HK Engine Operator Grade 3 key terms

The duty of monitoring and tending propulsion, steering and auxiliary machinery during an assigned period, including regular rounds, log entries, alarm response and correct handover to the relieving engineer.

The formal transfer of responsibility between engineers, covering machinery condition, ongoing jobs, abnormal readings, isolation permits and standing orders, so the relieving officer takes over with full awareness.

The official record of machinery parameters, fuel and water transfers, tank soundings, alarms, defects and actions taken; entries are made at prescribed intervals and kept for inspection by authorities.

A class notation allowing the engine room to run without a continuous watch, relying on alarms, automatic shutdowns, fire detection and a call-out system to alert a duty engineer.

A timer-based alarm in the engine room or machinery control room that must be reset periodically by the watchkeeper, proving the person on watch is conscious and active.

The panel and sensors that annunciate high temperature, low pressure, low level, overspeed and similar faults, with an audible alarm and visual indication identifying the affected parameter.

Automatic stopping or tripping of machinery, such as the main engine or a generator, when a parameter passes a safe limit; the cause must be found and corrected before restart.

A protective device that stops an engine or turbine if its speed exceeds a set limit, preventing runaway and mechanical failure; it is tested periodically and its setting is not adjusted at sea.

The propulsion machinery driving the propeller shaft, usually a slow-speed two-stroke diesel; its starting, manoeuvring, fuel changeover and stopping are controlled from the bridge or engine control room.

An engine driving an alternator or other service load rather than propulsion, supplying electrical power for pumps, lighting, navigation equipment and accommodation when the ship is at sea or in port.

A boiler producing steam for fuel heating, accommodation services and tank cleaning; its water level, burner, safety valves and gauge glasses require routine checks and periodic inspection.

The arrangement of compressors, air receivers, reducing valves and distributor that supplies compressed air to turn the main engine for starting and manoeuvring; receiver pressure must be maintained above the minimum.

The control position, usually on the bridge or in the engine control room, from which engine speed, direction and starting air are ordered and executed during arrival, departure and restricted waters.

Remote operation of the main engine from the wheelhouse by telegraph or lever, with the engine room on standby; transfer between bridge and local control follows an agreed procedure with confirmation.

The controlled switch between heavy fuel oil and distillate for main engine operation, managing viscosity and temperature so that injection and pumping remain within the engine maker's limits.

A centrifugal separator that removes water and solid contaminants from fuel before it reaches the engine; correct bowl speed, temperature, throughput and sludge discharge are essential to protect pumps and injectors.

A storage tank where fuel is left to stand so that water and heavy sediment settle to the bottom before the fuel is drawn off for purification and service use.

Measuring the depth of liquid in a tank with a tape, float or gauge to determine quantity and detect changes; soundings are logged and compared with expected consumption or transfer figures.

The piping, valves and pumps used to collect and remove water accumulating in the bottom of the engine room and other spaces, discharging through an oily water separator or to a reception facility.

Equipment that treats engine room bilge water so the oil content of the discharge is within the permitted limit, typically 15 ppm; it must be operated with its alarm and stopping device working.

The monitor fitted to an oily water separator that detects oil content above the permitted limit and automatically stops discharge overboard, diverting the effluent back to a holding tank.

A statutory record of oil transfers, bilge discharges, sludge disposal and bunkering operations, signed by the officer in charge and available for inspection by port state control.

A tank receiving waste oil, fuel purifier sludge and contaminated residues, which must be disposed of ashore through a licensed reception facility and recorded in the oil record book.

The international convention annex controlling pollution by oil, setting discharge limits, equipment requirements and record-keeping duties for machinery spaces and cargo operations.

The three elements needed for combustion: fuel, oxygen and heat. Removing any one of them extinguishes a fire, which is the basis for choosing between cooling, smothering and starvation.

A permanently installed arrangement such as foam, CO2, water mist or sprinkler protecting the engine room, activated from outside the space after confirming the space is evacuated and sealed.

A scheduled exercise rehearsing alarm response, muster, boundary cooling, shutdown of machinery and use of extinguishing equipment, recorded in the log and assessed for improvement.

The marked assembly point where crew and passengers report on hearing the general emergency alarm, receive instructions and are accounted for during drills and real emergencies.

A standby generating set, usually diesel driven and located outside the main machinery space, that starts automatically on loss of main power to supply steering, lighting and essential services.

Total loss of electrical power causing loss of propulsion, steering and lighting; the duty engineer must restore the emergency supply, restart generators and investigate the cause.

A written authorisation for hazardous maintenance such as hot work, entry into enclosed spaces or work on live systems, setting out isolations, precautions, supervision and a validity period.

Entry into a tank, void or other confined space, permitted only after testing for oxygen and toxic or flammable gas, with ventilation, a standby person and rescue arrangements in place.

A portable or fixed instrument measuring oxygen, hydrocarbon vapour, carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide, calibrated before use to give reliable readings before and during enclosed space entry.

The practice of closing and locking valves, switching off and locking breakers, and tagging equipment before maintenance so machinery cannot be started or fluid released unexpectedly.

Local legislation regulating the registration, manning, safety and operation of Hong Kong vessels, including the powers of inspectors and the duties placed on owners and operators.

The Hong Kong government department responsible for port administration, vessel registration and licensing, inspection, pollution control and enforcement of local shipping regulations.

The certificate issued for a vessel plying Hong Kong waters, defining its permitted class, area of operation, passenger or cargo limits and required manning and safety equipment.

The qualification issued to a seafarer who meets the examination, sea service and medical requirements for a grade, authorising them to serve in the corresponding engineering or deck role.

Inspection of foreign vessels calling at a port to verify compliance with international conventions; deficiencies may lead to detention until rectified, and results are published.