The engineer officer second in command, directly overseeing day-to-day operation and maintenance of the main propulsion plant.
Quick facts
Regulation
MARPOL Annex VI
In practice
On most vessels the second engineer supervises the junior engineers and engine room ratings in their daily work, allocates maintenance tasks, and stands a bridge watch or engine room watch as required. Under MARPOL Annex VI, the second engineer is often responsible for monitoring and recording fuel quality, sulphur content compliance, and the operation of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) where fitted. They co-ordinate bunker operations from the engine room side, monitoring tank levels, fuel viscosity, and ensuring that the bunkering plan prepared by the chief engineer and chief mate is followed. The second engineer frequently accompanies the chief engineer during port state control inspections of the machinery spaces.
Regulatory detail & full definition
The second engineer holds a Certificate of Competency as Second Engineer Officer under STCW III/2 and serves as the direct operational deputy to the chief engineer in day-to-day management of the propulsion plant. The second engineer typically bears direct responsibility for the main engine and associated systems — fuel injection equipment, turbochargers, air start systems, and cooling circuits — and plans and supervises the maintenance programme for these items in the planned maintenance system.
On most vessels the second engineer supervises the junior engineers and engine room ratings in their daily work, allocates maintenance tasks, and stands a bridge watch or engine room watch as required. Under MARPOL Annex VI, the second engineer is often responsible for monitoring and recording fuel quality, sulphur content compliance, and the operation of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) where fitted. They co-ordinate bunker operations from the engine room side, monitoring tank levels, fuel viscosity, and ensuring that the bunkering plan prepared by the chief engineer and chief mate is followed. The second engineer frequently accompanies the chief engineer during port state control inspections of the machinery spaces.