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This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (July 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

An engine department or engineering department is an organizational unit aboard a ship that is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the propulsion systems and the support systems for crew, passengers, and cargo. It is also responsible for repairing and maintaining other systems on the ship, such as the ship engine, fuel oil, lubrication, water distillation,separation process, lighting, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

The engine department emerged with the arrival of marine engines for propulsion, largely during the later half of the 19th century. Due to advances in marine technology during the 20th century, the engineering department aboard merchant ships is considered equally important as the deck department, since trained engineers are required to handle the machinery on a ship.

Nowadays due to the increase in automation on merchant vessels and the increase in the unattended machinery spaces (UMS) aboard them, the number of seafaring engineers has decreased drastically on board merchant ships. Today, the engine department usually consists of the following number of engineers and ratings:

• (1) Chief engineer
• (1) Second engineer
• (1) Third engineer
• (1-2) Fourth engineer
• (2-4) Motorman (unlicensed Junior Engineer)
• (0-1) Engine Cadet (unlicensed Trainee engineer)
• (0-2) Oiler
• (0-1) Wiper

Additionally, many vessels also carry a specific, Electricial engineer known as an Electro-Technical officer.

See also

• Engineering officer (ship)
• Engine room
• List of maritime colleges
• Marine fuel management
• Seafarer's professions and ranks
• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
• Marine Engineers Network

References

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (November 2008) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

1. Wise Geek: What is the Engine Department on a US Merchant Ship?

• Marine occupations
• Merchant navy
• Maritime safety