Page 371 - Introduction to Marine Engineering

342 Watchkeeping and equipment operation

auxiliary boiler while the ship is in port. Otherwise they will direct the
ratings in the maintenance and upkeep of the machinery space. A
storekeeper may also be carried and on tankers a pump man is
employed to maintain and operate the cargo pumps. The engine room
ratings, e.g. firemen, greasers, etc., are usually employed on watches to
assist the engineer in charge.

The watchkeeping system
The system of watches adopted on board ship is usually a four hour
period of working with eight hours rest for the members of each watch.
The three watches in any 12 hour period are usually 12-4, 4—8 and
8-12. The word 'watch' is taken as meaning the time period and also the
personnel at work during that period.
The watchkeeping arrangements and the make up of the watch will be
decided by the Chief Engineer. Factors to be taken into account in this
matter will include the type of ship, the type of machinery and degree of
automation, the qualifications and experience of the members of the
watch, any special conditions such as weather, ship location, internation-
al and local regulations, etc. The engineer officer in charge of the watch
is the Chief Engineer's representative and is responsible for the safe and
efficient operation and upkeep of all machinery affecting the safety of
the ship.

Operating the watch

An engineer officer in charge, with perhaps a junior engineer assisting
and one or more ratings, will form the watch. Each member of the watch
should be familiar with his duties and the safety and survival equipment
in the machinery space. This would include a knowledge of the fire
fighting equipment with respect to location and operation, being able to
distinguish the different alarms and the action required, an understand-
ing of the communications systems and how to summon help and also
being aware of the escape routes from the machinery space.
At the beginning of the watch the current operational parameters and
the condition of all machinery should be verified and also the log
readings should correspond with those observed. The engineer officer
in charge should note if there are any special orders or instructions
relating to the operation of the main machinery or auxiliaries. He
should determine what work is in progress and any hazards or
limitations this presents. The levels of tanks containing fuel, water, slops,
ballast, etc., should be noted and also the level of the various bilges. The
operating mode of equipment and available standby equipment should
also be noted.