Mariners engrossed in the engine and its respective machines’ maintenance come under the engine department. Marine engineers take account of the fuel, all the quantities needed for propelling ships and also ensure smooth and efficient working of the machineries. Marine engineers and rating persons instilled with special skills are the most prominent asset to propel vessels smoothly and efficiently. Hence it can be easily understood how such a complex functioning of the vessel can be accomplished in a safe and efficient manner with the division of ranks in the merchant navy.

THE CHIEF ENGINEER :
He is responsible for the engine department. Chief Engineer keeps strict instructions for the management of pollution caused by ship’s machinery. He monitors ships’ auxiliary machineries and keeps track of the performance of the main propulsion system. He transfers regular reports of bunkering, fuel and lubricating oil and other fluid, etc. to the company’s headquarter. Reporting any sort of damages in machineries or any other technical issues arising has to be done by the chief Engineer.
THE SECOND ENGINEER :
The second engineer is assisted by other junior engineers for the day-to-day work in the engine department and has been given a special task to train engine cadets with ship machineries. Frequently the second engineer gives daytime watches in the engine room. He also looks after the documents, copies, and lamination work assisted by the fifth engineer. A highly skilled and specialized Second Engineer is the heart of the engine room, if he has good troubleshooting and leadership qualities then people in the Engine Room have a good time.
THIRD ENGINEER :
Along with the daily Engine Room rounds, the Third Engineer is responsible to check for the machines under the surveillance of the Chief Engineer. The fire room, boiler, and auxiliary machines are the responsibilities of a third engineer. Generally, Boiler and Auxiliary Engines are also the machines looked after by the Third Engineer. All the pump lines, emergency pump lines, provision reefer, and ship spares and stores are also managed by a third engineer. Generally, the duties of the Third Engineer vary from company to company and are clearly recorded in Company SMS
FOURTH ENGINEER :
The Fourth Engineer’s duty is to follow his Engine rounds schedule in the Engine Room and manage the working of machines assigned to him. Generally, a Fourth Engineer looks after Purifiers and Compressors on the Ship. Usually, the Fourth Engineer reports to the second engineer. The machines on which he works might differ from ship to ship. On command, his duty is to manage the main propulsion system and water system. Generally, the fourth engineer is also expected to provide medical aid, operation of steam and diesel driven plants and HAVC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
FIFTH ENGINEER / ENGINE CADET :
He is mainly on board to learn under the guidance of a Second Engineer. His duty is to take soundings, go on Engine round duties, do document work all under the surveillance of senior officers. He also changes oil filters, manages workshop tools, assembling, cleaning, and dismantles the main air compressor, air purifier, and sewage plant under the supervision of a senior engineer.
ELECTRICAL OFFICER (ETO) :
One of the most important persons onboard. He looks after the electrical and technical aspects onboard. The advanced, unmanned ships (UMS) have special requirements of an ETO, as such ships have immense electrical requirements and computer-controlled machines. With automation becoming a great asset in running a ship, the role of an Electrical Officer is becoming dominant each day.
FITTER :
Fitter makes sure that all the watercraft components and materials are fitted properly or else he does so with welding or workshop tools. He must be specialized in construction and assembling parts of the machineries. Fitting is an art, and a good fitter is a master of it, thus work becomes relaxed when under the hand of a skilled fitter.
MOTORMAN / OILER :
Smooth and efficient working of machines requires proper oiling from time to time, which is the job of a motorman (oiler). Moreover cleaning the Engine Room and also supporting the duty engineer with daily rounds is a very important task of an Oiler.
WIPER :
He is responsible for cleaning the machineries and engine areas, he also assists the engine officers as per their command. The wiper is an ongoing rank to become an oiler. Though, not all Ships have a Wiper onboard.