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In maritime transportation, the engine department or engineering department is an organizational unit aboard a ship that is responsible for the operating the propulsion systems and the support systems for crew, passengers and cargo. This work is carried out by marine engineering officers who, in the United States, usually train via cadet ships sponsored by a variety of maritime organizations. Marine engineering cadets from most countries are sponsored during training by a shipping company, serving their time on board ships owned by that company. Many go on to work as Engineering Officers with their sponsoring company once training is complete.
Marine engineering officers are responsible for propulsion and other systems such as: electrical power generation plant; lighting; fuel oil; lubrication; water distillation and separation; air conditioning; refrigeration; and water systems on board the vessel. They require knowledge and hands-on experience with electrical power, electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, chemistry, steam generation, gas turbines and even nuclear technology on certain military and civilian vessels.
Marine engineer officers emerged with the arrival of marine engines for propulsion, largely during the latter half of the 19th century. It is only during the twentieth century that they have gained recognition as highly trained and responsible individuals. Nowadays, engineering officers are regarded as the equals of their counterparts on deck.
Engine Department Ranks (typical for a British Merchant Vessel - US equivalents in italics):
- Chief Engineer: In charge of the engine department. Reports only to the Master. Sometimes considered the equal of the Chief Officer, the Chief Engineer's training, responsibility and rank are all superior to those required for a Chief Mate.
- Second Engineer 1st Assistant Engineer: In charge of the day-to-day running of the engine department. Often in charge of main engine maintenance. Takes the 4-8 watch.
- Third Engineer 2nd Assistant Engineer: Usually in charge of boilers and auxiliary engines. Takes the 12-4 watch.
- Fourth Engineer 3rd Assistant Engineer: Usually in charge of air compressors, purifiers and other auxiliary machinery. Takes the 8-12 watch.
- Junior Engineer: No official responsibilities - this rank is reserved for those who are qualified as Fourth Engineers but lack the experience necessary to take a watch.
- Cadet: A trainee officer. Understudies the other engine department personnel.
- Machinist/Fitter: A rating (or petty officer) who is specialised in fabrication, welding, etc.
- Motorman: A qualified engine rating who stands a watch with the Engineer Officer, as well as performing menial tasks and assisting Engineering Officers during maintenance.
- Oiler: A rating who is responsible for ensuring that machinery is adequately lubricated. Performs menial tasks such as cleaning, sounding tanks etc.
- Wiper: The lowest rating in the engine room and is tasked with keeping the machinery spaces clean and tidy. Wipers usually go on to become oilers once they are familiar with engine room machinery and specific routines.
- ETO: Officer who is responsible for the maintenance of electrical and electronic equipment.
- Electrical Officer: Officer who is responsible for the maintenance of electrical equipment, but not electronic equipment such as radars, VHF etc.
- Stoker: Now defunct, the stoker was an engine department rating with responsibility for shovelling coal into the boiler furnaces.
The oldest surviving marine engine was designed by William Symington in 1788. The ship 'Turbinia' first demonstrated the superiority of the steam-turbine engine, which is still used for marine propulsion today in some niche applications. In America, the University of Michigan's Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering can be tracked to an 1879 act of Congress, which authorized the U.S. Navy to assign a few officers to engineering training establishments around the country. Mortimer E. Cooley was the first lecturer in the department.
See also
- Engine room
- List of maritime colleges
- Marine fuel management
- Seafarer's professions and ranks
- Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
- Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Techonologists
References
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