Ship assistant engineers assist the ship chief engineer and the ship duty engineer in the operations of the ship's hull. They support the operation of the main engines, steering mechanism, electrical generation and other major subsystems. They communicate with maritime engineers about the performance of technical operations. They also ensure appropriate safety and regulatory standards compliance and are able to take on higher level positions if needed.
The environmental regulations for the discharge of raw materials into the sea, including the use of chemical disinfection and dechlorination to produce a clean and safe effluent suitable for discharging at sea.
The functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.
The characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.
The different engine components, their operation, lifecycle and maintenance and repairing needs.
The internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft.
The principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.
Operate and maintain on-board water-cooled engineering systems.
Operate and maintain the electrical components of ships and the electrical distribution system. Know the various load circuits in case of system malfunction. Repair electrical systems in the event of damage or malfunctioning.
Conduct routine tests of lubrication oils in engineering systems and water separation systems.
Maintain the engines and engine room equipment of a vessel. Conduct pre-checks prior to departure and ongoing examinations during the voyage.
Keep an up-to-date inventory for a vessel, including information on spare components, oil and fuel. Determine the amount of fuel that will be needed for a voyage; ensure that sufficient amounts of fuel are on board at all times.
Manage main engines (steam, gas or diesel), refrigeration systems, and any other equipment in the vessel's engine system.
Operate diesel and gas turbine propulsion plants including related machinery, such as auxiliary boilers, auxiliary engines, incinerators, air compressors, fuel and fuel oil purifiers.
Operate sewage treatment plants in ships, oversee plant maintenance, understand the mechanical functioning of the machine and comply with regulatory mandates of materials discharge to the sea.
Operate and maintain the engine room of vessels. Operate the main engine room where the engine and propulsion machinery are located.
Perform bunkering, the process of supplying fuels to ships for their own use. Ensure sufficient amounts of fuel for the duration of the journeys.
Perform routine maintenance tasks on all ship engine systems. Monitor engines to ensure they function within standard operating parameters.
Prepare and start main engine and auxiliary engines; prepare machinery in engine room prior to departure; know and follow starting procedures according to checklist.
Prepare lifeboats in ships before departure, ensure full functionality in case of emergency, follow regulatory instructions for lifesaving boats.
Repair mechanical systems of vessels while on-board. Ensure that vessel malfunctions are repaired without affecting the voyage in progress.
Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Understand the operation of fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing techniques.
Provide support based on knowledge of maritime operations, vessel assurance, and machinery systems.
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
No competences in this bucket.
The fundamental principles and requirements laid in the different conventions issued by the International Maritime Organisation.
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
No competences in this bucket.
Provide information and advice on maritime laws, vessel registration, and safety regulations.
Understand the regulations regarding the vessel engines and apply those regulations in engine maintenance and operation.
Detect and effectively respond to machinery malfunctions. Take actions in order to prevent material damage. Practice damage control.
Gather information about the current trends in maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making while on-board.
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.