Section A-III/5 Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings as able seafarer engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40

Section A-III/5 Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings as able seafarer engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room

Standard of competence

1 Every able seafarer engine serving on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more shall be required to demonstrate the competence to perform the functions at the support level, as specified in column 1 of table A-III/5.

  2 The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required of an able seafarer engine serving on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more is listed in column 2 of table A-III/5.

  3 Every candidate for certification shall be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence specified in columns 3 and 4 of table A-III/5.

Table A-III/5 Specification of minimum standard of competence for ratings as able seafarer engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room

Function: Marine engineering at the support level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Contribute to a safe engineering watch Ability to understand orders and to communicate with the officer of the watch in matters relevant to watchkeeping duties

Procedures for the relief, maintenance and handover of a watch

Information required to maintain a safe watch
Assessment of evidence obtained from in-service experience or practical test Communications are clear and concise

Maintenance, handover and relief of the watch is in conformity with acceptable practices and procedures
Contribute to the monitoring and controlling of an engine-room watch Basic knowledge of the function and operation of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery

Basic understanding of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery control pressures, temperatures and levels
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

  • .1 approved in-service experience; or
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 practical test
The frequency and extent of monitoring of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery conforms with accepted principles and procedures

Deviations from the norm are identified

Unsafe conditions or potential hazards are promptly recognized, reported and rectified before work continues
Contribute to fuelling and oil transfer operations Knowledge of the function and operation of fuel system and oil transfer operations, including:
  • .1 preparations for fuelling and transfer operations
  • .2 procedures for connecting and disconnecting fuelling and transfer hoses
  • .3 procedures relating to incidents that may arise during fuelling or transferring operation
  • .4 securing from fuelling and transfer operations
  • .5 ability to correctly measure and report tank levels
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience
Assessment of evidence obtained from practical demonstration
Transfer operations are carried out in accordance with established safety practices and equipment operating instructions

The handling of dangerous, hazardous and harmful liquids complies with established safety practices

Communications within the operator’s area of responsibility are consistently successful
Contribute to bilge and ballast operations Knowledge of the safe function, operation and maintenance of the bilge and ballast systems, including:
  • .1 reporting incidents associated with transfer operations
  • .2 ability to correctly measure and report tank levels
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience


Assessment of evidence obtained from practical demonstration
Operations and maintenance are carried out in accordance with established safety practices and equipment operating instructions and pollution of the marine environment is avoided

Communications within the operator’s area of responsibility are consistently successful
Contribute to the operation of equipment and machinery Safe operation of equipment, including:
  • .1 valves and pumps
  • .2 hoists and lifting equipment
  • .3 hatches, watertight doors, ports and related equipment


Ability to use and understand basic crane, winch and hoist signals
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience

Assessment of evidence obtained from practical demonstration
Operations are carried out in accordance with established safety practices and equipment operating instructions

Communications within the operator’s area of responsibility are consistently successful
Function: Electrical, electronic and control engineering at the support level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Safe use of electrical equipment Safe use and operation of electrical equipment, including:
  • .1 safety precautions before commencing work or repair
  • 2. isolation procedures
  • 3. emergency procedures
  • 4. different voltages on board


Knowledge of the causes of electric shock and precautions to be observed to prevent shock
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience
Recognizes and reports electrical hazards and unsafe equipment

Understands safe voltages for hand-held equipment

Understands risks associated with high-voltage equipment and onboard work
Function: Maintenance and repair at the support level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Contribute to shipboard maintenance and repair Ability to use painting, lubrication and cleaning materials and equipment

Ability to understand and execute routine maintenance and repair procedures

Knowledge of surface preparation techniques

Knowledge of safe disposal of waste materials

Understanding manufacturer’s safety guidelines and shipboard instructions

Knowledge of the application, maintenance and use of hand and power tools and measuring instruments and machine tools

Knowledge of metalwork
Assessment of evidence obtained from practical demonstration

Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience
Maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with technical, safety and procedural specifications

Selection and use of equipment and tools is appropriate
Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the support level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Contribute to the handling of stores Knowledge of procedures for safe handling, stowage and securing of stores Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience
Stores operations are carried out in accordance with established safety practices and equipment operating instructions

The handling of dangerous, hazardous and harmful stores complies with established safety practices

Communications within the operator’s area of responsibility are consistently successful
Apply precautions and contribute to the prevention of pollution of the marine environment Knowledge of the precautions to be taken to prevent pollution of the marine environment

Knowledge of use and operation of anti-pollution equipment

Knowledge of approved methods for disposal of marine pollutants
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience
Procedures designed to safeguard the marine environment are observed at all times
Apply occupational health and safety procedures Working knowledge of safe working practices and personal shipboard safety, including:
  • .1 electrical safety
  • .2 lockout/tag-out
  • .3 mechanical safety
  • .4 permit to work systems
  • .5 working aloft
  • .6 working in enclosed spaces
  • .7 lifting techniques and methods of preventing back injury
  • .8 chemical and biohazard safety
  • .9 personal safety equipment
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 practical training
  • .3 examination
  • .4 approved training ship experience
Procedures designed to safeguard personnel and the ship are observed at all times

Safe working practices are observed and appropriate safety and protective equipment is correctly used at all times

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