01

Manning System

Engine-room department

 watchkeeping officer
engine-room
department

Certificate of
Competency:
First Class

engineer officer,

Second Class

chief engineer

electrical officer

staff

1st Engineer

pumpman

2nd Engineer

oiler

3rd Engineer

sweeper

Engine-Room Department

The modern ship's propulsive unit, whether

steam turbine or diesel engine, is run on oil, and
the engine-room department is composed of a
team of engineer officers and ratings
controlled by the chief engineer, who ranks after
the master.

The main engine is only one part of the work of

the engine-room staff. Every service on board
has to come from the engine-room of a seagoing
vessel: electric light, heat, running water and
refrigeration.

Complete the following

The modern ship's propulsive unit may consist

of

(a) ______________ or
(b) ______________

engine-room department is composed of a team

of __________ and _________
They are controlled by the ___________, who
ranks after the master.
The services on board coming from the engineroom of a seagoing vessel are: ___________, heat,
running water, _________, and many more.

The Chief Engineer, or Chief Engineering Officer,

is in charge of the Engine Department. He is
responsible for all technical operations of the
vessel, including engineering, electrical and
mechanical units. In particular, he is responsible
for all the propulsion machinery, power
generating equipment and auxiliaries. He has to
keep documents on the machinery working as
well as all the repairs carried out on the vessel.
He also logs fuel oil consumption. A varying
number of officers, petty officers and ratings
assist the chief engineer.

Complete the following

sentences

The Chief Engineer, or Chief Engineering Officer,

is ...........................
He is responsible for all technical operations of
the vessel, including ........................... .
In particular, he is responsible for all the
propulsion machinery, ........................... .
He has to keep documents on the machinery
working as well as all the ........................... .
He also keeps the log records of .........................
A varying number of ...........................assist the
chief engineer.

Engineer officers jobs and

duties

1) The First Engineer. He is responsible for

maintenance and operations of the engineering and
technical units.
2) The Second Engineer. His responsibilities usually
include the maintenance of lubricating systems,
engine room auxiliaries, and electrical equipment.
3) The Third Engineer. He is usually responsible for
fuel and water systems. He also supervises tanks
soundings and monitors the boiler room equipment.
4) The Fourth Engineer. His responsibilities may
include, for instance, the operation and
maintenance of engine room auxiliaries.

Match the jobs and duties

1

The Second
Engineer.

He is responsible for maintenance

and operations of the engineering
and technical units.

The Fourth
Engineer.

His responsibilities usually include the

maintenance of lubricating systems,
engine room auxiliaries, and electrical
equipment.

The First
Engineer.

He is usually responsible for fuel and

water systems. He also supervises tanks
soundings and monitors the boiler room
equipment.

The Third
Engineer.

His responsibilities may include, for

instance, the operation and maintenance
of engine room auxiliaries.

Engine room ratings

The propulsion plant department can also include some

petty officers, such as the donkeyman and the
storekeeper and, if the ship is a tanker, there may also be
the pumpman. The first one mentioned attends a donkey,
auxiliary boiler, especially when the ship is in port. A
storekeeper is in charge of all the spare parts and
equipment stored for the engine room. The last one, a
pump man, is employed to maintain and operate cargo
pumps.
The Motorman's duties are defined by the head of the
engine department and can include, for example, the daily
maintenance and cleaning of specific engine parts. The
engine room ratings, e.g. fire-fighters, greasers are
usually employed on watches to assist the engineer in
charge. They are responsible for daily cleanliness of the
engine room and for routine oiling, greasing and machinery
servicing.

Insert the missing terms

The propulsion plant department can also include some
________ officers, such as the ________ and the storekeeper and,
if the ship is a tanker, there may also be the ________. The first
one mentioned attends a ________, auxiliary boiler, especially
when the ship is in port. A ________ is in charge of all the spare
parts and equipment stored for the engine room. The last one,
a ________, is employed to maintain and operate cargo pumps.
The Motorman's duties are defined by the head of the engine
department and can include, for example, the ________ and
cleaning of specific engine parts. The engine room ________,
e.g. fire-fighters, ________ are usually employed on watches to
assist the engineer in charge. They are responsible for daily
cleanliness of the engine room and for routine ________
greasing and machinery servicing.

Listening skills
Listening for gist. Listen to the audio
clip and discuss the main idea (topic or
theme) (MarEng)

Listening for specific information. Listen to

the text and answer the following questions:

What is the chief engineer in charge of?

What is he responsible for?
What is he responfible for in particular?
What kind of documents must he keep?
He must log
Who assits the chief engineer?

Listening for specific information. Listen to the text and

complete the sentences below: Group work (each
row/bench/student answers one particular question)

1) The First Engineer is responsible for

..
2) The responsibilities of the Second Engineer
usually include the maintenance of lubricating
systems, .., and .
3) The Third Engineer is usually responsible

He also supervises tanks soundings and monitors

..
4) The responsibilities of the the Fourth Engineer
may include the operation and
5) The Motormans duties are defined by the
. and can include, for example,
the . and cleaning of specific

Listening for specific information.

Listen to the text and supply the
missing words
The Chief Engineer, or Chief Engineering Officer, is in _________ of the Engine
Department. He is responsible for all technical operations of the _________,
including engineering, electrical and mechanical units. In particular, he is
responsible for all the _________ machinery, power generating equipment
and _________. He has to keep documents on the machinery working as well
as all the _________ carried out on the vessel. He also logs fuel oil
consumption. A varying number of officers, petty officers and _________
assist the chief engineer.
The engine officers hierarchy goes as follows:
1) The First Engineer. He is responsible for _________ and operations of the
engineering and technical units.
2) The _________ Engineer. His responsibilities usually include the maintenance
of _________ systems, engine room auxiliaries, and electrical equipment.
3) The Third Engineer. He is usually responsible for fuel and water systems. He
also supervises tanks _________ and monitors the boiler room equipment.
4) The Fourth Engineer. His responsibilities may include, for instance, the
operation and maintenance of engine room _________.
5) The Motorman His duties are defined by the _________ of the engine

WATCH KEEPING
The standard system of watches adopted on board is
usually a four-hour period on duty followed by eight-hour
rest. The word watch means both the period and the crew
working at that time. The three watches in any 12 hour
period are usually: 12 to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 12. Thus, for
instance, an engineer on duty for the 8 to 12 watch works
from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight.

A watch is usually made up of an engineer in charge with an

assistant engineer and a rating. Their duties include
inspecting the main propulsion plant, auxiliary machinery
and steering gear spaces. They should note any
malfunctions and breakdowns, report and correct them.

Choose the appropriate term

(MCT)
The standard system of watches adopted on board is usually a
two/three/four-hour period on duty followed by eight-hour rest.
The word hour/watch/guard means both the period and the crew
working at that time.
The two/three/four watches in any 12 hour period are usually: 12
to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 12.
Thus, for instance, an engineer on job/duty/work for the 8 to 12
watch works from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight.
A watch is usually made up of an engineer in cargo/charge/job
with an assistant engineer and a mate/rating/greaser.
Their duties include inspecting the main propulsion plant, auxiliary
machinery and starting/stearing/steering gear spaces.
They should note any malfunctions and
stoppages/defects/breakdowns, report and correct them.

In the traditional (UK) system of manning the chief

engineer must hold a DT (Department of Trade)
Certificate of Competency First Class and his second
engineer is required to have a Second Class certificate.
The latter keeps the 2x4 watch and is also responsible for
the general maintenance of the engine-room. The third
engineer, who may or may not hold a certificate of
competency, keeps the 2x2 watch and where an
electrical officer (electrotechnical officer) is not carried
usually maintains the ships electrical equipment. The
fourth engineer, who is usually uncertificated, keeps the 812 watch and is often responsible for overhauling the
pumps and maintaining the boilers when the ship is in
port.

Complete the following

sentences
In the traditional UK system of manning the chief
engineer must hold a .
His second engineer is required to have a ..
The latter (i.e. 2nd Engineer) keeps the 2x4 watch and
is also responsible for .
The third engineer keeps the 2x2 watch and where
an electrical officer (electrotechnical officer) is not
carried usually .
The fourth engineer, who is usually uncertificated,
keeps the 8-12 watch and is often responsible for
. and maintaining the boilers when the ship is in
port.

General Purpose Manning

In the GP manning system officers and
ratings are trained to have knowledge and
skills common to all departments in addition
to their own qualifications. This reduces the
number of people employed on board, but
requires many changes and improvements
in the ship's control systems.

In an experiment NYK, a Japanese shipowner has

developed a system where dual purpose
watchkeeping duties (dual-purpose officer, polivalent officer or MarOf) are allocated to the
second officer and second engineer and a single
watch officer is assigned for the third
officer/engineer level. Ratings arc trained to
perform the duties of the dual and general
purpose crew. By providing only two
departments (Operational and Life) the total crew
of some bulk carriers, tankers and containership
has been cut down to 14 men.

For operation with a reduced crew the

vessels are required to meet several
requirements: unmanned engine-room (UMS
= unmanned machinery space), satellite
navigational system, remote control of
mooring winches, remote control of liquid
cargo handling and ballasting operations,
Inmarsat communications, collision
avoidance system (ARPA) and engine control
and monitoring station located on the bridge.

IMO STCW 95/2011

Certificates of competency (1)

Under the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification

and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1995 (STCW 95) the
following certificates are issued for watchkeeping duties in
the engine department:

engineer officers in charge of a watch in a manned

engine-room or designated duty engineer in a periodically
unmanned engine-room (UMS) (A-III/1)

Chief Engineer Officers and Second Engineer officers

on-ships-with 3,000kw propulsion power or more (Regulation
A-III/2)

IMO STCW 1978/1995/2010

Certificates of Competency (2)

chief engineer officers and second engineer

officers of ships powered by main propulsion
machinery of between 750 kW and 3,000 kW
propulsion power (A-III/3)
ratings forming part of a watch in a manned
engine-room or designated to perform duties in a
periodically unmanned engine-room (A-III/4)

STCW 95 also provides guidance for certification of

radio personnel, particularly in the Global
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Insert the missing terms

For operation with a reduced crew the

vessels are required to meet several
requirements: __________ (UMS), satellite
navigational system, remote control of
mooring winches, remote control of liquid
cargo handling and ____________, Inmarsat
communications, collision avoidance system
(ARPA) and ______________ and monitoring
station located on the bridge.

Regulation III/2 - Chief Engineer

Officers and Second Engineer officers
on-ships-with 3,000kw propulsion
power or more

IMO STANDARD MARINE COMMUNICATION PHRASES

(SMCP 2001)

IV-A/2 - STANDARD ENGINE ORDERS

Any engine order given should be repeated
by the person operating the bridge
telegraph(s) and the officer of the watch
should ensure the order is carried out
correctly and immediately.

Engine orders
1. Full ahead
2. Half ahead
3. Slow ahead
4. Dead slow ahead
5. Stop engine(s)
6. Dead slow astern
7. Slow astern 8. Half astern
9. Full astern
10. Emergency full ahead
11. Emergency full astern
12. Stand by engine (engine-room personnel fully ready to
manoeuvre and bridge manned to relay engine orders)
13. Finished with engine(s) (movement of engine(s) no longer
required).

In vessels fitted with twin propellers, the word "both" should be

added to all orders affecting both shafts, e.g. "Full ahead both", and
"Slow astern both", except that the words "Stop all engines" should
be used, when appropriate. When required to manoeuvre twin
propellers independently, this should be indicated, i.e. "Full ahead
starboard", "Half astern port", etc.

Where bow thrusters are used, the following orders are used:

14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Bow thrust full/half to port side

Bow thrust full/half to starboard side
Stem thrust full/half to port side
Stem thrust full/half to starboard side
Bow/stern thrust stop

A.1 Complete the following sentences:

In the past each ocean-going vessel was legally required to

carry _____________ for communicating with shore or other
ships.
The radio officer or navigating officers not only deal with
navigational
information, but also send and receive _______________
3. In case of receiving a distress signal the auto-alarm system
_________________
The propulsive unit of a ship may be a
________________________ or ______________ .
5. The following engineer officers rank above the fourth
engineer: ______________ .
6. The Chief Engineer is required to hold
_______________________ .
7. The 2nd and 3rd engineers are responsible for
_______________________ .

A.2 Supply the missing words:

The Chief Engineer ranks after the _____________________ .
He is the head of the ___________________ .
The ___________________ is in charge of the maintenance of the
engine-room, deck gear and other machinery.
These engineer officers normally keep ____________________ .
The _________________ is responsible for loading and discharging the
cargo, and for water ballast.
In tankers the ___________________ operates the pumping
arrangement.
The_____________________'s or ________________ 's duty is to check and
replace the lubricating oil, as well as to clean the engine-room.
The _____________________ is in charge of the storeroom.
The ____________________ is a petty officer who attends to the boiler
or engine and assists in the engine-room.
_____________________ look after boilers.
The maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment are the

General purpose manning system

In the 1. ___________ system of manning ratings take the place of

greasers and seamen in traditionally manned ships. Engine room
and 2. ______________ ratings join together to form a 3. ___________
capable of working on deck and in the engine-room. In the GP
system 4. ___________ are capable of doing the jobs of Bosun,
Carpenter and Donkeyman, and in tankers, doing the job of
5.
____________ as well. The work of the GP crew is organized by a
Planning Committee. In the Planning Committee the Master acts as
6. _____________ .
The 7. __________________ acts as Secretary. Other members of the
8. _____________ are the Chief Engineer, the Chief Officer, the
Second Engineer, the Catering Officer and the Chief Petty Officer.

A.3 Fill in the following words:

chairman deck workforce radio-officer pumpman planning committee general purpose petty officers

A.4 Find the relevant parts of the reading text and

then answer the following questions:

1. Why does the term radio-department seem out of place?

2. What were the legal requirements as regarded the radioservice on board?
3. Who is in charge of radio watchkeeping nowadays?
4. What are the duties of the radio-department?
5. Who are the members of the engine-room department?
6. What are the duties performed by the engine-room staff?
7. Which certificates must be held by the engineer officers?
8. What are the following engineers responsible for: Chief
Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer?
9. What are the names and duties of the engine ratings?
10. What is the GP manning system and where is it employed?

General Arrangement (US Ship)

A.5 Supply the right marine engineering term from the following list:
propulsion system - capacity four-bladed main diesel engine
maximum continuous rating consumption generator sets
emergency
Propulsion System

Lara Rickmers is fitted with a single, fixed pitch, bronze,

1. ___________________ propeller, driven by one Cegielski/SuIzer 6RTA58T
2. ___________________ . Built in Poland by the Suizer licensee, this six-cylinder unit is
capable of an output of 11,400 kW (15,280 bhp) at 101.5 rev/ min.
Selected to provide the owner with a fuel efficient 3. ____________________ the main engine
gives the vessel a competitive service speed of 15.5 knots at 12 m draught and 85 per
cent MCR. The specific 4. ____________________ is estimated to be 169 g/kWh, within +/-3
per cent. Two Aalborg boilers are installed in the engine room. The auxiliary boiler is
designed to bum heavy fuel oil (HFO) with a viscosity up to 600 cSt at 50C, and has a
5. ___________________ of about 2,800 kg/hr. The forced circulation type exhaust gas
boiler has capacity of 1,500 kg/hr, at 5 per cent
6. ___________________ (MCR) of the main engine. Electricity onboard of the ship, is
provided by three main diesel
7. ___________________ each with a rated output of 960 kW at 900 rev/min. These are
backed up by a MANDEMP 8. ___________________ generator, which is installed in a
separate compartment.

B.1 Fill in the gaps with the following modal verbs:

should would could will might

An engine breakdown 1. ____________ occur as a

result of a human error or machine failure. A total
lack of power or "black-out" 2. __________ be
dangerous if the ship is in congested waters or is
about to meet heavy weather. A black-out 3.
____________ cause the inability of the vessel to
steer or to manoeuvre. When the engine-room
alarm sounds all engineers 4. ______________
report to the engine-room in order to assist in the
emergency. Total black-outs arc rare, but when
they occur it 5. ____________ take a few hours for
the engine to start up again.

B.2 Supply the Present Simple or Continuous of the

verbs in brackets:

The MV Lion (steam) 1. ___________ southward from the Hormuz

Strait. The 8-12 watchkceping officers (stand) 2. ___________ on the
control platform in the engine-room. The Fifth Engineer (leave) 3.
___________ the platform to change over the settling tanks. The Fourth
Engineer (finish) 4. ______________ writing up the engine-room log and
(he) 5. _____________ about to leave the Platform. Suddenly the Third
Engineer (shout) 6. _____________ :
- The steam pressure (fall) 7. ______________ . What (be) 8. ___________
up? He (call) 9. ______________ back to the Fourth Engineer:
Sound the alarm and shut off the steam turbines. Something (be) 10.
______________ wrong with the change over, the fires (be) 11.
______________ out. It (seem) 12. __________ like water in the fuel oil.
Meanwhile the Second Engineer (ring) 13. ___________ the bridge to
inform the Master. The Second Mate (hoist) 14. __________ the Not
Under Command signal and (change) 15. _____________ from automatic
to manual steering.

B.3 Supply the missing prepositions

(of, for, in, on, under):
Catering department
1. ____ a cargo liner the Catering Department is a small but busy department
2. ____ command of the Chief Steward. It is responsible 3. _____ preparing and
serving meals, and 4.____ cleaning the saloons, the accommodation and the
alleyways. 5.______ passenger liners this department employs the largest
percentage 6. ______ the vessel's crew as it has to cater 7. ______ a wide range 8.
_____________ passengers needs and comforts. These include the reception 9. ____
passengers as they come 10. ______ board and attendance 11. _____ their baggage.
The management 12. ______ cabins, lounges, restaurants, bars, entertainment,
shops etc. arc included. Specialized galley and pantry staff are required 13. _____
the cooking and the preparation 14. ____ meals. The Purser is the head 15. ______
the Purser's and Catering Department 16. ____ a passenger ship. He is responsible
17. _____ catering, passengers and wage accounts. The Chief Steward is the head
18. _____ the Department 19. _____ a cargo vessel. The ratings 20. ____ the
Catering Dept. are the Ship's Cook, Assistant Cook, Baker, Pantry and Galley Boy,
Messman etc.

The Chief Engineer, or Chief Engineering Officer, is

in charge of the Engine Department. He is
responsible for all technical operations of the
vessel, including engineering, electrical and
mechanical units. In particular, he is responsible
for all the propulsion machinery, power generating
equipment and auxiliaries. He has to keep
documents on the machinery working as well as all
the repairs carried out on the vessel. He also logs
fuel oil consumption. A varying number of officers,
petty officers and ratings assist the chief engineer.
The engine officers hierarchy goes as follows:

1) The First Engineer. He is responsible for maintenance and

operations of the engineering and technical units.
2) The Second Engineer. His responsibilities usually include
the maintenance of lubricating systems, engine room
auxiliaries, and electrical equipment.
3) The Third Engineer. He is usually responsible for fuel and
water systems. He also supervises tanks soundings and
monitors the boiler room equipment.
4) The Fourth Engineer. His responsibilities may include, for
instance, the operation and maintenance of engine room
auxiliaries.
5) The Motorman His duties are defined by the head of the
engine department and can include, for example, the daily
maintenance and cleaning of specific engine parts.

The propulsion plant department can also include some

petty officers, such as the donkey man and the
storekeeper and, if the ship is a tanker, there may also be
the pump man. The first one mentioned attends a donkey,
auxiliary boiler, especially when the ship is in port. A
storekeeper is in charge of all the spare parts and
equipment stored for the engine room. The last one, a
pump man, is employed to maintain and operate cargo
pumps.
The engine room ratings, e.g. fire-fighters, greasers are
usually employed on watches to assist the engineer in
charge. They are responsible for daily cleanliness of the
engine room and for routine oiling, greasing and
machinery servicing.

THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT

(MarEng Intermed The Crew and its Tasks)

The Chief Engineer, or Chief Engineering Officer, is in

charge of the Engine Department. He is responsible for
all technical operations of the vessel, including
engineering, electrical and mechanical units. In
particular, he is responsible for all the propulsion
machinery, power generating equipment and
auxiliaries. He has to keep documents on the
machinery working as well as all the repairs carried out
on the vessel. He also logs fuel oil consumption. A
varying number of officers, petty officers and ratings
assist the chief engineer. The engine officers hierarchy
goes as follows:

THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT

(MarEng Intermed The Crew and its Tasks)
THE

CHIEF ENGINEER
I am the head of the Engine Department and am responsible for personnel and the
proper operation, maintenance, and safety of the vessels propulsion system,
power
generation system and all auxiliary machinery and spaces.
I have to decide on effective repairs and I report defects that may affect the ships
performance to the Master. I also advise the Master on all matters relating to
machinery usage, fuel requirements and an overall economical use of supplies and
stores.
I order, receive, and maintain a proper inventory of spare parts and supplies and
supervise bunkering. I see to it that fuel and water is monitored daily. I assign and
supervise the work done by engine department personnel. I set engine room
watches, specify duties, and make sure that watches are maintained.

A MARINE ENGINEER

Today various specialists make up the staff working in the Engine

Department. But
the Marine Engineer or Chief Electrician still has to be a jack of all trades.
It is the
Engineer or Electrician in charge that has to know all about the mechanical
and
electrical engineering on board. He has got to have the know-how to
service the
engines and keep them running in good condition; when the ship is at sea,
any
breakdown in the power system, machinery, piping, or steel structure will
have to be
repaired as best as can be done without any help from outside.
A total blackout or propulsion problems can be extremely dangerous for
the vessel
and its crew. If the ship starts drifting in a strong wind, it may lead to listing
and in the
worst case cause the ship to capsize. No wonder the Engine room has been
called

MARINE ENGINEER
(MarEng Adv The Engine Room)
Anybody

who wants to be a Marine Engineer must be ready and prepared

to spend a long period in training. Practical training is of crucial
importance because the sea environment is very demanding. Sea
training is not easy, although it only takes place when a candidate has
sufficient knowledge already. A cadet engineer has to learn new skills and
put them into practice. For instance, he learns how to do machine repairs
like opening up different bearings, tube sleeves, and rusty items like nuts
and bolts, as well as cleaning valves and changing filters.
The successful candidate may be awarded a diploma and will then be
able to work on ships as a qualified Marine Engineer class four. Then after
some time spent working on ships, he can sit for competency certificates
as a class-two Marine Engineer. Again, after some time at sea, he can sit
for the class-one certificate of competency, which qualifies him to take
up the job of the Chief Engineer on board a ship.
A marine engineer can be called a ship mechanic, a ship machinist, a
ship engine operator, or a ship engine room attendant.

MARINE ENGINEER
(MarEng Adv The Engine Room)

The Chief Engineer, or Chief Engineering Officer, is in charge of the Engine

Department. He is responsible for all technical operations of the vessel,
including engineering, electrical and mechanical units. In particular, he is
responsible for all the propulsion machinery, power generating equipment
and auxiliaries. He has to keep documents on the machinery working as
well as all the repairs carried out on the vessel. He also logs fuel oil
consumption. A varying number of officers, petty officers and ratings assist
the chief engineer. The engine officers hierarchy goes as follows:
1) The First Engineer. He is responsible for maintenance and operations of
the engineering and technical units.
2) The Second Engineer. His responsibilities usually include the
maintenance of lubricating systems, engine room auxiliaries, and electrical
equipment.
3) The Third Engineer. He is usually responsible for fuel and water systems.
He also supervises tanks soundings and monitors the boiler room
equipment.
4) The Fourth Engineer. His responsibilities may include, for instance, the
operation and maintenance of engine room auxiliaries.
5) The Motorman His duties are defined by the head of the engine
department and can include, for example, the daily maintenance and
cleaning of specific engine parts.

WATCH KEEPING (MarEng Adv

The Engine Room)

The machinery driving a vessel which is underway is

usually operated 24 hours a day. All running machinery
must be controlled continuously in order to prevent any
failure of the equipment. The majority of control systems on
modern ships are automatic. A ship may operate for agreed
periods with unmanned machinery, called UMS, which
stands for Unattended Machinery Spaces.
The standard system of watches adopted on board is
usually a four-hour period on duty followed by eight-hour
rest. The word watch means both the period and the crew
working at that time. The three watches in any 12 hour
period are usually: 12 to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 12. Thus, for
instance, an engineer on duty for the 8 to 12 watch works
from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight.
A watch is usually made up of an engineer in charge with
an assistant engineer and a rating. Their duties include
inspecting the main propulsion plant, auxiliary machinery

The propulsion plant department can also include some

petty officers, such as the donkey man and the storekeeper
and, if the ship is a tanker, there may also be the pump
man. The first one mentioned attends a donkey, auxiliary
boiler, especially when the ship is in port. A storekeeper is
in charge of all the spare parts and equipment stored for
the engine room. The last one, a pump man, is employed to
maintain and operate cargo pumps.
The engine room ratings, e.g. fire-fighters, greasers are
usually employed on watches to assist the engineer in
charge. They are responsible for daily cleanliness of the
engine room and for routine oiling, greasing and machinery
servicing.