How to Be a Proficient Marine Engineer

Should you happen to be a professional marine engineer, or aspire to be one, you would know that you would need both theoretical knowledge as well as practical hands-on experience to do your job effectively. The engine room of a ship would have an array of systems of machinery that marine engineers must be familiar with; provided below are some tips for handling this sophisticated machinery effectively. 

Understand procedures and be familiar with manuals 

Each ship as well as its systems of machinery would often be different from others. Therefore, it would be necessary for ship engineers to, first of all, have an understanding of the procedures for starting as well as stopping the machinery. You could obtain this knowledge by referring to manuals and inquiring from seniors or colleagues. 

It would be vital for marine engineers to be very familiar with the manuals relating to the machinery systems. You could use this knowledge as the foundation of the troubleshooting techniques and maintenance schedules you would implement. Without a knowledge of the design and construction of the systems, you will be at a loss in an emergency scenario. 

Learn from records and seek out maintenance details 

All of the machinery in an engine room would have a history that marine engineers should study carefully. These records would reveal everything the machinery has undergone, including significant problems, accidents, overhaul operations and so on. You could use these records to plan the procedures for maintenance as well as troubleshooting. 

The previous maintenance reports would assist engineers in comprehending the problems experienced by the machinery and any recurring issues. By studying these reports, you would also be able to learn the tips and comments regarding the handling of each system. In this way, engineers could understand past issues and how machinery could be expected to behave during varied conditions. 

Track running hours and know clearances 

Ship engineers could plan and implement the maintenance procedures in accordance with the machinery’s running hours. Therefore, it would be vital to monitor the running hours to safeguard against any breakdown or failure of the machinery. It is vital that engineers conform to the running hours recommended by the manufacturers to keep the systems running smoothly. 

When it comes to routine maintenance, it would be imperative for engineers to have a good understanding of the clearances relating to different kinds of machinery. Engineers would be responsible for monitoring the clearances of the different components found in the engine room. 

Check alterations and know the required spare parts

Often, significant repair works would be implemented on the systems of machinery found on ships during maintenance procedures. During these procedures, parts of machinery could be altered; therefore, it would be vital for marine engineers to peruse past records to discover any alterations performed. 

An engineer must also have a thorough knowledge of the spare parts required for the ship’s machinery. These parts should be available in the vessel’s inventory for use during breakdown emergencies and when overhauling machinery. For marine engineering courses in Sri Lanka where you could learn more about the inner workings of a maritime vessel and issues faced by engineers, consider the likes of CINEC Campus which offer theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 

Be familiar with tests and log book parameters 

Ship engineers should also have a good knowledge of the tests relating to engine room systems and machinery. You would be expected to have an understanding of these tests as well as how they would be performed; these would include generator lube oil tests, boiler water tests and so on. 

Additionally, marine engineers must always refer to the logbook to ascertain the parameters relating to their machinery. In this way, they would be able to understand significant changes as well as frequent problems relating to the machinery. Should you be new to a ship, studying the logbook would be an excellent way to understand its systems.