OICEW Task 1.1.B

Keep watch (Motor)

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 17-14 Task 1.1.B , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Maintain a safe engineering watch

OICEW-A1.1 Thorough knowledge of principles to be observed in keeping an engineering watch, including:

Routine duties undertaken during a watch

Condition Behavior Standard

On a motor vessel of at least 1,000 HP at sea, on a simulator, or in a laboratory,

the candidate assumes and keeps the engineering watch in accordance with STCW Code (A-VIII/2 part 3-2), describing each step as executed and makes all necessary inspections and site visits required to understand and verify the status of the watch and machinery.


Note 5 A candidate who does not perform this task will receive an endorsement that is not valid for motor vessels.

The candidate:

  1. Reads and understands all standing orders and special instructions;

  2. Identifies work being performed, and identifies and describes personnel involved and potential hazards in the engine room;

  3. Conducts a complete round of the plant, inspecting all lubricating-oil levels and adding lube-oil as necessary;

  4. Records pertinent system, equipment and machinery pressures and temperatures;

  5. Ensures that:

    a. The water level in the freshwater expansion tank for main and auxiliary engine is half-full;

    b. The level or capacity in the fuel oil settling and day (service) tanks are within minimum and maximum limits and notes any transfers in progress;

    c. The level or capacity in main engine lube-oil sump or sump tank, auxiliary engine lube-oil sumps, and lube-oil storage tanks are within minimum and maximum limits and notes any transfers in progress;

    d. The water levels or capacities in potable, non-potable fresh, and distilled-water tanks are within minimum and maximum limits and notes any transfers in progress;

    e. Refrigeration machinery operating parameters are monitored and recorded;

    f. Air conditioning machinery operating parameters are monitored and recorded;

    g. Potable and non-potable water systems hydro- pneumatic tank water level are maintained at approximately half-full and the air charge pressures are maintained at recommended levels;

    h. Ship service air compressor lube-oil levels and compressed air system operating parameters are monitored, recorded, and maintained within the normal range;

    i. Ship service air compressor lube-oil level is within the normal range, recording the ship service system air compressor air discharge temperature and cooling water inlet/outlet temperatures and air flask pressure;

    j. The moisture from the ship service system air compressor intercooler, air moisture separating device, and air flasks/receiver are drained;

    k. The electricity generating plant voltage, current, power, power factor, and frequency are inspected;

    l. Engine lubricating oil conditioning equipment (including purifiers and filtration equipment) operating parameters are monitored and recorded;

    m. Waste-oil tank level is monitored and recorded;

    n. Sea temperature is recorded;

    o. Bilge-water holding tank soundings are recorded;

    p. Stern-tube bearing lubrication operating parameters are monitored and recorded;

    q. Compressed air is made available on deck in support of vessel operational requirements;

    r. He or she has de-watered the engine-room and cargo- hold bilge wells according to level, draft, and heel of the vessel;

    s. Wash water is made available on deck in support of vessel operational requirements; and

    t. All required entries have been appropriately made in the engine room log book;

  6. Answers maneuvering orders in engine-room control; and

  7. Takes proper action to prevent safety and pollution violations.