CHIEF ENGINEER (OIL&CHEMICAL TANKER)

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and management of the vessel's main propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery, engine room systems, and technical equipment.

The Chief Engineer shall ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all engineering systems, with particular emphasis on methanol fuel handling, toxic cargo hazards, fire prevention, environmental protection, and compliance with international maritime regulations.

Key Responsibilities

A. Engine Room Management

• Take overall responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the engine department.

• Supervise the operation and maintenance of the main engine, auxiliary engines, boilers, generators, pumps, compressors, and other machinery.

• Ensure machinery is maintained

• Monitor machinery performance, fuel consumption, lubricating oil consumption, and operational efficiency.

• Ensure adequate spare parts, tools, and technical supplies are available.

• Maintain engine room cleanliness, housekeeping, and safe working conditions.

B. Methanol Fuel System Management

• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of the methanol fuel supply system, where fitted.

• Monitor methanol fuel storage, transfer, bunkering, treatment, and supply arrangements.

• Ensure compliance with the IGF Code, applicable class requirements, and company procedures.

• Ensure methanol fuel piping, pumps, valves, filters, ventilation, and associated safety systems are maintained in good condition.

• Ensure methanol leak detection, gas detection, alarm, shutdown, and emergency isolation systems are operational.

• Conduct regular inspections of methanol fuel installations.

• Ensure crew members understand methanol toxicity, flammability, exposure risks, and emergency response procedures.

• Verify appropriate PPE, chemical protective equipment, and emergency arrangements are available.

C. Cargo Operations – Methanol Tanker

• Coordinate with the Master and Chief Officer to ensure safe cargo operations.

• Maintain and supervise the operation of machinery associated with cargo handling, including cargo pumps, stripping systems, inert gas systems (where fitted), and related equipment.

• Ensure engine department support is available during cargo loading, discharging, tank cleaning, and cargo transfer operations.

• Ensure machinery and equipment are properly isolated before maintenance.

• Monitor the condition and operation of relevant cargo-related machinery.

• Maintain effective communication with the deck department during cargo operations.

D. Safety and Environmental Protection

• Ensure compliance with:

  • SOLAS.

  • MARPOL.

  • ISM Code.

  • STCW Convention.

  • International Code for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), where applicable.

  • IBC Code, as applicable to the vessel and cargo.

  • Company Safety Management System (SMS).

• Conduct regular safety inspections and toolbox meetings.

• Ensure proper implementation of Permit to Work (PTW), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and risk assessment procedures.

• Prevent oil pollution, chemical pollution, and accidental discharge.

• Ensure proper handling and disposal of engine room waste and hazardous substances.

E. Emergency Preparedness

• Take charge of engine department responsibilities during emergencies.

• Ensure emergency generators, fire pumps, emergency equipment, and essential machinery remain operational.

• Participate in emergency drills involving:

  • Methanol leakage.

  • Methanol fire.

  • Toxic vapour exposure.

  • Engine room fire.

  • Blackout.

  • Main engine failure.

  • Fuel system emergency shutdown.

• Ensure engine personnel are familiar with emergency procedures and their assigned duties.

F. Personnel Management

• Supervise, train, and evaluate engine department personnel.

• Allocate daily duties and ensure adequate supervision of maintenance activities.

• Promote a strong safety culture and teamwork.

• Ensure proper familiarisation of new joining engine crew.

• Conduct performance assessments and maintain training records.

3. Qualifications and Experience

• Valid Certificate of Competency as Chief Engineer, in accordance with STCW requirements.

• Relevant experience on oil, chemical, or methanol tanker vessels. ADVANCE METHANOL Certified by MPA

• Experience with low-flashpoint fuel systems is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of methanol fuel handling, toxicity, fire hazards, and emergency response.

• Relevant IGF Code training and certification, as applicable to the vessel's fuel arrangements and assigned duties.

• Good knowledge of engine room machinery, automation, and planned maintenance systems.

• Good understanding of international maritime regulations and safety management systems.

• Good leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

4. Technical Competencies

The Chief Engineer should demonstrate competency in:

• Main propulsion machinery operation and maintenance.

• Diesel generators and electrical power management.

• Boiler and steam systems.

• Fuel oil and methanol fuel supply systems, where fitted.

• Cargo-related machinery and pumping systems.

• Automation and control systems.

• Alarm, monitoring, and emergency shutdown systems.

• Pollution prevention and environmental compliance.

• Risk assessment and safe maintenance practices.

5. Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Master / Technical Superintendent.

• Supervises: Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer, Electrical Officer (if applicable), and Engine Ratings.

• Department: Engine Department.