Engine-room watchkeeping

STCW Reg VIII/2, taking over the watch, UMS alarms, fatigue check.

Why it matters

An engine-room watch fault — missed alarm, mishandled fuel changeover, undetected leak — can leave a vessel blacked out in a narrow channel.

Common hazards

• Fatigue from a previous watch.
• Unfamiliarity with UMS alarm priorities.
• Fuel changeover (HFO/MGO) at the wrong moment.
• Bilge / sludge handling mistakes.

Practical checklist

• Read the rough log and engineer's standing orders before taking over.
• Walk the spaces — temperatures, pressures, levels, leaks.
• Confirm UMS bridge handover and dead-man alarm.
• Review work permits and known defects.

Last verified 15 days ago