GUIDANCE FOR ENGINE DEPARTMENT HARBOUR WATCH KEEPING

ENGINE ROOM OPERATIONS CONTROL

PURPOSE 

Nearly all shipboard accidents are caused through carelessness and lack
of forethought on the part of ship’s personnel. All personnel should be
reminded that their own safety and that of others is dependent upon
following safe working practices and codes at all times.

SCOPE 

These codes are addressed to everyone on a ship regardless of rank or
rating as the recommendations can be affective only if they are
understood by all and if all co-operate in their implementation. Those
not themselves actually engaged in a job in hand should be aware of what
is being done, so that they may avoid putting themselves at risk or
those concerned at risk by impeding or needlessly interfering with the
conduct of the work.

REFERENCE 

In no case should this procedure be regarded as supplanting or amending
relevant national and international requirements.The company recommends
reading thoroughly the MCA publication ‘Code of Safe Working Practices
for Merchant Seamen’.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Master should ensure that every risk to health and safety of
persons working onboard the vessel is properly evaluated.  Where it is
possible to remove or reduce a health or safety hazard, he should do so.

PROCEDURES 

The procedures can be found in the following sections: Guidance for Engine Department Harbour Watch Keeping Critical Equipment

GUIDANCE FOR ENGINE DEPARTMENT HARBOUR WATCH KEEPING

1. The watchkeeping engineer shall take the precautions below:

• Shall follow all orders, special operating procedures and rules
  relating to hazardous conditions and prevention of the same in spaces
  that fall under his responsibility
• Shall be aware of all the necessary techniques, methods and measures
  for preventing violations of pollution prevention rules of the regional
  authority.

2. The watchkeeping engineer shall: –

• Sound the alarm and adopt all possible measures to prevent damage to
  ship, cargo or injury to persons on board the ship, if  he deems it
  necessary in an emergency
• Be aware of the requirements of the chief officer with respect to
  additional requirements relating to ballasting and essential equipment
  for cargo loading and unloading
• Make rounds of the ship to check for loss of functionality or
  failure that may occur in equipment, and adopt repair measures promptly
  for ensuring the safety of the ship, safety while handling cargo, and
  safety of the port and environment
• Ensure that necessary preventive measures are adopted for preventing
  accidents or damage to various electrical systems, hydraulic systems,
  compressed air systems and mechanical systems on board the ship and
  within the scope of his responsibility
• Ensure that all important items that affect operations, adjustments
  and repairs of machinery  on the ship are properly recorded on Chief
  Engineer’s Log Book

3. Engineer watch in an unprotected anchorage

 If the ship is anchored in the open sea, the watchkeeping engineer shall ensure the following: –

• Watchkeeping is being carried out efficiently
• Periodic inspections are being carried out for all operating and standby machinery
• Propulsion machinery and auxiliary are maintained in a standby condition according to orders from the bridge
• Measures to protect the environment from pollution by the ship have
  been adopted, and the applicable pollution prevention rules are being
  followed
• All damage control system and fire extinguishing system are available for use.

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