SAFE ENGINEERING WATCH

 Basic Principles and Regulations Governing Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers as per requirement of STCW 1978, 1995 & 2010

 

1. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (or STCW), 1978, as amended, sets qualification standards for Masters, Engineers, Officers and Watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships.
2. STCW was adopted in 1978 by conference at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, and entered into force in 1984. The Convention was significantly amended in 1995 and 2010.
3. The 1978 STCW Convention was the first to establish basic requirements on training, certification and watch keeping for seafarers on an international level.
4. Previously the standards of training, certification and watch keeping of officers and ratings were established by individual governments, usually without reference to practices in other countries as a result standards and procedures varied widely resulting in exploitation of the seafarer subsequently resulting in accidents

The Convention prescribes minimum standards relating to ‘Training, Certification and Watch Keeping’ for Seafarers to which IMO affiliated countries are obliged to meet or exceed.

 

      Basic Concept of Watch Keeping

1. The round the clock operation of a ship at sea requires a rotational system of watchkeeping in the machinery space.
2. The Chief Engineer is directly responsible to the Master for the satisfactory operation of all machinery and equipment as per statutory requirements stated in STCW 2010 Convention. Apart from assuming all responsibility his role is mainly that of consultant and adviser.
3. The Second Engineer is responsible for the practical upkeep of machinery and the manning of the engine room.
4. An Officer in Charge of Engineering watch (OICEW), with perhaps a junior engineer assisting and one or more engine room qualified ratings will form the watch.
5. Each member of the watch should be familiar with all Equipment’s in the machinery space.

• This would include Knowledge of the Firefighting Equipment with respect to location and operation.
• Being able to distinguish the different Alarms and the action required.
• An understanding of the Communications Systems and how to summon help {Engineers Call} and also being aware of the escape routes from the machinery space.
• Fully conversant of Pollution Prevention Regulations and operation of machinery related to same
• Able to carry out specific Duties as required by the Convention

 

Compliance of Standing Instructions received from Chief Engineer 

The Standing Instructions from the Chief Engineer is permanently posted in the ECR to ensure safe and efficient engine room operations.

Any doubts or suggestions regarding these instructions may be discussed with the Chief Engineer at any time.

 

A) HOT WORK

 

    

 

 

1. No hot work is to be carried out outside the designated area, anywhere on the vessel, without permission from C/E or 2/E.
2. Hot Work Permit to be completed prior commencement of hot work.
3. Duty Engineer / 2nd Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the work site is safe for hot work.
4. A portable fire extinguisher and a charged hose to be kept standby till completion of work.
5. Where required a check for flammable vapors and sufficient O2 also to be carried out.
6. Upon completion of the job, the person supervising the job is to close the PERMIT for the job completed and materials and equipment to be withdrawn. The completed permit to be returned to the Master for filing.

 

B) ENTERING CONFINED SPACES

 

     

 

1. Duty Engineer / 2nd Engineer will be responsible for inspection, gas freeing and ventilation of the space.
2. Enclosed space entry permit is to be completed and filed.
3. One responsible person is to remain at the entrance to the confined space, in constant touch with the party entering. Entry Permit to be displayed at entrance. SCBA set to be kept standby at entrance.
4. Master / Chief Engineer to be informed prior entry & after completion of work.

 

C) PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

     

 

1. All E/Room personnel are to be in proper working clothes including full sleeved boiler suits, safety shoes, ear protectors, helmet and working gloves whilst at work.
2. Proper protective gear should be used while handling chemicals, welding, checking batteries, grinding, chipping, etc.

 

D) ENGINEER’S CALL

 

 

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In case any urgent assistance is required due to malfunction of any equipment or Emergency. All Engineers can be alerted & called immediately using the Engineer’s Call Alarm.

 

 

 

E)  GENERAL GUIDANCE TO PERSONNEL SAFETY

 

     

 

1. Ensure adequate illumination at work place.
2. Lash and secure all loose equipment especially prior heavy weather.
3. All passages and exits to be kept clear always.
4. Warning notices to be put up and guards to be installed when floor plates are removed for any work.
5. While working on elevated places, all safety precautions to be observed. Inspect ladders / lifting gear, use safety belt, have assistance and complete working aloft checklist.
6. Clean up any oil spill immediately.
7. Always isolate and check circuits prior any work on switchgear and motors.
8. All E/Room personnel should have knowledge of all escape routes from the E/Room and should be able to distinguish the various alarms with special reference to CO2 alarm.
9. Never try to lift very heavy objects on your own. Use lifting equipment or get assistance.
10. Use correct sized spanners to avoid injury to user & damage to fastenings.
11. Duct Keel Entrances (if applicable) and Steering Compartment Entrance to be kept closed and securely dogged down when not in use.

F) HANDLING CHEMICALS

 

    

 

 

1. Read Material Safety Data Sheets and be aware of hazards involved.
2. Use proper protective gear. Face shield, vinyl gloves & apron.
3. Use proper equipment to transfer chemicals. Avoid spillage on to deck or self. Never attempt to transfer chemicals using a tube and siphoning by mouth.
4. Do not attempt to transfer chemicals in heavy weather. Ask for assistance if unavoidable.
5. Acids and Alkalis to be stowed in a segregated manner in the dedicated Chemical locker only.
6. When mixing acid or alkali with water always add acid / alkali to water.
7. Clean and put back all safety gear and drums after use.

G)  ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE PORT

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

1. Inform Chief Engineer when 2 hours’ notice given.
2. Carry out all checks and tests as per the concerned checklist, log and file.
3. Notify Chief Engineer immediately in case of any equipment defect or malfunction.
4. Positively ensure that Steering gear, Aux Engines,Emergency Generator,Maneuvering System,Mooring Equipment and Air Compressors are in good order.
5. Record all movements and observations in movement book.

H) GENERAL

 

 

    

 

 

1. All engineers should be familiar with the operation of all machinery in engine room in Normal as well as Emergency mode.
2. All Engineers should read, understand and sign Company S&Q Manuals.
3. All E/Room personnel should be familiar with SEQ checklists / procedures and comply with them. 
4. Boiler Water and Cooling Water tests should be carried out and recorded regularly. Enter results in Log Book.
5. Do not always rely on high level alarms when filling tanks, check level physically.
6. Always ensure all drain trays and save all’s on deck are unplugged to prevent accidental water ingress especially during heavy weather.
7. All shore assisted maintenance will be supervised by Chief Engineer / 2nd Engineer. Never rely completely on “The Experts”.
8. All personnel to inform concerned Officer / Engineer before proceeding on shore leave.
9. Never hesitate to call the Chief Engineer at any time if in any doubt whatsoever.

 

An additional special / specific instruction received from the Chief Engineer is recorded in his “Night Order Book” as and when required.

 

Orders received from Bridge Duty Officer are recorded in the Engine Log Book / Movement (Bell) book depending upon the nature of request.