These are GENERIC ONLY and not Necessarily Relevant to any particular Company.  It should be noted, however, that if you do not believe you can meet these minimum requirements, you should look to another profession.

Responsibilities: 

Responsible to the Master for the efficient management of the engineering function. It is essential for the efficiency of the ship that the Master is kept fully informed of the state of the machinery and equipment.

Supervises and coordinates activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining propulsion engines, deck machinery, and electrical, refrigeration,
and sanitary equipment aboard ship.

Although the actual performance of the maintenance checks and appropriate repairs to vessel equipment are the main duties, the proper completion of paperwork is, by no means, less important.  The Chief Engineer is to be knowledgeable of the vessel’s machinery status.  The Chief Engineer will maintain accurate and orderly files of vessel machinery and its maintenance.

On all technical matters, the Chief Engineer will receive instructions from the Port Engineer when necessary.

Functions: 

  • Accurately record all vital plant information, take and record all fuel, lube, and water soundings, and know the amount and location of all bulk
    materials on the vessel.
  • Maintain an ongoing machinery status list. This list will be updated each month and presented to the relieving Chief Engineer.
  • Responsible for testing and troubleshooting equipment to isolate problems to the major sub-systems, so that he/she can complete the repair of the equipment alone, or call in the appropriate technician.
  • Responsible for routine maintenance of the machinery and equipment. This should include, but is not limited to changing oil and filters, greasing the steering gear, anchor windlass, etc., performing electrical systems maintenance, testing for and maintaining proper levels of diesel engine water treatment, and taking and mailing of lube oil samples.
  • Responsible for maintaining emergency, radio, and other power supply batteries in good condition. This should include checking the specific
    gravity of the electrolyte, maintaining proper electrolyte level, and cleaning of battery terminals and cell cases.
  • Responsible for maintaining and ordering proper amounts of spares for all vital machinery.
  • Responsible for operating and monitoring all machinery and engineering equipment. (This includes the prime movers, generators, steering
    equipment, service pumps, compressors, ventilation systems, alarms, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, etc.)
  • In charge of the upkeep and cleanliness of all engineering spaces.
  • Maintain Daily Engineer Log. Responsible for keeping a current and complete file of engineering manuals and ship drawings. These files are to
    be kept in a clean and orderly arrangement.
  • Ensure that all bilges, rudder compartment, and void spaces are kept as clean and dry as possible.
  • Responsible for maintaining a proper engine room watch at all times when the vessel is underway.
  • • Stands engine-room watch during specified periods, observing load on engines and generators are within acceptable limits, and oil and grease cups are kept full.
  • Adheres to and complies with company policies, USCG, and environmental regulations.
  • Work a rotation watch involving 12 hours in a 24 hour period with occasional additional hours not to exceed 14 consecutive hours.
  • Assist with training of personnel as needed.
  • In charge of the engine room equipment and all engineering personnel.
  • Responsible for securing the watertight or gas tight integrity of the vessel during an emergency.
  • Responsible for maintaining and testing of all emergency equipment in the engine room. Responsible for starting the bilge and/or fire pumps.
  • In charge of shoring/emergency repairs.
  • In charge of securing engineering spaces/equipment for heavy weather, and assisting the Mate in securing cargo and deck equipment.
  • Provide first aid to injured personnel according to training or at the direction of the Master.
  • Operate the fixed fire fighting systems.
  • Assist on deck in a man overboard crisis.
  • Responsible for participating in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations.
  • In charge of safety procedures on deck during transfer of fuel or other combustibles.
  • Responsible for training the crew in damage control procedures during drills, as directed by the Master.
  • Responsible for training engineering officers and unlicensed personnel in watch standing procedures, and ensure they are competent and
    completely familiar with their duties and responsibilities.
  • Responsible for supporting the ongoing safety program aboard the vessel by training members of the engineering department in the wearing of protective clothing and their duties during emergencies; and stress the use of common sense and the need for alertness while carrying out their assignments.
  • May be required to hold U.S. Coast Guard license depending upon tonnage of ship, type of engines, and means of transmitting power to propeller shaft.
  • Performs any other additional duties that may be required or assigned.

  • Responsible for documenting and notifying supervisor immediately of any accidents / illnesses / vessel incidents / near misses / etc.

  • Responsible for participating in the company's safety programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring the maintenance and use of all necessary PPE.
  • Responsible for ensuring the elimination of at-risk behaviors by reducing unsafe conditions and un-safe acts on and around the work-site.
  • Responsible for participating in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations.
  • Reports any suspicious behavior, activities, cargo or security breaches to the Vessel Security Officers

Physical Demand Requirements:

  • Required to be able to tolerate repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, pulling, stretching, and reaching to full range from above head to the deck (floor)
  • Required to be able to climb ladders, stairwells, and use good balance/coordination when walking over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
  • Required to be able to walk frequently the length of the vessel.
  • Required to have sufficient cardio-respiratory fitness to be able to perform heavy physical labor including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling various materials and tools
  • Ability to be subject to adverse weather conditions including rough seas, cold, wet, elevated temperatures, and humid conditions.
  • Required to be able to lift at least 100 lbs from floor to waist.
  • Required to be able to lift at least 75 lbs. from floor to shoulder.
  • Required to be able to lift at least 25 lbs. from deck to above head.
  • Required to be able to demonstrate 90 lbs of grip strength in dominant hand and 80 lbs. in non-dominant hand

Reports to Master