Main articles: Seafarer's professions and ranks
A 'First Assistant Engineer' (also called the 'Second Engineer' in some countries) is a
licensed member of the
engineering department on a
merchant vessel. This title is used for the person on a
ship responsible for supervising the daily
maintenance and operation of the
engine department. He or she reports directly to the
Chief Engineer.
On a
merchant vessel, depending on term usage, "The First" or "The Second" is the
marine engineer second in command of the engine department after the ship's Chief Engineer. Due to the supervisory role this engineer plays, in addition to being responsible for the refrigeration systems, main engines (
steam/
gas turbine,
diesel), and any other equipment not assigned to the
Second Assistant Engineer/Third Engineer or the
Third Assistant Engineer/Fourth Engineer(s), he is typically the busiest engineer aboard the ship. If the engine room requires
24/7 attendance and other junior engineers can cover the three watch rotations, The First is usually a "day worker" from 0630-1830.
The First Assistant/Second Engineer is usually in charge of preparing the engine room for arrival, departure, or standby and oversees major overhauls on critical equipment.
See also
★
Engine room
★
Engineering department
External links
★
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, International Maritime Organization, , , , 1995,
★
Ship-Engineer (Machinist) International Labour Organization