OICEW Task 1.1.C

Keep watch (Steam)

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 17-14 Task 1.1.C , 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:

.2 Routine duties undertaken during a watch

Condition Behavior Standard

On a steam 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 Section A-VIII/2 part 3-2, describing each step as executed and making all necessary inspections and site visits required to understand and verify the status of the watch and machinery.


Note 1 A candidate who does not perform this task will receive an endorsement that is not valid for steam vessels.

The candidate:

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

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

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

  4. Records all pertinent system, equipment and machinery pressures and temperatures during the watch;

  5. Inspects and records:

    a. The level in the fuel oil settling tank;

    b. The level in main engine lube-oil sump, ship’s service turbo generator sump, and lube-oil storage tanks are within minimum and maximum limits and notes any transfers in progress;

    c. The main boiler steam pressures and temperatures, forced draft fan pressures, uptake pressure and temperature, fuel-oil and feed pump discharge pressures, de-aerating feed tank pressure and temperature, condensate temperature, bleed steam pressures, etc;

    d. The available potable, make-up feed, and reserved feedwater tanks are within minimum and maximum limits and notes any transfers in progress;

    e. Refrigeration compressor suction and discharge pressures and temperatures;

    f. Air conditioning compressor suction and discharge pressures and temperatures, chill water cooler circulating pump discharge pressure, and outlet and return temperatures;

    g. That the potable water and sanitary systems hydro- pneumatic tanks water level are at half-full and the air charge is at the recommended pressure with the pump cycled off;

    h. That the ship service system and control air compressor lube-oil levels are within the normal range on the dipstick, recording the each compressed air system pressure;

    i. That the moisture from the compressed air systems moisture separating device and air receivers are drained;

    j. Generator amps, kVA, and frequency;

    k. Lube-oil centrifuge oil input pressure and temperature;

    l. Waste-oil tank level;

    m. Saltwater evaporator feed, saltwater cooling and air conditioning/refrigeration system saltwater supply pump discharge pressures, if so equipped;

    n. Sea temperature;

    o. Bilge-water holding tank has been sounded and recorded;

    p. Stern-tube supply pump discharge pressure and temperature;

    q. That the engine-room and cargo-hold bilge wells have been de-watered according to level, draft, and heel of the vessel; and

    r. That all required entries have been appropriately made in the engine room log book;

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

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