Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Watchkeeping is a critical aspect of maritime operations, especially on ships to ensure the safety of the vessel,
its crew, passengers or cargo, and the environment. This responsibility includes the running and monitoring of
various machinery on the ship. Here are the key reasons why watchkeeping on machinery is essential on a ship:

1. Safety: Safety is the foremost concern in maritime operations. Continuous proper watchkeeping allows for
the early detection of equipment malfunctions, leaks or other issues that could pose a safety risk. Timely
intervention can prevent accidents, fires, and other emergencies.
2. Prevention of Machinery Failures: Monitoring of machineries parameters helps prevent unexpected
breakdowns. By identifying signs of wear and tear, unusual noises or performance deviations & monitoring
systems & instruments, crew members can take proactive measures, such as maintenance or repairs to prevent
machinery failures that could lead to downtime or costly repairs.
3. Environmental Protection: Ships operate in sensitive marine environments. Proper watchkeeping ensures
that all systems, including those related to pollution prevention and control, are functioning correctly. This
prevents accidental oil spills, chemical leaks, or emissions that can harm the marine ecosystem.
4. Compliance: International maritime regulations and standards, such as the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) conventions, require ships to maintain specific standards for equipment and safety. Regular
watchkeeping ensures compliance with these regulations, avoiding potential legal issues and penalties.
Proper watchkeeping ensures that appropriate actions can be taken quickly and effectively, it can be crucial in
situations such as fire, collision, or grounding.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

5. Efficient Operation: Efficient machinery operation is essential for the ship's performance and fuel economy.
Monitoring machinery performance allows for adjustments that can optimize fuel consumption, reduce
emissions, and maintain the ship's schedule.
6. Emergency Preparedness: In case of an emergency, having trained watchkeepers who are familiar with the
ship's systems ensures that appropriate actions are taken quickly and effectively. This can be crucial in situations
such as fire, collision, or grounding.
7. Continuous Monitoring: Ships operate around the clock. Having watchkeepers assigned to monitor
machinery ensures that there is continuous monitoring even during nighttime hours or when the Engine room is
unmanned. This continuous monitoring is vital for maintaining operational readiness.
8. Communication and Coordination: Watchkeepers communicate with the bridge, and Engine room
personnel. Effective coordination helps ensure that the entire ship functions as a cohesive unit, responding
efficiently to any challenges that may arise.

To sum up watchkeeping for various machinery on a ship is vital for safety, environmental protection, regulatory
compliance, operational efficiency, and emergency preparedness. It is a fundamental responsibility of the crew,
and it contributes significantly to the overall success of maritime operations.

Everyday Checks while taking rounds in the Engine Room:

A thorough engine room round can prevent most unexpected troubles. The checkpoints mentioned below are
generic to give a basic idea to the engineers.
Wear Correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), The Engineer should carry a pen, a small note-making diary,
and a flashlight. Your round should follow the way of “funnel to tunnel” a golden rule in the ship.
Once entry to the Engine room is done then starts rounds from the funnel while doing so always observe the
colour of the smoke coming from the uptake. Try to identify the uptake pipe to differentiate among boiler,
generator, and main engine uptakes.

Black color smoke – Incomplete combustion due to an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio.

Blue/white color Smoke - Combustion of the lubricating oil / condensed water vapor.

White Light Grey color - Ideal Colour.

Brown Smoke: Excessive carbon build up in the engine.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Check the wires of the fire dampers (Funnel flaps) near the entry gate of the funnel deck to the engine Always
check the wires are tight enough and the proper greasing is there on the wires.

Check skylight is properly secured or not.

Taking the stairs, always check the outlet temperature of the Exhaust Gas Boiler (EGB) it should be within range.
High temperature alarm set point will vary vessel to vessel.

Expansion Tank Level of HT (High temperature) & LT (Low

temperature):

Checking the HT (High-Temperature) and LT (Low-

Temperature) expansion tanks on a ship during daily rounds
is essential to ensure the proper functioning of the ship's
systems and to prevent potential issues.
• Water Level: If the Water level is abnormally high or low
& overheated- it’s a serious concern Investigate the reason
behind it.
• Check filling & drain valve – should be properly closed.
• Also Check for floating debris /oil on the water.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

All Engine Room Entry Weather tight & Fire doors:

• Check cleats are turning satisfactorily handle moves over the wedges and ensure that door hinges are opening
and closing smoothly without any obstructions.
• Inspect the door seals and gaskets for wear, tears, or deformities. The seals should be in good condition to
ensure a water-tight and airtight seal when the door is closed.
• Check the hinges, latches, and locking mechanisms of the doors. Ensure that they are properly lubricated and
functioning correctly.

In the upper deck machinery mostly you will find Incinerator.

If the Incinerator is in use –

• Check for any abnormal alarm on the incinerator panel.
• Check for the correct furnace & flue gas temperature.
• Check the running sludge pump for any leakage.
• Check the color of the flame and adjust the air damper with the help of a senior engineer.
• Check for Sludge oil leakage from the base plate corners of the combustion chamber (may be due to
improper function of burner or air damper)

Waste Oil tank –

• Check the temperature of the waste oil - If the tank temperature reaches 100⁰C then water starts
evaporating & when the temperature goes above 100⁰C it indicates that the water has evaporated and the
sludge is ready for incineration.
• Check the level of sludge.
• Check the drain valve for proper functioning & drain water if any.
• Check condensates drain of the steam trap is clear and functioning properly if not functioning properly then
it hinders efficient heat transfer.
• Check Lagging of steam line, it should be well in place & not be oily.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Boiler-
• Check for Mode of operation (Auto / Manual), during normal operation it should be in “Auto “ mode.
• Check for any abnormal alarm on the Boiler Panel.
• Inspect boiler for the signs of any leakages, any physical damage, or insulation of pipelines, or valves.
• Check boiler steam pressure.
• Check both gauge glass levels.
• Check manometer. (Measure this pressure drop & pressure drop will depend upon the degree and nature of
the fouling).
• Check the color of the flame should be bright orange.
• Check fuel pressure.
• Check the Amps of the FD Fan.
• Check the Safety valve for any leakage by touching the drainpipe or by looking condensate water drops iin
boiler save all tray.
• Check Blow down valves for proper closing.
• Check all steam valves for a sign of salt deposit on it – indicates chloride level in the boiler water, & leakage
from gland or gaskets.
• Check the dosing pump for proper working & dosing tank if any chemicals are used.

Steering Gear Room:

• Check for any abnormal
alarm on the panel. Check if
the exhaust / Supply fan
running.
• **Check rubber mats are
placed near to electric panel
Check the Oil level in header
tanks.
• Check for any oil leakage.
• Check for sufficient Grease is
available in a Grease pump,
also see the level of grease
reducing over 3-4 days.
• Check for optimum grease in
all linkages & no links are
loose.
• Check the running Steering motor, -its Amps, Motor temperature
• Check for any abnormal noise/vibration & coupling.
• If the Steering Gear room has been in use for storing chemicals and lubes – make sure all are properly secured,
all are well placed over wooden planks & all PPE & MSDS are in place.

** Need to check rubber mats under electrical panels of engine room while taking round.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Air Conditioning Plant:

• Check for any abnormal alarm on the panel.
• Check the Suction, Discharge, and Lo
pressure of the compressor, also check the
inlet and outlet air return Air temperature &
outlet temp.of the evaporator.
• Touch the Suction side of the Compressor – it
should be relatively cold but should not have
ice formation at the suction of your
compressor.
• Check Condensate Drain: Ensure that the
condensate drain lines are clear and free of
obstructions.
• Monitor Refrigerant level and oil level if
found low comparatively then check for
system leakage & replenish accordingly.
• Check Dryer is working satisfactorily by
monitoring pressure and temperature readings at the inlet & outlet from the Dryer. A minimal pressure drop
indicates that the dryer is not obstructed by contaminants or debris.
• Check the condenser for proper functioning by checking the temperature difference between the inlet &
outlet of cooling water and with pressure gauge provided at the inlet.
• Check the condition of the evaporator coils for frosting – frosting in the evaporator coil can reduce the
efficiency of a system it requires attention. (This may be due to less refrigerant, restriction in the flow of Air or
Dirty Evaporator coil, moisture infiltration, or may be due to faulty expansion valve.)
• Check the condition of belts and pulleys in belt-driven systems. Report worn or damaged belts.

Fridge Rooms & Plant:

• Check for any abnormal alarm on the panel.

• Check the Suction, Discharge, and LO pressure of the compressor
• Touch the Suction side of the Compressor – it should be relatively cold but should not have ice formation at
the suction of your compressor.
• Monitor Refrigerant level and oil level if found low comparatively then check for system leakage & replenish
accordingly
• Check the condenser for proper functioning by checking the temperature difference between the inlet &
outlet of cooling water and with pressure gauge provided at the inlet.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Fridge Rooms Check:

• Check and record the temperature of each fridge room and storage compartment. Ensure that temperatures
are within the specified range.
• Inspect the door seals and gaskets for any damage, wear, or leaks. Proper seals are crucial for maintaining
temperature integrity.
• Check the condition of the evaporator coils for frosting – frosting in the evaporator coil can reduce the
efficiency of a system it requires attention. (This may be due to less refrigerant, restriction in the flow of Air or
Dirty Evaporator coil, moisture infiltration, or may be due to faulty expansion valve.)
• Check Auto Defrosting is functioning properly – Should not have icing on evaporator coils and evaporator
Condensate Drain manual defrosting may be required.
• Ensure that condensate drainage systems are functioning correctly and that there is no water accumulation
inside the fridge rooms.
• Usually Veg room are not provided with Auto defrosting in that case defrosting to be done if icing is observed
on evaporator coil.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Air Compressor & Air Bottle:
Check for any abnormal alarm on the panel.
• Check Oil level & condition of oil in Crankcase of Compressor, check if any abnormal air flow coming out from
crank case.
• Check LP & HP pressure gauges – (while running HP Pressure should always be higher than Air Bottle pressure
else check the performance of the compressor).
• Check Lube Oil pressure, CW pressure, Cooling water flow indicator
• Check temperature gauges of Cooling water inlet /outlet, Air outlet temperature.
• Check Air filter for proper functioning by keeping a hand near to filter and observe pulling action of suction,
when found no pulling force or feeble force then it’s time to replace filter.
• Do visual inspection of the compressor and its surroundings. Look for any signs of leaks, loose bolts, or
abnormal vibrations. Ensure that the area around the compressor is clean and free of debris.
• Also Conduct a visual inspection of the air bottle. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, leak on the exterior
of the cylinder.
• Drain Air Bottle for condensate water / moisture and check auto drain valve on compressor is functioning
properly.
• Check Air Bottle pressure gauges for proper functioning (compare local value with ECR display).
• Check proper functioning of unloader.
• Control Air Dryer: The air dryer in a control air system shall work satisfactorily is essential to ensure the
system's efficiency and the quality of the compressed air produced.
• Always begin with a visual inspection of the air dryer unit and its surroundings. Look for any visible signs of
damage, leaks, or loose connections & also check on panel for any alarm, Air dryer is Powered on and
Operational.
• To ensure effectively working of the Dryer check temperature & pressure of Inlet / outlet – temperature
difference should be significant and pressure difference should be minimal & drain should be clear.
• Check Auto drain filter is functioning properly or not – first check for any visible signs of damage, leak & make
sure the housing and connections are in good condition. Then confirm that Auto drain filter activating
periodically or not for discharging accumulated moisture and contaminants, the frequency depends on the
operating mode. (time-based, level-based, or demand-based draining).
• If provided check condition of flexible coupling between compressor & motor during stopped condition.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)-

While taking daily round of STP you must carried out following checks:
• Check for any abnormal alarm on panel like High level, Discharge pump fail, Blower fail.
• Check for burning smell & abnormal noise from Blower & Pump.
• Make sure discharge pump is not running continuously. (Normally start & stop is controlled by level switch)
• Check the sludge return flow from settling tank to aeration chamber (transparent pipe should have flow and
should be clear)
• Check Chlorination chamber- should have chlorine tablets.
• Check for the sludge content is high then required backwash.
• Check that sewage log is updated, which is normally place near STP only.

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 Fleet Management Training Institute

TME LEARNING ACTIVITY

No : TLA-004 Issue: Nov 2023

TOPIC : GUIDE TO ENGINE ROOM WATCH KEEPING - PART -1/3

Test Your Understanding:

1. What is the normal outlet temperature of Exhaust Gas Boiler (EGB) & why it is very important to be
monitored? also state its alarm set point?
2. If temperature of waste oil tank is not coming up, then how will you troubleshoot & what are the
precautions will you take?
3. Why we need to drain Air Bottle & Control Air lines regularly?
4. In how many places Auto drain filters are fitted, how ensure its working satisfactory?
5. What are the reasons for extreme icing on, Evaporator, Expansion Valve, at suction side of Compressor?
6. What is the purpose of funnel & blower flap of Engine Room and what are checks to be done during daily
round?
7. What are all places will you check on observing HT expansion tank water consumption increases suddenly?
8. What are all places will you check upon freshwater consumption increases?
9. Locate the flame eye on boiler & how many? how do you check flame eye is working or not?
10. What inspection should be carried out on blower flaps and funnel flaps during Saturday routines
11. Explain how AC air handling unit condensate drain works , with a block diagram
12. On board your vessel, where is the Main Engine Crankcase vent, AE crank case vent leads to?
13. Explain Fridge room safety system.? What the person could do if he trapped inside fridge room?
14. What type of Control Air Dryer in your ship? Draw Control Air line starts from Air Bottle?
15. Name all boiler water test carried out & state its purpose ?
16.How will you make sure that Unloader of Air Compressor is working?
17.What is the regulation of discharging untreated sewage from ship?

( Answers all above Questions and revert in one month.)

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