CHAPTER 4 ENGINEERING OPERATIONS When you have read and understood this chapter, you should be able to answer the  following  learning  objectives. .  Describe  the  scope  of  engineering  operations. l .  Explain  the  use  of  engineering  performance standards. l l Explain the purpose of engineering readiness l trials  and  inspections. Define  the  function  of  the  Propulsion  Examining Board. Define the function of the Board of Inspection and Survey. Explain the use of the engineering operating programs;  EOSS,  EOP,  and  EOCC. The Chief of Naval Operation (CNO) establishes the standards of readiness and preparedness for war required of all U.S. Navy ships. The standards require that the ship’s organization, its material readiness, and the state of training be such that the ship performs its mission  effectively  and  efficiently. Each   type   commander   designates   the   trials, inspections,  and  exercises  the  ships  under  his  command need to maintain readiness and meet standards. The type commanders  also  present  Battle  Efficiency  awards  as incentives   toward   greater   efficiency   through competition.  These  awards  are  earned  for  merit  in readiness   evaluation,   competitive   exercises,   and day-to-day  operations.  The  awards  are  presented according  to  OPNAVINST  3590.4  and  usually  are presented annually. CNO may authorize additional awards for type commands, and he may suspend awards during periods of national emergency. See the type commander’s  directives  for  information  concerning  the Battle  Efficiency  requirements  for  a  particular  ship. Engineering  readiness  (including  damage  control) plays a major role in the battle efficiency of any ship. The following list shows the principal components of engineering  readiness: l l l l Reliability Fuel  performance Feedwater  and  freshwater  performance Trial  performance 4-1 .  Ability  to  control  damage  and  engineering casualties. This  chapter  provides  detailed  information  on  (1) sound engineering practices, both recommended and mandatory,   (2)   engineering   trials   and   readiness inspections scheduled by the type commanders, and (3) material  inspections  and  ship  surveys  conducted  by  the Board  of  Inspection  and  Survey  (INSURV).  This chapter  deals  mainly  with  steam  propulsion  plants,  but parts  of  it  also apply  to  diesel  and  gas  turbine propulsion  plants. SOUND ENGINEERING PRACTICES The  engineer  officer  is  responsible  for  sound engineering   practices   within   the   engineering department, and he informs the commanding officer of casualties  and  other  events  that  affect  the  ship’s operations.  Although  the  engineering  officer  is responsible  overall,  this  chapter  applies  to  all supervisory  personnel  in  the  engineering  department who may be responsible for any of the duties described in the chapter. Those who apply sound engineering practices and follow operational  directives will enjoy a safe, economical, efficient, and reliable plant. They’ll also need less time to maintain it in that condition. This chapter deals with a steam plant, but parts of it also apply  to  diesel  and  gas  turbine  propulsion  plants.