Engineer Duties

The following directions are not intended to cover in detail all the areas of his responsibility but to serve as a guide for performing the duties of the Engineer of the vessel.

The duties and responsibilities of the Engineer are to maintain and repair the entire machinery engineering plant, ballast tanks, fuel tanks, water tanks, and piping of the vessel. The Engineer is also responsible for reporting any and all problems to the Captain and to the Company if repairs cannot be made on board.

The Engineer shall take charge of and be responsible for the good condition and efficient working of the entire machinery engineering plant of the vessel, including the main engines, propulsion, and associated equipment, all auxiliary machinery, all electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic machinery, and appurtenances, steering machinery, and all associated components, deck machinery, and any and all other mechanical or electrical equipment, machinery and associated components and fittings.  He is likewise responsible for completing his logs on a daily basis, the cleanliness and good condition of the compartments in his area of responsibility, valves, pipes, tanks, and the water-tight integrity of the vessel.

He is subject to the orders and regulations of the Captain and must consult fully with him on all matters pertaining to his department.

Physical Requirements:

The Engineer must be physically and mentally able to take charge of the entire machinery engineering plant, ballast tanks, fuel tanks, water tanks, and piping of the vessel and make daily inspections of his vessel, including all machinery spaces, voids, and rudder rooms.  The inspections include climbing ladders, entering a tank opening 18" in diameter, and being able to move about in all weather conditions.  The Engineer must also be able to:

  • perform his duties under any weather and sea conditions

  • work in confined spaces

  • work outdoors in all weather conditions

  • work aloft

  • work overhead (painting, chipping, etc.)

  • work with pneumatic and power tools

  • work bent over or squatting for long periods of time

  • lift 30 pounds and carry it 50 feet

  • walk up a ship’s ladder while the vessel is rolling and/or pitching

  • climb a 30-foot mast

  • enter a void opening 18 inches in diameter

  • throw a mooring line 15 feet

  • stack anchor chain in a confined chain lock

  • wear safety steel-toe shoes, safety goggles, ear protectors, and protective gloves