engineer officer to an assistant. Some of these
duties include the followmg:
Develop a department training program in
support of the training objectives of the
ship.
Carry out approved training plans and
policies within the department.
Coordinate and assist in the administration
of division training programs within the
department. This includes supervision of
the preparation of training materials and
review of curricula, training courses, and
lesson plans. It also includes assisting in
the selection and training of instructors,
observation of instruction given at drills,
on watch, on station, and in the classroom.
It further includes procurement of required
training aids and devices.
Maintain department training records and
training reports.
Disseminate information concerning the
availability of fleet and service schools.
Requisition training supplies and
materials.
FIRE MARSHAL.— The fire marshal works
under the engineer officer and the DCA
and is responsible for the maintenance and
readiness of the ship’s fire-fighting equipment.
The fire marshal is also responsible for the
prevention and elimination of fire hazards on the
ship.
GAS-FREE ENGINEER.— The duties and
responsibilities of the gas-free engineer are
described in Naval Ships’ Technical Manual,
chapter 074, volume 3, “Gas-Free Engineering.”
Briefly, the gas-free engineer tests and analyzes
the air in sealed compartments or voids that
are being opened for inspection. The engineer
determines whether such spaces are safe for
personnel to enter without danger of poisoning
or suffocation. The engineer also determines
whether it is safe to perform welding or cutting
within or in the vicinity of such spaces. Such hot
work is dangerous and can cause fires and
explosions.
MAIN PROPULSION ASSISTANT.— The
responsibilities of the MPA are as follows:
Operation, care, and maintenance of the
ship’s propulsion machinery and related
auxiliaries
Care, stowage, and use of fuels and
lubricating oils
Preparation and care of the Engineering
Log and the Engineer’s Bell Book
Preparation of operation and maintenance
records and procedures
The MPA also has the responsibility as
division officer for the boiler and machinery
divisions. These divisions are discussed in the
following paragraphs.
Boiler (B) Division.— The B division operates
the boilers and the fireroom auxiliary machinery.
If you are assigned to this division, your work
station may be in a fireroom. The firerooms are
usually located midships on the lower level. There
may be as many as eight firerooms, depending on
the size and type of ship. Ships with only
one fireroom will have two boilers. They are
installed either facing each other or side by side.
The boilers are arranged so any number of them
supply steam to the ship’s engines. The firerooms
are separated by watertight bulkheads. This allows
any fireroom to be sealed off in case of a casualty.
The ship can operate on the remaining boilers.
On your first trip through the fireroom, you
will notice many sizes of pipes and valves. These
lines (pipes) carry steam, water, fuel oil, and air.
You will become familiar with a few of them at
a time. Gradually, you will learn all their purposes
and functions.
The lines that carry steam or water are covered
by insulation and lagging. This is done to ensure
personnel safety and to prevent heat loss and
condensation. Stencils on the lines show the fluid
carried and the direction of flow.
During your training, you will trace these lines
from one unit to another throughout each system.
The ship’s blueprints and drawings will help you
trace out systems in the engineering plant.
Machinery (M) Division.— The M division is
responsible for the safe operation of the main
engines, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and
all associated auxiliary machinery that supports
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