Engine department The engineers on board ships are also called TECHNICAL OFFICERS . They are responsible for keeping the machinery maintained and operational. S hips are complex systems that combine a lot of technology within a small space. This includes not only the engines and the propulsion system but also, the electrical power supply, devices for loading and discharging, garbage incineration, and freshwater generators. E nvironmental protection technologies, fuel treatment systems, and cargo conditioning devices are used onboard ships. The upkeep of all these are in the hands of engine department staff.
CHIEF ENGINEER A Chief Engineer (commonly referred to as"ChEng ,") is responsible for all operations and maintenance that has to do with any and all engineering equipment throughout the entire ship. \ Under many jurisdictions the Chief Engineer is of equal rank to the Captain, with responsibility being split between the two posts T he Chief Engineer taking responsibility for engine room and maintenance and the Captain taking responsibility for navigation and deck operations.
SECOND ENGINEER The Second Engineer is the officer responsible for supervising the daily maintenance and operation of the engineering systems. He or she reports directly to the Chief Engineer. The Second Engineer is second in command in the engine department after the ship's Chief Engineer. The person holding this position is typically the busiest engineer onboard the ship, due to the supervisory role this engineer plays and the operations duties performed. Operational duties include responsibility for the refrigeration systems, main engines, and any other equipment not assigned to the third or fourth engineers.
THIRD ENGINEER Third Engineer is junior to the second engineer in the engine department and is usually in charge of boilers, fuel, auxiliary engines, condensate, and feed systems. This engineer is typically in charge of bunkering if the officer holds a valid certificate for fuel transfer operations.
FOURTH ENGINEER The Fourth Engineer is junior to the third engineer in the engine department. The most junior marine engineer of the ship is usually responsible for electrical, sewage treatment, lube oil, bilge, and oily water separation systems. Depending on usage, this person usually stands a watch. T he fourth engineer may assist the third officer in maintaining the lifeboats' proper operation.
OILER Oiler is an unlicensed member of the engineering department. The position is one of the most junior crew members in the engine room of a ship. The oiler is senior only to a wiper and are responsible for the lubrication of ship’s machinery.
WIPER Wiper is the most junior crewmember 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.
ENGINE CADET Engine Cadet a trainee engineer officer normally reports to the second engineer. Their role as trainee is to observe and learn, while helping out where possible. As they haveno 'ticket' a cadet cannot hold a watch, but will likely assist one of the qualified engineers with their watch. Typical duties may include preparing the engine room log or preparing the tea and coffee at breaks (if asked) for the engineering team.