Demand is rapidly outstripping the availability of qualified engineers to manage the maintenance of modern vessels, which are powered by an increasingly sophisticated range of electrical, electronic and engineering equipment.
The engineering department is responsible for the safety, performance and efficiency of the vessel's machinery. It is their job to maintain the mechanical and electrical operations, ensure robust maintenance schedules are implemented and troubleshoot problems efficiently.
Skills and attributes
A ship's engineer should be technically adept and versatile with the ability to take on a variety of different roles, from the engine room to hotel services. They must also have a wide knowledge of vessel systems from the main engines to refrigeration units, generators and air conditioning units.
Engineer officers
Marine engineer officers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's main propulsion machinery and auxiliary plant, including deck machinery, air conditioning plants, refrigeration plants and domestic and electrical services. Depending on the type of ship and operational circumstances, engineer officers will be required to keep watches in the ship's engine room.
The chief engineer is in charge of the department and is responsible to the ship's master for its efficient operation. While the law demands that only one person can be in overall command of the ship, and by tradition that person is the master, the chief engineer's status and salary is very similar to that enjoyed by the master.
Marine electro‐technical officers (METOs)
These specialist officers work within the engineering department where they take responsibility for the maintenance of on‐board control engineering and electronic systems, including propulsion control, radio communications and electronic navigation aids.
METOs should have the opportunity to develop their careers along a professional electrical engineering path, perhaps leading to the rank of chief electro‐technical officer, chief technical officer or electrical superintendent (company dependent).
Roles
Chief engineer
The chief engineer oversees the engineering department and is responsible to the master for its efficient operation. They have overall control and decision‐making powers for the engineering department, and responsibility for ensuring all planned mechanical and electrical maintenance takes place. The chief engineer also coordinates operations with shoreside engineers.
Second engineer
The second engineer has engineering watchkeeping responsibilities and oversees the training of more junior engineers. They are directly responsible to the chief engineer and have responsibility for the management of the engine room and the engine room maintenance team.
Third engineer
The third engineer has engineering watchkeeping responsibilities and is responsible for the maintenance of certain engine room equipment (e.g. auxiliary generators). They will also look after the electrics if there isn't an electrician or a marine electro‐technical officer on board.
Junior / fourth engineer officer
Used as a familiarisation role for newly‐qualified officers in some companies, a junior/fourth engineer officer supports the third engineer officer and is responsible for the fuelling and maintenance of specific engine room equipment (e.g. purifiers). Engineering watchkeeping responsibilities will be undertaken at times, alternatively undertaking general maintenance duties on a day‐work routine.
Engine rating
Engine ratings are support members of the engineering department who assist with maintenance of the engine room machinery plant. This is a hands‐on role which includes mechanical maintenance, engineering operations and general duties.
Marine electro‐technical officer (METO)
This is a specialist role supporting the electrical and electronic systems found on board modern merchant ships and superyachts, from bridge navigation equipment and engineering propulsion systems to communications and audio‐visual kit, including the latest in entertainment play‐out, IT systems and gadgets.
Small vessel engineering certification
The MCA has brought into force a new alternative pathway to engineer qualifications which simplifies the number and levels of qualifications across the superyacht and other small commercial vessels sector.
The small vessel (SV) certification is for engineer officers wanting to work on:
* tugs,
* stand‐by seismic survey vessels,
* oceanographic research vessels, or
Routes available
* Experienced seafarer route for experienced seafarers serving on small vessels
* Alternative route - for those with existing engineering qualifications such as graduate engineer / HND / HNC / apprentice.
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