electrical, and other engineering department functions.
The engineer officer will make sure his assistants
perform their assigned duties, or he will perform those
duties himself when no assistant is available for a given
billet. The duties and responsibilities of the engineer
assistants are explained in the following paragraphs.
THE MAIN PROPULSION ASSISTANT
(MPA).– The MPA is responsible to the engineer officer
for the operation, care, and maintenance of the ship’s
propulsion machinery, its related auxiliaries, and such
other auxiliaries as may be assigned. In ships where
there are not enough officers for all billets, the MPA
may also serve as the main engines (M) and boilers (B)
division officer.
The MPA is specifically responsible for the
reliability and effective operation of the ship’s main
engines, boilers, and assigned auxiliaries. He must
make, or assign reliable subordinates to make, frequent
inspections of all the machinery and equipment for
which he is responsible. In addition, the MPA must
make sure necessary inspections, tests, repairs, and
adjustments are completed subject to required
authorization and according to NAVSEASYSCOM and
manufacturer’s technical manuals. He must personally
supervise the operation of the main propulsion plant
when the ship is getting underway, coming to anchor,
and at other times when unusual care is necessary.
Except in cases of emergency, he must get the CO's
permission before fires are lighted or secured under a
boiler. He must make sure that main engines are not
turned except with permission of the officer of the deck
(OOD).
The following paragraphs describe more specific
duties of the MPA:
. The care, storage, and expenditure of fuels and
the maintenance and security of fueling systems (except
for aircraft and missiles) and the maintenance of fuel
records, including a daily fuel report to the CO.
. Proper preparation, care, submission, and
disposition of the Engineering Log and Engineer’s Bell
Book. He is required to inspect them at least daily and
ensure their proper maintenance and timely submission.
. The preparation, care, and disposition of such
operation, maintenance, and other engineering records
as may be prescribed by NAVSEASYSCOM or other
authority.
The MPA must know the operational characteristics
of the equipment and machinery under his control so he
can observe and interpret their results. He must inspect
spaces, machinery, and equipment and obtain useful
information from the logs, records, and reports.
There is no substitute for experience, but an MPA
may be assigned before he has time to gain that
experience. Therefore, he must use every opportunity to
improve his knowledge of machinery and equipment
through self-study and fleet-operated schools.
The MPA can gain considerable self-confidence
and knowledge by qualifying himself and each of the
watch officers in the procedures for warming up and
securing each major item of machinery in the main
engineering plant. A previously qualified officer or the
engineering chief petty officer may conduct this
training.
The MPA can find information on equipment and
machinery in his own ship in publications such as
blueprints and manufacturer’s technical manuals. These
are readily available in the logroom. Two of the most
important reference books in the engineering
department are the Naval Ships’ Technical Manual
(NSTM) and the Ship Information Book. He can learn a
great deal about the location, condition, size, and
description of the machinery and equipment in the
engineering department by observing it during
operation, when idle, and during maintenance
procedures. He should read the manufacturers’
nameplates for data on safe operating limits, capacities,
and other useful information.
To the more knowledgeable officer, comparison of
past and present performance records, reports, and logs
will show the condition of the engineering plant and
will often disclose areas in need of repairs. Evaluation
of information gained from these sources depends upon
the completeness of the records, reports, and logs, and
the professional integrity of those who prepare them.
The MPA should never overlook the knowledge of
more experienced officers, chief petty officers,
supervisors, and equipment operators. He should
always have the supervisor of the space accompany him
on his inspection tour. The supervisor can then answer
questions and receive orders concerning the space and
machinery.
THE DAMAGE CONTROL ASSISTANT
(DCA).– The DCA is responsible for the effective
damage control organization; for repairs to the ship’s
hull, machinery, and piping systems except as
specifically assigned to another division or department;
and for the maintenance and submission of logs,
records, and reports required in connection with his
assigned functions.
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