Model of Liberty Ship Engine at right
To propel the ship through the water a propeller is used at the stern. It must have an engine, either steam or internal combustion to turn it. Various smaller machines are necessary for the operation of the main engine. If a steam engine is used, boilers will be required to furnish the steam for the engine. Fuel and a place to store a sufficient amount for a long journey is also required. Tools and spare parts for the various machinery must be aboard. Sufficient fresh water for the crew and plant's needs and a place to store it is necessary. It must be remembered that a ship is a virtual floating city which must be able to maintain itself and effect necessary repairs independent of any outside help for considerable periods of time.
The safety of the ship is dependent to a considerable degree on you Firemen, Watertenders and Oilers, for one of the most important needs of a ship's power plant is a well trained and competent engine room crew. The best machinery is no better than the men who operate it and care for it.
The members of the Engine Department with brief mention of their duties are listed according to their rank and authority.
Licensed Officers
Chief Engineer -- In charge of and responsible for all of the machinery aboard ship.
First Assistant Engineer -- In charge of maintaining machinery in fireroom and engine room. Stands 4-8 watch.
Second Assistant Engineer -- Responsible for fuel oil, fresh water and care of the boilers. Stands 12-4 watch.
Third Assistant Engineer -- Maintains electrical equipment and auxiliaries under direction of the first assistant. Stands 8-12 watch.
Junior Engineer -- (May or may not be licensed.) Stands engine room or fireroom watch under regular watch engineer on larger ships.
Unlicensed Qualified Members of the Crew
Deck Engineer -- Keeps in repair all deck machinery, such as cargo winches, anchor windlass, etc. Works day work.
Oiler- -- Oils the bearings of the main engine and auxiliaries. Stands watch in engine room.
Watertender -- Maintains proper water level in boilers and has charge of firemen. Stands watch in fireroom.Fireman -- Operates oil burning system to generate steam in boilers and on small and medium sized vessels also acts as watertender. Stands watch in fireroom.
Unlicensed and Unqualified Member of the Crew
Wiper -- Performs manual labor in engine department, such as cleaning and painting and assists in repair work. Works day work.
Unlicensed Members Carried on Some Vessels in Addition to Above
Machinist -- Performs necessary machine repair work. Works day work.
Refrigerating Engineer -- Operates and maintains refrigeration systems on refrigerator vessels.
Electrician -- Carried on vessels which have considerable electrical equipment.
Pumpman -- Always carried on tanker vessels. Operates and maintains cargo pumps and valves.
Storekeeper -- Keeps check on supplies and spare parts on large vessels.
The importance of the duties of each member of the crew cannot be overemphasized.
Should the fireman through neglect or ignorance allow the water level in the boilers to drop below the lowest safe point, serious damage may occur with resultant loss of use of the boilers and stoppage of the ship's engine.
Likewise, should the oiler burn up a bearing on the engine, the engine may have to be stopped for repairs.
These events are serious in that the stopped vessel would have to drop out of convoy making it easy prey for attack. A smoking stack may give away your position to the enemy and bring on attack.
It is therefore evident that these duties must be carried out by men who know their business. No one in training can afford to waste a single moment of the time, for your life may depend on what you know. Close attention should be paid to all lectures and practical work. The manual should be thoroughly read and understood and kept with you for reference when you go aboard ship.
The prompt execution of orders is an absolute necessity for safety of the vessel and crew. Delay in the closing or opening of a valve for example can result in serious damage.