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. 1-9