1. Introduction to Engine Room Watchkeeping Duties

• Roles and responsibilities of a rating in an engine watch.
• Importance of adhering to watchkeeping standards and practices.
• Overview of engine room team operations and hierarchy.

2. Engine Room Equipment and Systems

• Types and functions of main and auxiliary machinery.
• Operation of pumps, compressors, boilers, and other essential equipment.
• Overview of engine controls and monitoring systems.

3. Basic Engineering Knowledge

• Principles of diesel engines, steam turbines, and other propulsion systems.
• Basic concepts of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
• Understanding lubrication, cooling, and fuel systems.

4. Maintenance and Repair

• Routine maintenance procedures for engine room equipment.
• Use of tools and equipment for minor repairs.
• Preventive maintenance practices to ensure machinery reliability.

5. Safety and Emergency Procedures

• Engine room safety protocols and best practices.
• Emergency response procedures, including fire, flooding, and equipment failure.
• Use of safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

6. Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection

• MARPOL regulations related to engine room operations.
• Procedures for handling and disposing of oil, bilge water, and other waste.
• Best practices for minimizing environmental impact.

7. Watchkeeping in Adverse Conditions

• Procedures for watchkeeping during rough weather, heavy traffic, and other challenging conditions.
• Recognizing and responding to hazards and potential risks.

8. Effective Communication and Teamwork

• Importance of clear and concise communication within the engine room team.
• Techniques for effective teamwork and coordination with other departments.
• Reporting procedures and maintaining an effective log.

9. Practical Training and Assessments

• Hands-on training in operating and maintaining engine room equipment.
• Simulation exercises to practice watchkeeping scenarios and emergency responses.
• Assessments to evaluate competence and readiness for engine room watchkeeping duties.

Practical Training Components

• On-the-Job Training: Supervised watchkeeping experience in an engine room.
• Simulator Training: Use of engine room simulators to practice and refine skills in a controlled environment.
• Role-Playing Exercises: Scenarios to practice communication, teamwork, and emergency response.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the RFPEW course, participants should be able to:

• Perform engine room watchkeeping duties effectively.
• Operate and maintain engine room equipment competently.
• Understand and follow standard engine room procedures and watchkeeping practices.
• Communicate effectively with the engineering team and other crew members.
• Respond appropriately to engineering instructions and emergency situations.
• Adhere to safety and environmental protection regulations.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the RFPEW course typically receive a certificate of proficiency, which is a prerequisite for serving as a rating forming part of an engine watch in accordance with the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) Convention.

Conclusion

The Rating Forming Part of an Engine Watch course is essential for seafarers aspiring to be part of an engine room watchkeeping team. It ensures that participants are well-prepared to support engineering officers, operate and maintain engine room equipment, and contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. The course emphasizes practical training, adherence to safety standards, and effective communication, which are critical for successful watchkeeping.