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:
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.
To meet the Merchant Shipping regulations individuals must meet medical standards (including eyesight). If you are considering a seagoing career, it is strongly advised that you have a medical and sight test, which includes testing of colour and visual acuity, before starting training.
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 Prepare, maintain, and check vessel engineering systems whilst alongside. |
K1 K2 K6 K7 K10 K13 K15 K16 K17 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K33 K34 K36 K38 K43 K44 |
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Duty 2 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. |
K3 K11 K12 K13 K16 K17 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K32 K33 K38 K43 K44 |
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Duty 3 Take overall responsibility for the monitoring of vessel equipment and its operational readiness. |
K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K10 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K19 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K33 K43 K44 |
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Duty 4 Undertake planned maintenance of engineering components in accordance with the planned vessel maintenance system and manage others undertaking maintenance. Recommend improvements. |
K2 K6 K7 K8 K10 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K19 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K33 K43 K44 |
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Duty 5 Maintain and test safety systems (for example, fire-fighting) and safety barriers, whilst at sea and alongside. |
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Duty 6 Undertake fault-finding and diagnosis of vessel engineering issues. Conduct basic repairs and replace parts. |
K2 K3 K6 K7 K10 K12 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K19 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K33 K34 K42 K43 K44 |
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Duty 7 Liaise with shore managers regarding vessel engineering repair contractor requirements. Control of engineering contractors undertaking vessel repairs. |
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Duty 8 Order stock and spares for the vessel operation including bunkering – storage and provision of fuel for vessel. |
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Duty 9 Operate vessel safety management systems, including conducting risk assessments in line with onboard procedures. |
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Duty 10 Carry out basic security checks for example, visual inspection of vessel, and checking identification for visitors on board the vessel. |
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Duty 11 Record and report on vessel engineering factors for example, planned and unplanned maintenance, fuel consumption, and waste. |
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Duty 12 Maintain vessel machinery spaces in a clean, tidy, and oil-free condition. |
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Duty 13 Take charge of the engineering response during an emergency. For example, vessel fire, flooding, collision, or hi-jacking. |
K5 K9 K10 K20 K29 K30 K35 K43 K44 K50 |
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Duty 14 Shut down vessel running machinery upon return from sea, whilst maintaining operational efficiency. |
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Duty 15 Prepare for statutory surveys and dry dock including preparation of the necessary paperwork and dry dock. |
K10 K35 K37 K39 K41 K43 K44 K45 K46 K47 |
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Duty 16 Commission and support sea trials. |
K1 K10 K38 K39 K43 K44 K45 K46 K47 |
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Duty 17 Maintain equipment and tools for vessel maintenance. |
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Duty 18 Manage waste – storage and removal in line with environmental regulation, policy, and procedures. |
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Duty 19 Manage and lead the engineering team onboard including external contractors such as manufacturers’ representatives. |
K10 K35 K40 K41 K43 K44 K45 K48 K49 K50
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K1: Understand the reason for determining voyage needs; fuel, lubricants, water, stores, expendables. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K2: Understand the necessity for routine maintenance and the reasons for maintaining records of machinery and its performance. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K3: Understand the consequences of sailing with certain items of machinery inoperative and the risks involved in doing so. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K4: Understand the (Chief Engineer’s) responsibilities and duties concerning bunkering or refuelling operations. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K5: The methods of dealing with fire on board ship. Prevention of the spread of fire. The organisation and direction of fire-fighting and lifesaving parties. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K6: Care and management of steering systems and bow thrusters. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K7: Care and management of pumping systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K8: Care and management of oily water separator equipment. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K9: (a) Construction, maintenance and operation of fire-fighting equipment, (b) Fire detection and prevention. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K10: (a) Codes of safe working practices, risk assessment, permit to work (entry into enclosed space, hot work, electrical work), (b) The dangers of entering enclosed spaces. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K11: Routine operational duties and the effect of legislation on engine room operations. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K12: Working principles and constructional details of marine engines, gears, clutches and ancillary equipment. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K13: Fuel oil, lubrication oil, and cooling systems of marine engines together with ancillary systems including filters, pumps, heat exchangers and controls. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K14: (a) Methods of manoeuvring, including bridge control systems, variable pitch propellers and bow thrusters, (b) Emergency controls. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K15: Working principles and constructional details of air compressors, air receivers and associated equipment. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K16: Operational testing and fault rectification of basic control systems and alarm panels. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K17: Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of marine engines and propulsion systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K18: Knowledge of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annexes and implementations. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K19: Principles of stability, water tight and watertight integrity, free surface effect and reserve buoyancy. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K20: Basic understanding of International Safety Management (ISM). [MCA]
Back to Duty
K21: Principles and constructional details of sensing, monitoring and measuring devices associated with marine equipment. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K22: Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of propulsive transmission systems, including thrust and shaft bearings, stern tubes and propellers. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K23: Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of bilge and ballast pumps, pumping and priming systems including pollution prevention equipment and systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K24: Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of steering and stabilizing systems including bow thrusters. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K25: Principles involved with operation, testing and maintenance of control and alarm systems associated with automatic operation of marine steam plant. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K26: Principles involved with the operation, testing and maintenance of: a. marine diesel engines (medium and high speed); gearing systems and clutches; b. starting and reversing systems; c. cooling and lubrication systems; d. fuel oil preparation systems; e. air compressors, receivers and associated equipment; f. auxiliary diesel engines and associated equipment; g. control and alarm systems associated with automatic operation of a diesel plant. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K27: Methods of assessment of power output and diesel plant efficiency and action to be taken to maintain safe and efficient operation of plant. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K28: Methods of testing fuel oil, lubrication oil and cooling water and action to be taken to maintain safe conditions. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K29: Types of information issued by the MCA with respect to safety at sea. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K30: Responsibilities of a chief engineer officer with regard to the control and prevention of fire: a. precautions against fire or explosions, explosive mixtures and sources of ignition; b. principles and methods of fire prevention, detection and extinction in all areas of a ship; c. principles of the operation, testing and maintenance of fire detection and extinguishing systems; d. principles of the operation, testing and maintenance of fire pumps and associated pumping systems; e. control and organization of fire and damage control parties. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K31: Knowledge and understanding of applications and maintenance of ISM codes and system. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K32: Organisation and control procedures necessary for the safe and efficient operation in the Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS) mode. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K33: Principles of the operation, testing and maintenance of: a. alternators, generators, motors, switch gear and batteries; b. ac and dc distribution systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K34: Fault finding and rectification of faults in electrical systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K35: Administration duties of a chief engineer associated with: a. organisation and training of staff for normal and emergency duties; b. organisation of temporary and permanent repairs and surveys – Company approval and Classification society. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K36: Ensuring ship is in seaworthy condition prior to sailing taking into account nature of voyage. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K37: Dry docking, hull surveys and repairs. [MCA]
Back to Duty
K38: The introduction of increased automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in the maritime sector.
Back to Duty
K39: Project management techniques: setting objectives, planning and monitoring.
Back to Duty
K40: Commercial awareness; costing and budgeting principles.
Back to Duty
K41: Resource management considerations: cost, quality, safety, security, and environmental impact.
Back to Duty
K42: Problem solving tools and techniques: root cause analysis.
Back to Duty
K43: Marine industry terminology.
Back to Duty
K44: Communication techniques: verbal and written.
Back to Duty
K45: Report writing techniques.
Back to Duty
K46: Documentation requirements and importance.
Back to Duty
K47: Information technology: word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, and presentation. IT applications for technical reporting.
Back to Duty
K48: Sustainability: current practices and developments in the sector.
Back to Duty
K49: Ethical practices.
Back to Duty
K50: Equality, diversity, and inclusion awareness.
Back to Duty
S1: Take personal emergency action onboard a vessel. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S2: Respond to emergencies onboard a vessel. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S3: Take control of survival craft and rescue boats. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S4: Take charge of an engine room watch. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S5: Prepare and operate vessel propulsion machinery and ancillary systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S6: Operate vessel ancillaries and service machinery. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S7: Operate and adjust vessel electrical systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S8: Carry out maintenance to vessel electrical machinery and systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S9: Carry out maintenance to vessel mechanical machinery and systems. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S10: Maintain personal health, safety and environmental standards onboard a vessel. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S11: Maintain safe, legal and effective working practices onboard a vessel. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S12: Maintain and enhance productive working relationships onboard a vessel. [MCA]
Back to Duty
S13: Identify costs and create a draft budget for sign-off.
Back to Duty
S14: Apply project management techniques.
Back to Duty
S15: Identify, organise, and use resources to complete tasks.
Back to Duty
S16: Diagnose problems. Resolve or escalate problems in line with responsibilities.
Back to Duty
S17: Review work to identify improvements.
Back to Duty
S18: Communicate verbally and in writing with others for example, colleagues and contractors onboard or ashore.
Back to Duty
S19: Complete documentation for example, machinery space logbook and oil record book.
Back to Duty
S20: Write technical reports.
Back to Duty
S21: Use information technology for example, word processing, spreadsheets, email, and presentation.
Back to Duty
B1: Promote and adopt a safety culture.
Back to Duty
B2: Committed to protecting the marine environment from pollution.
Back to Duty
B3: Take personal responsibility for their actions.
Back to Duty
B4: Committed to quality and continuous improvement.
Back to Duty
B5: Role-model equality and diversity expectations and requirements.
Back to Duty
B6: Actively pursue professional development to maintain and enhance their competence.
Back to Duty
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:
This is a regulated occupation.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Training Provider must be approved by regulator body
EPAO does not require approval by regulator body
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 01/06/2022 | Not set |
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