Marine Engineer The Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering is a 4 year degree program that centers on the construction, operation, and maintenance of different kinds of marine vessels such as cargo ships, cruise ships, fishing boats, battleships and submarines. This program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to operate and maintain the different machineries installed in marine vessels, including the propulsion plant, adjunct and auxiliary machinery, electrical and refrigeration systems.
Marine engineering includes the engineering of boats, ships, oil rigs and any other marine vessel or structure, as well as oceanographic or ocean engineering Marine engineers are responsible for the design, maintenance and repair of the various mechanical systems in a ship What’s it like working as an Engineering Cadet? As part of the team servicing the working belly of the ship, Engineering Cadets assist and understudy the ship’s Engineering Officers in their duties. Duties & Responsibility of a Cadet or Trainee : 1) Following the senior offers instructions (very important) 2) You most apply safe working practices in all your duties (All you most have in mind is safety first) 3) To execute assigned duties safely , work procedure, to best ability, and report any hazardous condition with delay to duty officer. 4) Most diligently follow instructions and structure of onboard training, make sure to complete the task or questions listed on the training/cadet record book. Also make sure you keep up to date of your training record book, ask questions on what you dont understand to your duty officer. 5) You most be actively seek to learn the duties of the ranks(mostly the next rank of yours) . Marine Engineer Responsibilities and Duties .Support Marine Operations and Vessel Assurance teams on machinery systems. .Supervise changes and update marine regulations and notify appropriate party in company. .Attend vessel drydockings to assess and inspect machinery, resolve issues and support Marine Operations. .Ensure safe and efficient operations of marine engineering functions. .Operate, maintain and oversee machinery, engineering equipment and vessel systems. .Handle records and machinery status logs on vital plant equipment and ensure spare parts inventory. .Administer lube oil quality, jacket water treatment, potable water and bulk stores. .Inspect shipboard through data collection and configuration validation.
.Check equipment, isolate issues and affect repairs. .Manage engine room watch when vessel in underway. Engine Wiper Responsibilities An engine wiper performs basic maintenance and support tasks. You clean the engine room, wipe down painted surfaces, paint as needed, and keep all tools clean and ready for use. When engine repair or overhauling needs to be done, you lend a hand and learn all you can. A wiper is the most junior rate in the engine room of a ship. The role of a wiper consists of cleaning the engine spaces and machinery, and assisting the engineers as directed.
Ship Engine Room Watch Keeping Duties and Routine Ship engine room watch keeping duties and routines are carried out by Engineer Officers. The watches are split into three 4-hour spells of duty, that goes by quite quickly as there are many checks to be carried out on the main and auxiliary engines, along with the numerous pumps and coolers. A new marine engineer may need to learn several things on their own, since not everything can be taught at the marine school in a practical manner. Some of these things might seem very simple but could be quite confusing for a trainee engineer. So I thought of penning down my experiences of watch keeping and hence will continue in the next few articles along the same line The purpose of these articles is to inform newbie engineers about the watch keeping duties of an engineer at sea in charge of a marine diesel engine and will include the following:•
Engine-room layout
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Main engine components subject to pressure and temperature change
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The reason or cause of a rise or fall in temperature to an engine-room item of machinery
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The consequences of these changes in pressure and temperature on the diesel engine efficiency
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The rectification of a rise or fall in temperature or pressure
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The affect a rise or fall has on various cooling and lubricating liquids
Certainly it is not possible to indulge in all these in a single article as that would be an impractical idea so will proceed step by step and will start by talking about the standard temperature and pressure checks to be performed during a watch. Before I proceed with that, I would like to suggest another article about basics of marine watch keeping that will give you a broad idea about the entire concept in case you are not familiar with it. I was at sea as an engineer for many years sailing on steamships and motor ships; the article will be mainly on motor ships with maybe a few references to steam turbines or boilers. The next sections detail the checks to be carried out by the engineer regarding standard temperatures and pressures of various components, and what we are looking for during the checks. •
Standard Pressure and Temperature Checks
There are standard pressures and temperature checks to be carried out by the watch keeping engineer, as he gains experience these will become second nature; the various thermometers and pressure gauges being
scanned as he walks around the engine room checking the components. This means when a rouge value turns up it is spotted right away either on the component or the engine control station instrument board. This is situated just above the engine control station, either in the engine room or in the modern control room. The board contains the pressure and temperature gauges for the main systems such as; exhaust temperatures, jacket cooling and lub-oil pressure. We used an arrow to mark the optimum temperatures and pressures on these gauges, and endeavor to maintain them; again any rouge value will show up instantly. Heavy Fuel Oil System (HFO) The temperature of the HFO system must be kept at the recommended value to control its viscosity. This is important as it must not turn "waxy" when being pumped through various heaters, the fuel pump and into the injectors. Lube-oil System The temperature of the lube-oil must be carefully controlled through use of the lube-oil coolers seawater inlet valve. Remember that as the temperature of the lube-oil rises the pressure drops. Conversely, a low lube –oil temperature will increase the oil pressure. A sudden unexplained rise in temperature could signify a bearing in the main engine running hot. Jacket cooling System The pressure and temperature of the jacket water cooling also need close monitoring and maintained at optimum values as the cooling water also supplies the turbo-blower air coolers. The pressure in this case is controlled by the circ pump, so any change could be a faulty pump, however, down to the pump or a loss of pressure through a faulty cylinder liner rubber sealing ring, or even a cracked liner. Temperature is another matter; this must be kept at the recommended value. Any rise could signify a scavenge fire a rise in sea temperature or cooler problem. The generators temperature and pressures are checked as per the main engine ones. This leave the thrust block, prop shaft bearings, and stern gland. Here again the sense of touch should be used as a guide to overheating, but there will be temperature gauges on the thrust and prop bearings along with oil - level sight gauges. In my next article I will continue along the same vein; talking more about these subjects and catch hold of another single aspect in more detail. So just keep a look out for my further articles and please ask any questions through the comments at the end of the article. Enjoy your time at sea – it is the best years of your life. Safe Working Practices in Engine Room
Observe safe working practices Operations and procedures for maintaining your vessel as a safe place to work • •
• The following is a list of operations and procedures that need to be considered. The list is a good starting point for new deckhands. • • • •
Personal Safety Clothing and Equipment
• • The OH&S laws require that you use safety and protective clothing and equipment provided by your employer. • •
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do not ignore safety precautions
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wear safety gear or protective clothing
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if the right safety and protective clothing is not available then either ask for it or get it yourself
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Here's a list of safety gear you should wear.
Issue Action Protection from the elements If you are exposed to cold conditions, wear suitable clothing that allows you to both work and maintain a suitable body temperature. Wear wet weather gear in bad conditions. Eye Protection If you are engaged in work where there is dust, metal chips, splashing liquids, glare or radiation risk (for example, welding), you must wear eye protection. Whenever possible, remove the source of danger. Foot Protection Always wear footwear appropriate to the work you are doing. It is easy to wear the appropriate footwear that will protect your feet, especially with non-skid soles for slippery decks. Hand Protection There are plenty of potential risks, including exposure to chemicals, cutting or hitting your hands, handling wire ropes, exposure to heat /cold or water for prolonged periods. In any of these circumstances, you should wear appropriate gloves. Head Protection If you are working where injury to your head is likely from falling objects, or from low deck heads, wear a helmet. The helmet should be suitable for the task, properly fitted and not previously damaged Hearing Protection Your hearing may be damaged by exposure to sudden, loud, or prolonged noise. Working where there is such noise, wear ear muffs appropriate for the task, eg engine rooms.
Respiratory Protection If you are working in dusty conditions or amongst gases and vapours, you should wear a dust mask or even a full set of contained air breathing apparatus (CABA) like firemen use. Skin Protection You should always wear clothing to protect your skin from sunburn and possible skin cancers. This includes hats and shirts with arm and leg covering. Use 30+ sunscreen creams.
Ship’s Engine Room •
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Keep clean and tidy, floors free from oil or grease spills.
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Initiate “Isolation Procedures” before beginning any maintenance or repairs.
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Repair any oil/ fuel leaks as soon as discovered.
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Check operation of all safety alarms on a daily basis.
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Make sure all safety guards on moving parts are in place.
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Store used oily rags correctly.
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Check operation of emergency cut-offs/ shut-downs regularly.
Re-fuelling Operations •
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Know how much fuel you require
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Be prepared in case of a blow back or spillage.
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Code flag “B” displayed.
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“No Smoking signs displayed.
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NEVER leave the operation unattended.
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Portable fire fighting equipment at the ready.
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All unnecessary electrical/ electronic equipment, stoves, etc. turned off.
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Ensure good ventilation of battery compartment.
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Keep electrolyte at correct level, 10 mm above plates.
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Ensure correct charging rate.
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Do not spark terminals, explosive hazard.
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Ensure all power requirements are off before removing or connecting terminals.
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Wear eye protection when checking electrolyte levels ( it is a very strong acid)
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Top up electrolyte ONLY with distilled, demineralized water.
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Know where mains power supply switch is located in case of emergency.
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Full cover, personal safety clothing must be worn for cutting/ welding operations.
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*Don’t leave AC power cable coiled up, but “flake” excess cable along deck.
Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces aboard Ships An enclosed space means a space that has any of the following characteristics: • limited openings for entry and exit • inadequate ventilation • not designed for continuous worker occupancy. Risk assessment The company Safety Management System should ensure that a risk assessment is conducted ‘to identify all enclosed spaces on board ship’. This assessment should be periodically revisited to ensure its continued validity. The procedures to be followed for testing the atmosphere will depend upon whether the preliminary assessment shows that: 1. There is minimal risk to the health and life of personnel entering the space. 2. There is no immediate risk to health or life but a risk could arise during the work in the space. 3. A risk to health and life is identified Identify the Hazards Entry procedures Everyone has the right to refuse to enter a space they consider unsafe. No one should enter an enclosed space if there is any doubt that the correct entry procedures have been followed, even in an emergency Authorisation for entry No person should enter an enclosed space without the express authorisation of the master or a nominated responsible person. Entry into an enclosed space must be a planned process requiring proper precautions. An entry permit/permit to work system or a similar alternative must be used. All crew should be aware of this system. The person responsible for carrying out the work should not issue the permit but should countersign the entry permit. When the work is completed, the responsible person should cancel the permit Ventilation Before any enclosed space is entered, it should be properly ventilated by opening as many access points as possible. Ventilation should be continuous, effective and commensurate with the size, configuration and location of the space. Testing the atmosphere The atmosphere testing equipment must: • have manufacturer’s operating instructions available
• be kept in a known, safe location, in good order and properly calibrated • be serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations • have calibration and service records maintained • have the suitable capability to measure levels of oxygen, flammable vapours, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and toxic gases appropriate for the ship’s trade.
For entry purposes, steady readings of all the following should be obtained: • 21% oxygen by volume by oxygen content meter • not more than 1% of Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) on a combustible gas indicator if there is potential for flammable gases or vapours • not more than 50% of the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of any toxic vapours and gases. Rescue If a rescue alarm is raised, no one should enter the enclosed space to attempt a rescue without taking the proper precautions. Many multiple fatalities have occurred when well-intentioned crew have attempted a rescue without following the correct procedures. The appropriate safety and rescue equipment for entering an enclosed space may vary depending upon the space, ship type and work involved. As a minimum, it will usually include: • SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) with a spare cylinder • life line and rescue harnesses • lighting, including torches • stretcher • means of raising stretcher, ie tripod type arrangement • communication equipment • appropriate atmosphere testing equipment and personal gas meters. An EEBD (emergency escape breathing device) should never be used in lieu of a SCBA set. They can only be used as an escape device. Appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), including a personal gas meter, should be worn by all personnel entering the enclosed space.