The engine department is crucial for the maintenance and operation of a US merchant ship’s equipment, including sewage, air conditioning, lighting, and water. Entry-level roles include cleaner and wiper, while QMED positions include electrician, machinist, and refrigeration technician. Licensed positions include first, second, and third assistant engineer, with the chief engineer being in charge of the entire department and reporting to the ship’s captain.
The engine department on a United States flagged merchant ship is an extremely important department. Responsible for all maintenance and operation of electrical and mechanical equipment. In addition to the engines in the engine room, the crew in the engine department is responsible for all sewage, air conditioning, lighting, and water on the ship. Without the engine department, the ship would not move, nor would it be very pleasant to be on it.
A cleaner is the entry level position in the motor department. The name comes from the role of working on old-fashioned boats, with a cleaner actually cleaning the equipment, as well as watching and learning from more experienced members of the engine department. Today the wiper is more like a “gofer”, helping out and helping everyone else in the department.
After serving as a windshield wiper, a sailor may become an oiler; Responsible for making sure the ship’s equipment is properly oiled. Other unlicensed positions include electrician, machinist, and refrigeration technician. All of these jobs are considered QMED positions, who are qualified members of the Motor Department. By the time someone has mastered all of QMED’s responsibilities, they are a junior engineer, the highest unlicensed position available in the engine department.
A first assistant engineer, second assistant engineer, and third assistant engineer are all licensed positions, and these engineers have passed a Coast Guard test for licensing. Before a sailor can test for any of these licensed positions, he must have completed a certain amount of time at sea.
A first assistant engineer (referred to in some countries as the second engineer) is the right hand (or female) of the chief engineer. She reports directly to the chief engineer and is responsible for the main engines, cooling systems, and any other equipment in the engine department that has not been assigned to a second, third, or fourth assistant engineer.
Often referred to simply as the “Chief,” the Chief Engineer is the head of the engine department of a United States merchant ship and carries great responsibility. He is in charge of the entire department and is responsible for supervising all mechanical and electrical equipment on board the ship. The chief engineer reports directly to the ship’s captain.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
