Watch duties, terminology, and instrumentation

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 9 §9.1

Engineering Watchkeeping On small commercial vessels without a separate engineer, the captain or designated crewmember inspects the engine room hourly: oil level, coolant level, gauge readings, leaks, unusual noises or smells, exhaust appearance.

46 CFR §113.35-1

§ 113.35-1 -1 Definitions. As used in this subpart: (a) Indicator means an instrument in the engine room to receive and acknowledge engine orders; and (b) Transmitter means an instrument to send engine orders to the engineroom and receive acknowledgement from the engineroom.

46 CFR §62.25-20

§ 62.25-20 -20 Instrumentation, alarms, and centralized stations. (a) General. Minimum instrumentation and alarms required for specific types of automated vital systems are listed in table 1 to § 62.35-50. (b) Instrumentation Location. (1) Manual control locations, including remote manual control and manual alternate control, must be provided with the instrumentation necessary for safe operation from that location. Note 1 to paragraph (b)(1): Typically, instrumentation includes means to monitor the output of the monitored system. (2) Systems with remote instrumentation must have provisions for the installation of instrumentation at the monitored system equipment. (3) The status of automatically or remotely controlled vital auxiliaries, power sources, switches, and valves must be visua…

NAVEDTRA 14067 §1-1

Types of watches and the lookout A watch is a period of duty during which a crew member is responsible for a specific task. Underway, the deck watches most relevant to a deck rating are the helmsman (steering), the lookout, and the messenger/ standby. The lookout's duty is to keep a proper watch by sight and hearing and to report everything seen or heard that may affect the safety of the ship — other vessels, lights, buoys and other aids to navigation, floating objects, land, discolored water, and any distress signal. Reports are made by relative bearing using the clock system or points: dead ahead is "dead ahead," and objects are reported as, for example, "ship, two points on the starboard bow" or "buoy, broad on the port beam." The lookout also reports the object's approximate range and…

NAVEDTRA 14075 Ch. 1 — Responsibilities ¶1

As a first class or chief petty officer aboard ship, you may be required to assist the division officer in organizing, supervising, and instructing other personnel in their military duties as well as in their specialties. This duty includes assisting in the assignment of watch stations and other duties. Every watch in the engineering department is a vital part of the ship’s maintenance and operation program. The engineer officer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the main engines and auxiliary machinery. However, the EN1s or ENCs and the personnel they supervise on the various watches actually do most of the work. Therefore, it is very important that the petty officers in charge learn and understand the extent of their responsibility to the engineer officer. Engineering Of…

NAVEDTRA 14075 Ch. 1 — Responsibilities ¶2

period as the duty office, and reports to that officer. and that the prescribed pressure is maintained in the firemain. Standing Watches As a watchstander, you will be the “eyes” of the engineering department. You will be responsible for the orderly appearance and cleanliness of your assigned station. Prior to standing watch, you should thoroughly inspect all existing conditions, such as the operating condition of machinery and firefighting equipment. You should also check your assigned area for leaks and potential fire hazards. If a casualty occurs, you should take immediate steps to control it, as well as promptly notify the proper authority. Except in emergencies, the engineroom auxiliary watch does not make any changes such as stopping, starting, or shifting ship’s service generators w…