This article discusses about the responsibility and duties of fourth engineer on board. Since this is more of an experience sharing article, difference can occur in opinion. But obviously the basic duties and work ‘is and will’ remain the same. 4th Engineer being the first promotion in engine department is stumbled upon by lots of responsibilities. But they have been trained to do so in their cadetship.
The only difference now is that, they have to implement all what they have learnt at that time, to present. As per experts, 4th engineer should do his or her work, and side by side, needs to learn what other engineers are doing. But this case is valid for all engineers, because of the very basic fact that, machinery are different every time (Yes basic background remains the same), thus one cannot be utmost sure about everything.
Although there are handfuls of manufacturer of machinery in the world, but they too strive for making something different every time, so that, best output can be obtained from the machines.
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4th Engineer Work On ship
Pumps, Compressors, Purifiers are some of the machines, that a 4th Engineer needs to be expert of or we can say that these are the common ones that are handled by this rank officer. As we will go down in this discussion, we will try to give brief information about these machines. Considering the fact that reader who is reading this piece of information is having some experience in shipping, we will not start from scratch as what these machinery stands for.
Bunkers or oil that we take onboard is not in a condition to be readily used. It contains lot of unwanted impurities like water, dirt etc. But we cannot put this type of oil into our main engine and auxiliary machinery. To refine and make it up to a level, where we can use it for burning, we need purifiers. Purifier uses the centrifugal force to remove the contaminants and other liquid that may be present in the heavy fuel. Regular maintenance of these machines makes sure that they are working properly, and hence we are having clean fuel to run our engines.
Pumps
like centrifugal, screw, gear and reciprocating types are also under the working area of 4th engineer. Engine room of a ship is nothing or you cannot imagine it without pumps. A regular maintenance on them and also, repairing them time to time as per the running hours is quite necessary. Mostly we use centrifugal pumps, but reciprocating pumps and other positive displacement pumps are also used in places, where there need is.
The major role that 4th Engineer plays onboard is taking of bunkers. Bunker involves lot of pre planning and him or her with chief engineer being responsible for carrying out the bunker operation properly, a thorough study of how much to take and where to take is quite necessary and imperative. During time of bunkers, he or she needs to take constant soundings, so as to have correct knowledge level of oil in the tanks.
In most of the ships, fourth engineer is a part of the fire team that go first, in case of emergency. So, he or she has to make sure that, they are competent to achieve this task.
How to become 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy
You have to first take an approved course from a maritime college. They will train you as Engine Cadet and after successful completion of course, you will board ship as trainee that will last for specific months. Depending on the country and company policy, you have to go for a training period of 6-12 months onboard.
Note: In some ships fourth engineer is not there or may 2-3 fourth engineer can be there.
Which Rank after 4th Engineer
You will be promoted by the company as 3rd Engineer, when you have sufficient experience to take responsibility of 3rd engineer on your shoulders. Generally you need to have a sea time of 12-18 months as 4th engineer before being promoted to 3rd engineer. After sufficient experience as third engineer, you will be promoted to 2nd Engineer job.
Salary of 4th Engineer in Merchant Navy
He or she earns a respectful amount to pay which can vary from 2300$-3600$ per month depending on the company and nationality. Plus, you have other facilities like insurance, scholarship for your further studies etc.
sir, i am in btech 4th year ece branch. how i can join the merchant navy. plzz tellme the procedure.
i am a junior engineer. i did btech in mechanical then 1 year of pre sea training. the pre sea training has a mandatory requirement of mechanical engineers because onboard ship u will have to work on all mechanical equipments.
mostly you need to do either mechanical engineering or naval architecture to join merchant navy buddy
Dear sir
I was compleeted gp rating. Now am working as a oiler 550 kw engine power …at turky i want know about 4th engineer examinatin qualification..
To became a 4th eng u have to write MEO CLASS 4 exam from your country or any where in world like UK, Aus Etc.But for writing that exam u hav to sail a ship which hav an engine power atleast 900 Kw.It may be different about various authority..but iam sure 550 kw is not enough.
Dear sir,
I comoleted in mechanical engineering on this year…which is qulaification & exams for 4’th engineer
ir, i am in BE mechanical branch completed.how i can join the merchant navy. plzz tellme the procedure.
hello sir,
I am a mechanical engineer. I have also a did diploma from chemical engineering. I am working in a marine college under I.m.u as technical expert for engine , boiler, turbine. I have also knowledge of crude oil properties.
Sir I completed intermediate so how I join in merchant navy and which post
Sir
I am class 4 passed after long period due to my mom under treatment of cancer my time sign off at 13/12/12 after I take long gap and clr class4 and got coc at September2015. After due to above reasons I take long gap
So can I join again now
Pls reply me
Umesh men
9766112318
Have you joined as fourth engineer?
sir …. I am completed diploma mechanical branch… so which course is to better to me on merchant navy
Good Day. I am a registered 4th class power engineer. Is there a way to get the 4th class motor certificate without doing the whole course considering my previous qualification and time on navy ships. If so who do I talk to. I live in British Columbia, Canada
how much time needed to sail in an oiler rank for meo class 4exam? if u suggest?
Good day sir I am in Ii year of the Marine Engineering is it must to have Ist class in your 12th to get job .
Sir I have done bsc computer science so how can I join merchant navy and how company provide us to go on the ship at second time ?
Sir I m working as oiler,completed 12 onboard .I have joined ship only with indian watchkeeping certificate.now I want to become 4th engineer,please tell how can go ahead with my career.
Sir
I m Brij mani
My study r going for marine engineering 3rd yr complete upcoming 4th yr ..course ‘ll be complete up to may 2018 ..
I want join ship as junior engineer
My contact no 9679166416
Is it posaible that an engine fitter will become a 4th enggineer.if yes then what is the procedure for it.j
Thank u.
Good day, Is there a chance that an information Technology graduate (woman) can be a seafarer ?
If there is, I want to apply. 🙂
Thank you.
You can apply for the navigator program.
First u want to 4th engineer exams in India or uk then u call became a 4th engineer license became a eoow engineer officer on watch kk
Good day, Is there a chance that an information Technology graduate (woman) can be a seafarer ?
If there is, I want to apply. 🙂
Thank you.
Yes you can apply for navigator program.
Hello
I have BE in Materials Engineering. I also just finished a 6months program in Marine Engineering. What are my chances of joining the maritime industry and rising to the rank of an Officer?
2017 i passed b tech in mechanical….is engine creadit give imo exam??engin creadit become chef marine engg???? help me 7278868788…some body offer engine creadit course…..i want to sure….sumantasaha.alex@gmail.com
sir , present i am persuing my degree 4th year in mechanical engineering at LPU , can u please tell me what is the cgpa criteria requirement for to join in marine engineering
thank you!
I have class 4 Indian fg coc
After that sailed 6month in general cargo 3month in tug , now it’s possible to join dp vessel how to take dp certificate
And one more question with this experience can I enter to ITF COMPANIES