Small vessel chief engineer
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 4 -
Leading the engineering function for small vessels (less than 9000 Kilowatt and less than 3,000 Gross Tonnage) unlimited area.
Reference: OCC0875
Status:
SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3512/02 Marine engineers
Technical Education Products
Employers involved in creating the standard:
Bibby Marine, Boluda Towage Europe, Border Force, Dalby Offshore, Forth Ports Towage (Tilbury), Gardline, Holyhead Towing, Portland Harbour Authority, Serco, SMS Towage, Solent Towage/Ostensjo, Svitzer
Summary
Small vessel chief engineers work in the maritime engineering sector.
Small vessel chief engineer (Chief Engineer Officer, less than 9000 Kilowatt, less than 3000 Gross Tonnage, unlimited area STCW Reg III/2) is a statutory regulated occupation. In the UK, it is regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The occupation relates to eight categories of small vessel, as defined by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. These are:
- fishing vessels
- yachts
- tugs
- workboats
- standby vessels
- seismic survey vessels
- oceanographic research vessels
- Government patrol vessels
The small vessel chief engineer occupational standard incorporates the MCA’s regulatory requirements. It also has additional knowledge, skills and behaviours required for competency in the occupation, as defined by employers. In this document the inclusion of 'MCA' following a knowledge or skill statement means it is required by and assessed by the MCA.
Small vessel chief engineers ensure the day-to-day operation of the engineering aspects of a small vessel at sea and alongside (not at sea). This includes the vessel’s engine and other machinery and the technical side of ‘hotel services’ such as heating and ventilation. They prepare and check engineering systems, order engineering stock and supplies including bunkering (fuelling), and ready the vessel and systems for going to sea. Whilst at sea, they monitor engineering systems - adjusting parameters to maximise performance and minimise waste, diagnose faults and conduct basic repairs and replace parts. On return from sea, they shut down vessel running machinery and maintain operational availability. Liaising with repair contractors, keeping records, reporting, and preparing for statutory surveys and dry dock are all part of the role.
They typically work for several weeks at a time on board, sleeping on board, followed by a similar length of time on leave. Although some operate patterns to enable them to return home at the end of the day. The detail will vary between different types of vessels, and individual companies.
They are a first responder to safety related alarms and defects, both when on duty and on emergency alarm call out. Even when not on duty, a small vessel chief engineer needs to act during emergencies.
In their daily work, they interact with the vessel’s Master – who has overall responsibility for the vessel. Plus other officers and crew responsible for the navigation of the vessel. Depending on the size and nature of the vessel, they may work on their own or within a small team of engineers. They report directly to the vessel’s Master. They have contact with a shore-based Superintendent - who has responsibility for the engineering aspects of several vessels. Plus repair contractors and regulatory personnel, such as classification society surveyors and Port State inspectors.
They are responsible for conducting their duties in line with health, safety and environmental policy, and company procedures. They must work within the legal requirements set by international and national bodies. This includes SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), local port requirements, and Port Marine Regulations. They can be personally prosecuted for failure to comply. They may have responsibility for the line management of more junior colleagues. They have budgetary responsibilities.
Employers involved in creating the standard:
Bibby Marine, Boluda Towage Europe, Border Force, Dalby Offshore, Forth Ports Towage (Tilbury), Gardline, Holyhead Towing, Portland Harbour Authority, Serco, SMS Towage, Solent Towage/Ostensjo, Svitzer
Typical job titles include:
Keywords:
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
Duties
Duty D1
Prepare, maintain, and check vessel engineering systems whilst alongside.
Duty D2
Monitor engineering operational parameters whilst vessel is at sea for example, engine temperatures, and fuel, and oil and water consumption, adjusting engine and propulsion parameters to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise pollution.
Duty D3
Take overall responsibility for the monitoring of vessel equipment and its operational readiness.
Duty D4
Undertake planned maintenance of engineering components in accordance with the planned vessel maintenance system and manage others undertaking maintenance. Recommend improvements.
Duty D5
Maintain and test safety systems (for example, fire-fighting) and safety barriers, whilst at sea and alongside.
Duty D6
Undertake fault-finding and diagnosis of vessel engineering issues. Conduct basic repairs and replace parts.
Duty D7
Liaise with shore managers regarding vessel engineering repair contractor requirements. Control of engineering contractors undertaking vessel repairs.
Duty D8
Order stock and spares for the vessel operation including bunkering – storage and provision of fuel for vessel.
Duty D9
Operate vessel safety management systems, including conducting risk assessments in line with onboard procedures.
Duty D10
Carry out basic security checks for example, visual inspection of vessel, and checking identification for visitors on board the vessel.
Duty D11
Record and report on vessel engineering factors for example, planned and unplanned maintenance, fuel consumption, and waste.
Duty D12
Maintain vessel machinery spaces in a clean, tidy, and oil-free condition.
Duty D13
Take charge of the engineering response during an emergency. For example, vessel fire, flooding, collision, or hi-jacking.
Duty D14
Shut down vessel running machinery upon return from sea, whilst maintaining operational efficiency.
Duty D15
Prepare for statutory surveys and dry dock including preparation of the necessary paperwork and dry dock.
Duty D16
Commission and support sea trials.
Duty D17
Maintain equipment and tools for vessel maintenance.
Duty D18
Manage waste – storage and removal in line with environmental regulation, policy, and procedures.
Duty D19
Manage and lead the engineering team onboard including external contractors such as manufacturers’ representatives.
Occupational Progression
This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.
In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.
It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.
Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.
Engineering and manufacturing