1ST/2ND ENGINEER (OIL&CHEMICAL TANKER SHIP)

The 1st/Second Engineer is responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer in the safe, efficient, and reliable operation, maintenance, and supervision of the vessel's engine department.

The 1st/Second Engineer shall have direct responsibility for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of assigned machinery and systems, supervision of engine room personnel, and ensuring compliance with company procedures, international maritime regulations, and methanol-related safety requirements.

The 1st/Second Engineer shall act as the designated deputy to the Chief Engineer and assume the Chief Engineer's responsibilities when required.

Key Responsibilities

A. Engine Room Operations

• Assist the Chief Engineer in managing the daily activities of the engine department.

• Supervise the operation and maintenance of the main engine and auxiliary machinery as assigned.

• Ensure machinery operates safely and efficiently within approved operating parameters.

• Monitor machinery performance, temperatures, pressures, lubricating oil levels, and fuel consumption.

• Ensure proper engine room watchkeeping arrangements.

• Carry out regular machinery inspections and identify abnormalities at an early stage.

• Ensure proper recording of engine room parameters in logbooks and operational records.

• Maintain good housekeeping and cleanliness throughout the engine room.

B. Planned Maintenance and Repair

• Supervise and coordinate routine maintenance and repair work.

• Ensure implementation of the Planned Maintenance System (PMS).

• Arrange machinery overhauls, inspections, and servicing according to the maintenance schedule.

• Monitor the condition of main engine components, generators, pumps, compressors, purifiers, boilers, and other machinery.

• Ensure maintenance work is properly documented and reported to the Chief Engineer.

• Identify machinery defects and recommend corrective actions.

• Ensure proper use and maintenance of tools, workshop equipment, and spare parts.

• Supervise engine ratings during maintenance activities.

C. Methanol Fuel System Safety and Maintenance

Where the vessel is fitted with methanol fuel systems, the Second Engineer shall:

• Assist the Chief Engineer in maintaining methanol fuel storage, transfer, and supply systems.

• Monitor the operational condition of methanol fuel pumps, valves, pipelines, filters, and associated equipment.

• Ensure methanol fuel system inspections and maintenance are carried out according to approved procedures.

• Monitor the condition and operational readiness of methanol leak detection and gas detection systems.

• Ensure alarms, ventilation arrangements, emergency shutdown systems, and safety interlocks are maintained.

• Ensure proper isolation and permit-to-work procedures before maintenance activities.

• Ensure personnel use appropriate PPE when working in areas where methanol exposure is possible.

• Report any suspected leakage, abnormal conditions, or equipment malfunction immediately to the Chief Engineer.

D. Cargo Operation Support – Methanol Tanker

• Assist in maintaining machinery and equipment required for safe cargo operations.

• Ensure readiness of relevant cargo pumps, stripping pumps, hydraulic systems, compressors, and other associated machinery, as applicable.

• Coordinate with the Chief Officer and deck department during cargo loading and discharging operations.

• Monitor machinery performance during cargo transfer operations.

• Ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness of equipment used for tank cleaning and cargo handling.

• Assist in maintaining cargo-related machinery records and maintenance documentation.

• Ensure engine department personnel are familiar with their responsibilities during cargo operations.

E. Watchkeeping Responsibilities

• Keep engine room watches as assigned by the Chief Engineer.

• Ensure continuous monitoring of machinery and associated systems during watchkeeping duties.

• Monitor the main engine, generators, boilers, pumps, and auxiliary machinery.

• Respond promptly to machinery alarms and abnormal operating conditions.

• Maintain accurate engine room watchkeeping records.

• Ensure proper handover and communication with the relieving engineer.

• Maintain readiness of machinery during manoeuvring, port operations, and emergency situations.

F. Safety and Environmental Protection

• Ensure compliance with the vessel's Safety Management System (SMS).

• Follow company procedures for Permit to Work, Risk Assessment, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).

• Conduct toolbox meetings before maintenance and repair activities.

• Ensure safe handling and storage of chemicals, lubricants, and hazardous substances.

• Prevent oil spills, chemical contamination, and accidental discharge.

• Ensure proper segregation and disposal of engine room waste.

• Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, and machinery defects to the Chief Engineer.

• Participate in safety inspections, internal audits, and external inspections.

G. Emergency Preparedness

• Assist the Chief Engineer during machinery-related emergencies.

• Be familiar with emergency procedures and assigned emergency duties.

• Ensure readiness of emergency machinery and equipment.

• Participate in regular emergency drills, including:

  • Engine room fire.

  • Methanol leakage.

  • Methanol fire.

  • Toxic vapour exposure.

  • Main engine failure.

  • Generator failure and blackout.

  • Fuel system emergency shutdown.

  • Emergency generator operation.

• Assist in troubleshooting and restoring machinery following an emergency.

H. Personnel Supervision and Training

• Supervise and guide Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer, and engine ratings as assigned.

• Allocate daily maintenance duties under the direction of the Chief Engineer.

• Ensure junior engineers and ratings follow safe working practices.

• Provide onboard familiarisation and practical training.

• Monitor the performance and competency of engine department personnel.

• Encourage teamwork, discipline, and professional development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Valid Certificate of Competency as Second Engineer (STCW Regulation III/2), as applicable to vessel tonnage and propulsion power.

• Relevant sea service as Second Engineer or in a suitable engineering position.

• Experience on oil tankers, chemical tankers, or methanol tankers is preferred.

• Knowledge of marine diesel engines and auxiliary machinery.

• Knowledge of methanol handling hazards, including toxicity and flammability.

• Relevant IGF Code training and certification where required by the vessel's fuel arrangements and assigned duties.

• Good understanding of SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM Code, and applicable tanker regulations.

• Good troubleshooting, maintenance, and supervisory skills.

4. Technical Competencies

The Second Engineer should demonstrate competency in:

• Main engine operation and maintenance.

• Auxiliary engine and generator maintenance.

• Fuel oil and lubricating oil systems.

• Methanol fuel supply systems, where fitted.

• Purifiers and filtration systems.

• Boilers and steam systems.

• Pumps, compressors, and hydraulic systems.

• Engine room automation and monitoring systems.

• Electrical and control systems.

• Emergency machinery and safety systems.

• Planned Maintenance System (PMS).

• Pollution prevention and environmental compliance.