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Apprenticeship training course

Small vessel chief engineer (level 4)

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Information about Small vessel chief engineer (level 4)

Leading the engineering function for small vessels (less than 9000 Kilowatt and less than 3,000 Gross Tonnage) unlimited area.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Understand the reason for determining voyage needs; fuel, lubricants, water, stores, expendables. [MCA]
  • Understand the necessity for routine maintenance and the reasons for maintaining records of machinery and its performance. [MCA]
  • Understand the consequences of sailing with certain items of machinery inoperative and the risks involved in doing so. [MCA]
  • Understand the (Chief Engineer’s) responsibilities and duties concerning bunkering or refuelling operations. [MCA]
  • The methods of dealing with fire on board ship. Prevention of the spread of fire. The organisation and direction of fire-fighting and lifesaving parties. [MCA]
  • Care and management of steering systems and bow thrusters. [MCA]
  • Care and management of pumping systems. [MCA]
  • Care and management of oily water separator equipment. [MCA]
  • (a) Construction, maintenance and operation of fire-fighting equipment, (b) Fire detection and prevention. [MCA]
  • (a) Codes of safe working practices, risk assessment, permit to work (entry into enclosed space, hot work, electrical work), (b) The dangers of entering enclosed spaces. [MCA]
  • Routine operational duties and the effect of legislation on engine room operations. [MCA]
  • Working principles and constructional details of marine engines, gears, clutches and ancillary equipment. [MCA]
  • Fuel oil, lubrication oil, and cooling systems of marine engines together with ancillary systems including filters, pumps, heat exchangers and controls. [MCA]
  • (a) Methods of manoeuvring, including bridge control systems, variable pitch propellers and bow thrusters, (b) Emergency controls. [MCA]
  • Working principles and constructional details of air compressors, air receivers and associated equipment. [MCA]
  • Operational testing and fault rectification of basic control systems and alarm panels. [MCA]
  • Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of marine engines and propulsion systems. [MCA]
  • Knowledge of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annexes and implementations. [MCA]
  • Principles of stability, water tight and watertight integrity, free surface effect and reserve buoyancy. [MCA]
  • Basic understanding of International Safety Management (ISM). [MCA]
  • Principles and constructional details of sensing, monitoring and measuring devices associated with marine equipment. [MCA]
  • Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of propulsive transmission systems, including thrust and shaft bearings, stern tubes and propellers. [MCA]
  • Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of bilge and ballast pumps, pumping and priming systems including pollution prevention equipment and systems. [MCA]
  • Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of steering and stabilizing systems including bow thrusters. [MCA]
  • Principles involved with operation, testing and maintenance of control and alarm systems associated with automatic operation of marine steam plant. [MCA]
  • Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of: a. marine diesel engines (medium and high speed); gearing systems and clutches; b. starting and reversing systems; c. cooling and lubrication systems; d. fuel oil preparation systems; e. air compressors, receivers and associated equipment; f. auxiliary diesel engines and associated equipment; g. control and alarm systems associated with automatic operation of a diesel plant. [MCA]
  • Methods of assessment of power output and diesel plant efficiency and action to be taken to maintain safe and efficient operation of plant. [MCA]
  • Methods of testing fuel oil, lubrication oil and cooling water and action to be taken to maintain safe conditions. [MCA]
  • Types of information issued by the MCA with respect to safety at sea. [MCA]
  • Responsibilities of a chief engineer officer with regard to the control and prevention of fire: a. precautions against fire or explosions, explosive mixtures and sources of ignition; b. principles and methods of fire prevention, detection and extinction in all areas of a ship; c. principles of the operation, testing and maintenance of fire detection and extinguishing systems; d. principles of the operation, testing and maintenance of fire pumps and associated pumping systems; e. control and organization of fire and damage control parties. [MCA]
  • Knowledge and understanding of applications and maintenance of ISM codes and system. [MCA]
  • Organisation and control procedures necessary for the safe and efficient operation in the Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS) mode. [MCA]
  • Principles of the operation, testing and maintenance of: a. alternators, generators, motors, switch gear and batteries; b. ac and dc distribution systems. [MCA]
  • Fault finding and rectification of faults in electrical systems. [MCA]
  • Administration duties of a chief engineer associated with: a. organisation and training of staff for normal and emergency duties; b. organisation of temporary and permanent repairs and surveys – Company approval and Classification society. [MCA]
  • Ensuring ship is in seaworthy condition prior to sailing taking into account nature of voyage. [MCA]
  • Dry docking, hull surveys and repairs. [MCA]
  • The introduction of increased automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in the maritime sector.
  • Project management techniques: setting objectives, planning and monitoring.
  • Commercial awareness; costing and budgeting principles.
  • Resource management considerations: cost, quality, safety, security, and environmental impact.
  • Problem solving tools and techniques: root cause analysis.
  • Marine industry terminology.
  • Communication techniques: verbal and written.
  • Report writing techniques.
  • Documentation requirements and importance.
  • Information technology: word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and presentation. IT applications for technical reporting.
  • Sustainability: current practices and developments in the sector.
  • Ethical practices.
  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion awareness.

Skills

  • Take personal emergency action onboard a vessel. [MCA]
  • Respond to emergencies onboard a vessel. [MCA]
  • Take control of survival craft and rescue boats. [MCA]
  • Take charge of an engine room watch. [MCA]
  • Prepare and operate vessel propulsion machinery and ancillary systems. [MCA]
  • Operate vessel ancillaries and service machinery. [MCA]
  • Operate and adjust vessel electrical systems. [MCA]
  • Carry out maintenance to vessel electrical machinery and systems. [MCA]
  • Carry out maintenance to vessel mechanical machinery and systems. [MCA]
  • Maintain personal health, safety and environmental standards onboard a vessel. [MCA]
  • Maintain safe, legal and effective working practices onboard a vessel. [MCA]
  • Maintain and enhance productive working relationships onboard a vessel. [MCA]
  • Identify costs and create a draft budget for sign-off.
  • Apply project management techniques.
  • Identify, organise, and use resources to complete tasks.
  • Diagnose problems. Resolve or escalate problems in line with responsibilities.
  • Review work to identify improvements.
  • Communicate verbally and in writing with others for example, colleagues and contractors onboard or ashore.
  • Complete documentation for example, machinery space logbook and oil record book.
  • Write technical reports.
  • Use information technology for example, word processing, spreadsheets, email, and presentation.

Behaviours

  • Promote and adopt a safety culture.
  • Committed to protecting the marine environment from pollution.
  • Take personal responsibility for their actions.
  • Committed to quality and continuous improvement.
  • Role-model equality and diversity expectations and requirements.
  • Actively pursue professional development to maintain and enhance their competence.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Engineering and manufacturing
Qualification level
4
Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
Course duration
48 months
Maximum funding
£16,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Small vessel chief engineer
  • Small vessel chief engineer officer

View more information about Small vessel chief engineer (level 4) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.