First / Second Engineer

Primary qualification

• STCW Regulation III/2 certificate of competency (section A-III/2) as second engineer officer on ships with propulsion power ≥ 3,000 kW; on plants of 750-3,000 kW Regulation III/3 applies.
• Spain: professional title of Oficial de Máquinas de Primera of the Merchant Marine (Royal Decree 973/2009) with a valid professional card; attributions to serve as chief engineer are limited by power according to the card (as a guide — verify the current attribution table).
• Flag endorsements according to power (kW) and ship type; on oil, chemical or gas tankers the corresponding advanced cargo training is added (STCW V/1).

Basic STCW

• Officer certificate package: Basic Training (A-VI/1), survival craft (A-VI/2-1), advanced fire-fighting (A-VI/3) and medical first aid (A-VI/4-1).
• A valid medical fitness certificate and security training according to duties (A-VI/6).

Specific courses

• Engine-room resource management (ERM, Manila amendments — embedded in A-III/1 and required in practice for the watch).
• High voltage (installations > 1,000 V) at management level, per A-III/2 (mandatory in fleets with high-voltage electrical plants).
• Applied MARPOL Annex I: 15 ppm bilge separator, Oil Record Book and SOPEP plan.
• Current fuels and plants: LSFO/MGO fuel changeover, scrubbers and, on ships using gas or other IGF Code fuels, the corresponding IGF training (as a guide, fleet-dependent).
• Preparation for the flag's oral exam where one exists (e.g. MCA orals — as a guide).

Indicative experience

As a guide: for the Regulation III/2 CoC as second engineer, not less than 12 months of seagoing service as engine cadet or engineer officer (verify the flag's approved programme); in practice, companies also require 2-4 contracts as Third/Second Officer (III/1) before promotion. For chief engineer: not less than 36 months of seagoing service, of which at least 12 as an engineer officer in a position of responsibility (Regulation III/2 — as a guide).

Observations

Route: Third/Second Officer (III/1) → First Officer (III/2) → Chief Engineer (III/2; own cards in this explorer). Mind the nomenclature: the Spanish «Primer Oficial» equals the Anglo-Saxon Second Engineer — the First Engineer of some fleets is this same rank. Requirements vary by kW range (750 and 3,000 kW are the STCW thresholds) and vessel segment. Industry criterion: a second engineer who keeps the PMS current and documents every work permit turns inspections (vetting, PSC) into a formality; one who improvises turns them into findings. In drydock this rank is usually the de facto technical director of the works.

Typical watches

• Daywork with watches according to plant mode (attended or unattended UMS) and standby during manoeuvres

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute plant maintenance (PMS): main engine, auxiliaries, boilers, purifiers and compressors.
• Organise engine-room watches and supervise the department's officers and ratings.
• Manage fuel and lubricants: soundings, transfers and entries in the Oil Record Book (MARPOL Annex I).
• Administer work permits and isolations (LOTO) for hot work, enclosed spaces and live equipment.
• Lead the technical response to engine-room emergencies (blackout, propulsion failure, flooding) as the Chief's deputy.

Operational scope

• Execution of the planned maintenance system (PMS)
• Engine-room watchkeeping and unattended machinery spaces (UMS)
• Supervision of engine-room personnel