GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The SHIP'S SECOND ASSISTANT ENGINEER assists the Chief Engineer in the operation, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines and auxiliary mechanical and electrical equipment in ocean motor vessels.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first level of a three-level series. This class is distinguished from the Ship's First Assistant Engineer level by the absence of responsibility to maintain inventory records and an adequate amount of engineering supplies and spare parts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Equipment Maintenance. Typical tasks: assists in the maintenance of the engines and auxiliary equipment of an oceangoing vessel, by performing regular maintenance such as lubrication; assists in the repair of machinery and equipment; replaces broken parts as required to keep equipment operational.
2. Equipment Operation. Typical tasks: fuels and waters the vessel as needed and records fuel and water usage to monitor consumption; operates shipboard equipment such as pumps, winches, diesel engines, hydraulic systems, refrigeration equipment, air compressors, cranes, sewage systems, evaporators, piping systems, and boilers.
3. Watch Standing. Typical tasks: stands watch as the roving engineer; assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the engineering plant, including constant checks on pressures and temperatures, fuel consumption and conditions of operating machinery, to ensure economical , safe and efficient operation; keeps engineering logs and records.
4. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: assists in fire fighting and maintains fire fighting equipment; performs first aid.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have daily contact with research scientists and students while at sea, to assist in repairing broken equipment as requested. All other contact is with the ship's crew. Duties are assigned and completed on board the ship.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from an administrative supervisory level engineer. Repair work is inspected upon completion. Engineering logs are checked daily to ensure that maintenance and operation schedules are met. Work is evaluated upon completion for adherence to generally accepted marine engineering practices.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are found on ships conducting research at sea for extended periods of time. They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of an Assistant Engineer license, limited motor vessel of not more than 3000 horsepower upon oceans issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.