Engine Room Watchkeeping

Summary

The video highlights the critical responsibilities of a duty engineer onboard a ship, focusing on watchkeeping, communication, and teamwork. It covers the importance of thorough handovers, situational awareness, and maintaining equipment during day-to-day operations. Key aspects include responding to alarms, effective communication with the bridge, and proper use of the permit-to-work system. The video also emphasizes following company procedures for safety, handling UMS (Unmanned Machinery Space) operations, and managing equipment efficiently. It underlines how essential teamwork is for smooth ship operations, especially during emergencies or maneuvering.

Takeaways

• ⚙️ Proper communication between the engine room and the bridge is crucial to avoid critical situations during maneuvering.
• ⏲️ Regular rounds of the engine room, including checking all machinery and systems, are essential for safe operations, especially before switching to Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS).
• 🔔 Quick response to alarms and thorough troubleshooting can prevent machinery failures and further complications.
• 🚨 Always ensure that the emergency generator is set to automatic start mode to avoid a complete blackout in case of failure.
• 📝 A thorough handover between engineering officers is critical to ensure that all systems and machinery are properly understood and monitored.
• 👨‍🔧 Following safety procedures, including the use of permits for hazardous work and the lockout/tagout system, is key to preventing injuries and accidents.
• 🧑‍🏭 Engineering officers should always check fuel and water levels, oil content, and other critical parameters, verifying them both locally and remotely for accuracy.
• 📢 Clear, closed-loop communication with the bridge and among engine room personnel is vital, especially during critical situations or when resolving alarms.
• 🔑 The duty engineer must oversee all ongoing work in the engine room, ensuring that appropriate checklists and safety procedures are followed at all times.
• 👀 Situational awareness is essential for duty engineers; using all senses to detect issues with machinery is a crucial part of their responsibility.

Q & A

What role does the second engineer play during the initial stages of departure in the video?

The second engineer takes over the watch from the third engineer and is responsible for starting the port shaft generator to supply power for the bow thruster. He also ensures the seawater service pump is operational before returning to the engine control room.

What caused the total electrical blackout on the ship?

The blackout occurred when both port and starboard generators tripped after the second engineer failed to address a high-temperature freshwater alarm in the port generator. His attempt to cool the system using the harbor service pump was unsuccessful.

Why did the emergency generator fail to start after the blackout?

The emergency generator failed to start because it was set to manual start mode, and no one on the crew remembered this in the chaos that followed the blackout.

What was the main issue with communication between the engine room and the bridge during the blackout?

Communication was hindered because the telephone system required electrical power, which was unavailable due to the blackout. As a result, the bridge team was unable to receive critical updates from the engine room and could only observe the situation unfold.

What responsibilities are emphasized for the duty engineer in terms of watch-keeping?

The duty engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of all machinery within the engine room. This includes responding to alarms, maintaining communication with the bridge, and conducting rounds to check the condition of the equipment.

What is the significance of the Dead Man's alarm in the engine room?

The Dead Man's alarm is a mandatory safety feature required under the SOLAS convention. It must be activated when the engineer is working alone in the engine room to ensure their safety in case of an accident or emergency.

How should replacement engineering officers prepare when joining a ship?

Replacement officers should undergo a thorough handover to familiarize themselves with the ship's equipment, understand the alarms, and read the company’s operations and safety manuals. The less experienced the officer, the longer the handover should take.

What does 'closed-loop communication' mean, and why is it important?

Closed-loop communication refers to the practice of repeating back an order to ensure it is understood correctly. It is important for clear and concise communication, especially between the bridge and engine room, to prevent misunderstandings during critical operations.

What is the purpose of the permit to work system?

The permit to work system ensures safety by requiring permits for potentially hazardous activities, such as hot work or entering enclosed spaces. The system involves padlocking equipment to prevent accidental activation and obtaining approval from the chief engineer before work begins.

What are the responsibilities of the duty engineer during the UMS (Unmanned Machinery Spaces) period?

During the UMS period, the duty engineer must make rounds of the engine room to check the status of all equipment, ensure all systems are set to auto start, and resolve any potential issues to avoid alarms sounding during the night. The duty engineer must also inform the bridge when entering or leaving the engine room.