Section A-III/2 Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more
Clasification Society 2023 - Version 9.37

Section A-III/2 Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more

Standard of Competence

1 Every candidate for certification as chief engineer officer and second engineer officer of seagoing ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW power or more shall be required to demonstrate ability to undertake, at the management level, the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-III/2.

  2 The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required for certification is listed in column 2 of table A-III/2. This incorporates, expands and extends in depth the subjects listed in column 2 of table A-III/1 for officers in charge of an engineering watch.

  3 Bearing in mind that a second engineer officer shall be in a position to assume the responsibilities of the chief engineer officer at any time, assessment in these subjects shall be designed to test the candidate’s ability to assimilate all available information that affects the safe operation of the ship’s machinery and the protection of the marine environment.

  4 The level of knowledge of the subjects listed in column 2 of table A-III/2 shall be sufficient to enable the candidate to serve in the capacity of chief engineer officer or second engineer officer.footnote

  5 Training and experience to achieve the necessary level of theoretical knowledge, understanding and proficiency shall take into account the relevant requirements of this part and the guidance given in part B of this Code.

  6 The Administration may omit knowledge requirements for types of propulsion machinery other than those machinery installations for which the certificate to be awarded shall be valid. A certificate awarded on such a basis shall not be valid for any category of machinery installation which has been omitted until the engineer officer proves to be competent in these knowledge requirements. Any such limitation shall be stated on the certificate and in the endorsement.

  7 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 tabulated in columns 3 and 4 of table A-III/2.

Near-coastal voyages

8 The level of knowledge, understanding and proficiency required under the different sections listed in column 2 of table A-III/2 may be varied for engineer officers of ships powered by main propulsion machinery with limited propulsion power engaged on near-coastal voyages, as considered necessary, bearing in mind the effect on the safety of all ships which may be operating in the same waters. Any such limitation shall be stated on the certificate and in the endorsement.

A - III/2 Specification of minimum standard of competence for chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW propulsion power or more

Function: Marine engineering at the management level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Manage the operation of propulsion plant machinery Design features, and operative mechanism of the following machinery and associated auxiliaries:
  • .1 marine diesel engine
  • .2 marine steam turbine
  • .3 marine gas turbine
  • .4 marine steam boiler
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
Explanation and understanding of design features and operating mechanisms are appropriate
Plan and schedule operations Theoretical knowledge

Thermodynamics and heat transmission

Mechanics and hydromechanics

Propulsive characteristics of diesel engines, steam and gas turbines, including speed, output and fuel consumption

Heat cycle, thermal efficiency and heat balance of the following:
  • .1 marine diesel engine
  • .2 marine steam turbine
  • .3 marine gas turbine
  • .4 marine steam boiler
Refrigerators and refrigeration cycle

Physical and chemical properties of fuels and lubricants

Technology of materials

Naval architecture and ship construction, including damage control

Practical knowledge

Start up and shut down main propulsion and auxiliary machinery, including associated systems

Operating limits of propulsion plant

The efficient operation, surveillance, performance assessment and maintaining safety of propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery

Functions and mechanism of automatic control for main engine

Functions and mechanism of automatic control for auxiliary machinery including but not limited to:
  • .1 generator distribution system
  • .2 steam boilers
  • .3 oil purifier
  • .4 refrigiration system
  • .5 pumping and piping system
  • .6 steering gear system
  • .7 cargo-handling equipment and deck machinery
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
The planning and preparation of operations is suited to the design parameters of the power installation and to the requirements of the voyage
Operation, surveillance, performance assessment and maintaining safety of propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
The methods of preparing the start-up and of making available fuels, lubricants, cooling water and air are the most appropriate

Checks of pressures, temperatures and revolutions during the start-up and warm-up period are in accordance with technical specifications and agreed work plans

Surveillance of main propulsion plant and auxiliary systems is sufficient to maintain safe operating conditions

The methods of preparing the shutdown, and of supervising the cooling down of the engine are the most appropriate

The methods of measuring the load capacity of the engines are in accordance with technical specifications

Performance is checked against bridge orders

Performance levels are in accordance with technical specifications
Manage fuel, lubrication and ballast operations Operation and maintenance of machinery, including pumps and piping systems Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:

  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
Fuel and ballast operations meet operational requirements and are carried out so as to prevent pollution of the marine environment
Function: Electrical, electronic and control engineering at the management level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Manage operation of electrical and electronic control equipment Theoretical knowledge

Marine electrotechnology, electronics, power electronics, automatic control engineering and safety devices

Design features and system configurations of automatic control equipment and safety devices for the following:
  • .1 main engine
  • .2 generator and distribution system
  • .3 steam boiler


Design features and system configurations of operational control equipment for electrical motors

Design features of high-voltage installations

Features of hydraulic and pneumatic control equipment
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
Operation of equipment and system is in accordance with operating manuals

Performance levels are in accordance with technical specifications
Manage trouble-shooting, restoration of electrical and electronic control equipment to operating condition Practical knowledge

Troubleshooting of electrical and electronic control equipment

Function test of electrical, electronic control equipment and safety devices

Troubleshooting of monitoring systemsSoftware version control
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
Maintenance activities are correctly planned in accordance with technical, legislative, safety and procedural specifications

Inspection, testing and troubleshooting of equipment are appropriate
Function: Maintenance and repair at the management level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Manage safe and effective maintenance and repair procedures Theoretical knowledge

Marine engineering practice

Practical knowledge

Manage safe and effective maintenance and repair procedures

Planning maintenance, including statutory and class verifications

Planning repairs
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved workshop training
Maintenance activities are correctly planned and carried out in accordance with technical, legislative, safety and procedural specifications

Appropriate plans, specifications, materials and equipment are available for maintenance and repair

Action taken leads to the restoration of plant by the most suitable method
Detect and identify the cause of machinery malfunctions and correct faults Practical knowledgeDetection of machinery malfunction, location of faults and action to prevent damage

Inspection and adjustment of equipment

Non-destructive examination
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
  • .4 approved laboratory equipment training
The methods of comparing actual operating conditions are in accordance with recommended practices and procedures

Actions and decisions are in accordance with recommended operating specifications and limitations
Ensure safe working practices Practical knowledge

Safe working practices
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved laboratory equipment training
Working practices are in accordance with legislative requirements, codes of practice, permits to work and environmental concerns
Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Competence Knowledge, understanding and proficiency Methods for demonstrating competence Criteria for evaluating competence
Control trim, stability and stress Understanding of fundamental principles of ship construction and the theories and factors affecting trim and stability and measures necessary to preserve trim and stability

Knowledge of the effect on trim and stability of a ship in the event of damage to, and consequent flooding of, a compartment and countermeasures to be taken

Knowledge of IMO recommendations concerning ship stability
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
Stability and stress conditions are maintained within safety limits at all times
Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements and measures to ensure safety of life at sea, security and protection of the marine environment Knowledge of relevant international maritime law embodied in international agreements and conventions

Regard shall be paid especially to the following subjects:
  • .1 certificates and other documents required to be carried on board ships by international conventions, how they may be obtained and the period of their legal validity
  • .2 responsibilities under the relevant requirements of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as amended
  • .3 responsibilities under the relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended
  • .4 responsibilities under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as amended
  • .5 maritime declarations of health and the requirements of the International Health Regulations
  • .6 responsibilities under international instruments affecting the safety of the ships, passengers, crew or cargo
  • .7 methods and aids to prevent pollution of the environment by ships
  • .8 knowledge of national legislation for implementing international agreements and conventions
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved in-service experience
  • .2 approved training ship experience
  • .3 approved simulator training, where appropriate
Procedures for monitoring operations and maintenance comply with legislative requirements

Potential non-compliance is promptly and fully identified

Requirements for renewal and extension of certificates ensure continued validity of survey items and equipment
Maintain safety and security of the vessel, crew and passengers and the operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other safety systems A thorough knowledge of life-saving appliance regulations (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)

Organization of fire and abandon ship drills

Maintenance of operational condition of life-saving, fire-fighting and other safety systems

Actions to be taken to protect and safeguard all persons on board in emergencies

Actions to limit damage and salve the ship following fire, explosion, collision or grounding
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and approved in-service training and experience Procedures for monitoring fire-detection and safety systems ensure that all alarms are detected promptly and acted upon in accordance with established emergency procedures
Develop emergency and damage control plans and handle emergency situations Ship construction, including damage control

Methods and aids for fire prevention, detection and extinction

Functions and use of life-saving appliances
Examination and assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and approved in-service training and experience Emergency procedures are in accordance with the established plans for emergency situations
Use leadership and managerial skills Knowledge of shipboard personnel management and training

A knowledge of international maritime conventions and recommendations, and related national legislation

Ability to apply task and workload management, including:
  • .1 planning and coordination
  • .2 personnel assignment
  • .3 time and resource constraints
  • .4 prioritization


Knowledge and ability to apply effective resource management:
  • .1 allocation, assignment, and prioritization of resources
  • .2 effective communication on board and ashore
  • .3 decisions reflect consideration of team experience
Assessment of evidence obtained from one or more of the following:
  • .1 approved training
  • .2 approved in-service experience
  • .3 approved simulator training
The crew are allocated duties and informed of expected standards of work and behaviour in a manner appropriate to the individuals concerned

Training objectives and activities are based on assessment of current competence and capabilities and operational requirements

Operations are demonstrated to be in accordance with applicable rules

Operations are planned and resources are allocated as needed in correct priority to perform necessary tasks

Communication is clearly and unambiguously given and received

Effective leadership behaviours are demonstrated

Necessary team member(s) share accurate understanding of current and predicted vessel state and operational status and external environment

Decisions are most effective for the situation

Operations are demonstrated to be effective and in accordance with applicable rules

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