take a proper round of the
 In case of a manned engine room, once engine room and to check all the oil
relieving the former watch officer, check
161 162
Ch. 1
5/E levels in various machinery and tanks Pa
The time to react in case of an emergency
Ch. 2
4/E  Check the log book for any unusual would be slightly more during the night
entry of any parameter or other than during daytime when all ship’s crew
Ch. 3 are awake and working.
3/E operations carried out previously. perwork:
Ch. 4
2/E When the watch is for Unattended Therefore, the duty engineer and the
Machinery Space (UMS) ship, ensure to assistant (if provided) need to be extra
Ch. 5
C/E take a round of the ship at the ideal time vigilant during the night watch.
(between 7 pm – 9 pm) when most of the
crew is awake and available in case any
fault is noticed, and if repair is needed.
Enter the engine room only after activating
dead man’s alarm.
The 0000 – 0400 watch

0000 - 0400 hours are the working hours
when at the most four watchkeepers are
awake onboard – duty engineer (normally
3rd engineer) and motorman in the engine Ship at night
room, and navigating officer and lookout Fire and safety rounds should be made at
on bridge. both 0000 and 0400 hours in the engine
163 164
Ch. 1
5/E room and associated areas (battery room, following paperwork on a ship:
Ch. 2
steering room, exhaust gas boiler or EGB
4/E platform, emergency generator room etc.)  Maintenance record-keeping of
assigned machinery
Ch. 3
3/E
 Machinery performance test records
Ch. 4
2/E
Ch. 5
C/E
Night watchkeeping in the engine room
Paperwork
The 3rd engineer plays an important role in

contributing to the ISM compliance of the
ship by maintaining records of various jobs
carried out by him/her. 3rd Engineer doing paper work
 Testing and chemical dosing records of

The 3rd engineer is responsible for engine jacket water
165 166
Ch. 1
5/E  Testing and chemical dosing records of
Ch. 2
boiler feed water
4/E
Ch. 3
3/E
Ch. 4
2/E
Ch. 5
C/E
Overhauling auxiliary engine of ship

PH test of boiler feed water
 Maintenance and record keeping of
Machinery overhauling data  Other paperwork given by 2nd or chief
engineer
 Emergency machinery and life-saving
appliance (emergency generator, Always update your maintenance
lifeboat engine, quick closing valves, procedures according to the manual
emergency stops, etc.) tests record maintenance running hours. With the
updated list, it is easier to plan the future
 Spare parts record for boiler, auxiliary jobs and spares requirements, if any.
engine, and any other assigned
machinery ~ 3/E Nick Baraczak
167 168
Ch. 1
5/E
Stepping into 2nd Engineer’s he/she should clearly tell the 2nd engineer
about the willingness to learn more about
Ch. 2
4/E
Shoes: the management level job. A helpful 2nd
engineer will be more than happy to teach
Ch. 3
3/E
After the 3rd engineer gains the operational and assist in the process.
experience and required sea time on a
Ch. 4
2/E
ship, the next step for him/her is to apply
and clear the Class II certificate of
Ch. 5 competency (COC) examination to join back
C/E
as a management level engineering officer.
On a ship, a 3rd engineer should try to learn
the tricks and trade of a 2nd engineer’s job.
Following are a few necessary things a 3rd

engineer must learn in his/her tenure to
get acquainted with the responsibilities of a
2nd engineer. 3rd Engineer supervising engine room fitting job
A 3rd engineer should help the 2nd engineer

Workforce management on a day-to-day basis by asking for one day
in a week to handle the complete engine
The most important job of a 2nd engineer is room operation without being a threat to
to distribute the work among crew the hierarchy level.
members and get it done. Once the 3rd
engineer gains some good experience, Feedback should be asked from the 2nd
169 170
Ch. 1
5/E engineer at the end of the day for inputs on functions within his/her assigned duty,
Ch. 2
the areas of improvement. ensuring that the maintenance schedule of
4/E all the machinery systems (e.g., boiler,
Planned Maintenance of Engine room auxiliary engine, emergency generator,
Ch. 3
3/E Machinery etc.) are well observed.
Ch. 4
2/E The 2nd engineer has the overall He/she should also prepare the planned
responsibility to ensure all the engine room maintenance of systems well ahead of time
Ch. 5
C/E machinery systems are maintained (overhauling of auxiliary engine unit, boiler
efficiently and all the due ones are burner routine, etc.) and submit the plan,
overhauled on time. before the 2nd engineer informs about the
pending tasks under routine maintenance.
2nd Engineer performing PMS routine in refrigeration system
A 3rd engineer can learn these vital 3rd Engineer ‘s maintenance plan
171 172
Must Have Guides For Efficient Marine Boiler Operation
Ch. 1
5/E Engine Performance and Inspection The 3rd engineer should also know how to
Ch. 2
perform various main engine inspections
4/E The 3rd engineer must learn and and to make their reports.
Ch. 3
understand how to take the main engine
3/E performance, along with preparing the Following are the essential main engine
performance report from the recorded inspections a 2nd engineer usually performs
Ch. 4
2/E readings. onboard:
Ch. 5
C/E He/she should ask the 2nd engineer about • Main engine exhaust side inspection
the procedure of taking main engine
performance with a Digital Pressure • Scavenge space inspection
Indicator (DPI) system and manually using
the mechanical indicator drum and pointer
gauge.
Main engine fitted with DPI Scavenge Space Inspection
173 174
Ch. 1
5/E • Crankshaft deflection all the paperwork for the Port State Control
Ch. 2
(PSC) inspectors and surveyors.
4/E • Crankcase inspection (bearing
inspection) Once the surveyor or PSC inspector goes
Ch. 3
3/E inside the engine room for inspection, the
• Inspection of different components 2nd engineer will escort her/him and
Ch. 4
2/E during overhauling procedure answer all the queries raised.
Ch. 5
C/E A 3rd engineer should always ensure that
during such survey of machinery and
systems, he/she honestly answers all the
questions or demands raised by the
surveyor.
It is vital that you’re fully confident to

handle the surveyor and answer all the
technical queries, as any negative remark
may land the ship into detention.
Inspecting removed piston

The best way to learn PSC tricks is to
Handling Surveys and Port State Control accompany the 2nd engineer whenever
he/she is assisting the surveyor/
A chief engineer is responsible for handling inspector during the inspection.
175 176
Ch. 1
5/E
Courses and Certificate after Shore Opportunities:
Ch. 2
4/E
Sailing As a 3rd Engineer:
Shore opportunities available for the 3rd
Ch. 3
With required sea-time and experience, a engineer are not much different than
3/E
3rd engineer can apply for CLASS II those mentioned for the 4th engineer. The
Ch. 4 examination to acquire 2nd engineer only advantage being the 3rd engineer has
2/E more experience onboard, which may play
Certificate of Competency (COC) from a
Ch. 5 recognized government organization (A a decisive role when applying for land job
C/E
class II preparatory course is compulsory Perhaps the most important factor to keep in
for appearing in the COC examination). mind when making the switch to land is to
rightly identify, as far as possible, what you
With the introduction of STCW 2010, many would like to do. Sometimes people wish to
certificates need to be revalidated to quit sailing because they realize that the only
comply as per the new STCW training thing that drew them to sailing was money
procedures. but now they want more from life.
It is really unfortunate that they make the

The minimum sea-time requirements for
same mistake again while switching to a shore
giving class II examination is 12 months of
job. This is especially important when you are
approved sea-going service as appropriate
making the switch at a later stage in life or
for motor/ steam in the engine department your career.
of a seagoing ship as a qualified Engineer
Officer on ships of 750 KW or more ~ Vineet Sharma (Ex- Seafarer)
177 178
CONCLUSIONMust have guides for efficient marine boiler operation
Every year, maritime institutes around the world churn out

thousands of new marine engineers. Each of these young
graduates has high hopes of making it big in the maritime field
by becoming a first-rate mariner some day.
This eBook caters to all the entry and operational level marine
engineers, who want to understand the dynamics of a career
as an engineer onboard ship and seek information on
requirements, duties, certification courses, and future job
prospects in this field.
If you have any question regarding any topic explained in this

eBook, feel free to write to us at info@marineinsight.com
Read More In Part 2:
Management Level
Ch. 4
2/E Engine Room Manager - Role of 2nd Engineer
- Role of 2nd engineer
- Duties of 2nd engineer
- Stepping into Chief Engineer’s Shoes
- Tricks and Trade of Experienced 2nd Engineer
- Shore opportunities
Ch. 5
C/E The Overall In-charge - Role of Chief Engineer
- Duties of Chief engineer
- Duties of Chief engineer in Port
- Handling Port State Control
- Contingency, Cost and Inventory management
- Paperwork
- Courses, Memberships and Certificates
- Shore Opportunities
Click Here to Know More

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A Guide to

Publication date: Nov’17

Editor : Raunek Kantharia

Graphic Design: Swapna Lekshmanan

This eBook is an honest effort to help people who aim to have a

Watch out for:

Thoughts From Seafarers Helpful Tips Warnings

Chapter 2 The First Responsibility: Duties of 4th Engineer

- First Independent Watch

Chapter 3 Gaining Experience: Role as 3rd Engineer

- Duties of 3rd Engineer

However, there are a few hard-hitting facts

The important role of an institute before

 To conduct psychometric tests to check

 To include coaching related to reality of

 To conduct medical examination at

 To provide Training Assessment Record Company training selected candidates

(TAR) book Once a company recruits a student as a 5th

Role of STO (Shipboard Training Officer)

A Shipboard Training Officer (STO) is the

 Give appropriate tasks according to TAR

The assessment center has to verify and

Photo Credit: Mohd Asrul Khairul Asmawy Mohammad

Without a doubt, a ship is the best place to

Unlike earlier times, now a days the intake

Role of STCW Courses

The four basic STCW courses namely

With the help of STCW courses and state of

These daily jobs and responsibilities that a

On ships, trainees need to be guided in the

Their keenness to learn, obedience, and

The TAR book is required to be duly

To be eligible for MEO Class IV Examination,

Bilge cleaning - Photo Credit: Sir Kolev

Though these are the typical tasks given to

 Starting the pumps

 Starting other machinery

General Duties of 5th Engineer

One of the primary requirements of a 5th

• To learn to safely bring generators in

• To assist senior engineers in routine

Junior Engineer Learning Controls from Chief Engineer

Also, while filling in your phone book not

 You may also sign a few blank cheques,

~ Syed Ismail Shah

2. Know the Escape Routes Thoroughly:

While familiarizing yourself with the ship,

Garbage segregation on ship

4. Know the DPA: 6. Company rules and policies:

Checking CO2 fire fighting system alarms

Know about the Shipboard Oil Pollution

Machinery controls in ECR

12. Learn About Manuals

 Check your surroundings: The most

 Nearest Emergency Exit: Check the

x Don’t take any decision related to work

x Don’t go to the Shore without

X Keep Away from Strangers: When a

X Practice Patience: A junior engineer

2. Other Important Documents: Important

Important Documents - CDC, COC, Passport etc.

During sign-off, a lot of people forget to

4. Cash: Everyone wants to get their hands

5. Official Packages: At times, the master