OICEW Task 3.1.A

Test internal communications

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 17-14 Task 3.1.A , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Use internal communication systems

OICEW-A3.1 Operation of all internal communication systems on board
Condition Behavior Standard

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

the candidate demonstrates the ability to test internal communications, (e.g., sound powered phones and dial telephones, portable hand-held radios, engine order telegraphs or remote propulsion control devices, alarm systems, and the ship’s whistle) in support of testing propulsion control, maneuvering, and steering functionality.


All The assessment is required for all OICEW endorsements regardless of any limitations for propulsion mode and/or vessel equipment.

The candidate:

  1. Within the required time prior to Standby, coordinates with the officer in charge of the navigation watch the time at which the engine order telegraphs or remote propulsion control devices will be tested;

  2. Uses the engine-room phone to notify the bridge that the engine department is ready to test the engine order telegraphs or remote propulsion control devices;

  3. Responds to movement of the engine room telegraph, notifies bridge of any discrepancies, and logs them in the engine room log book;

  4. Responds to notification from the bridge of any failures encountered during testing of the ship’s sound signals;

  5. Asks the bridge to sound the ship’s whistle;

  6. Telephones the senior engineer in the steering-gear room when the bridge makes notification that it is ready to test the steering gear;

  7. Assists the senior engineer in contacting the navigation bridge when ready to test the steering gear;

  8. During testing of the steering gear, observes the “run” indicator lights and power failure alarms and makes note that they are functional;

  9. Receives the report from the bridge that the testing of the ship’s internal communications, whistle, engine order telegraph, and steering gear have been completed;

  10. Makes an entry in the engine room log book noting the time all gear was tested; and

  11. Prepares the engine-room bell log, if applicable, noting the time that all gear was tested.