This is actually a response from a question raised in the comments section. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Captain runs the ship but the Engineers make the ship run. Chief MAKOi Seaman Vlog
In most latin America an Engineer is who design and/or fabricate some machine or process, the technician is who diagnose manteinance and repair the machinery. Engineer is a 5 years or more in university and Technician is 3 years carrer but more practical than theory. Sorry for my english dear readers, its not my intention to offend someone with my horrible English.
I'm sure your English is a lot better than my little Portuguese, or almost non existent Spanish 😊. The important thing is we understand what you are saying 😊. Well done !
I'm a Deck Officer, but my biggest regret is that I didn't become a Marine Engineer even though that was my original plan... You can pretty much replace us Officers with computers, but you can't replace the guys in the Engine Department! Keep up the good work, Chief!
The only thing is, the Engineers are often below deck during that moment when an emergency turns into a tragedy. I don't have to tell a deck officer, but quite often they never have a chance to evacuate the engineering spaces. Especially during foul seas that put the ship in jeopardy, where keeping the plant going or restarting the plant is the difference between life and death. Like in the case of the El Faro.
My father was a Marine Engineer and my favourite place to be as a little kid was down in the engine room when he was in port. I can still recall the smell, the noise and the heat.
As a marine engineer I'll say that the most important skill is the ability to analyze and learn fast. During the education were taught all the basics...physics, chemistry, mechanical properties of everything, and most important we learned to learn ! Look at something and figure out how it works, and how to repair it. Now working with land-crabs I really see that this skill is highly valued. Take a step back, get an overview and pick the right way....first time ! Many highly skilled/specialized people can't see the whole picture, and start out in the wrong direction...
A marine engineer has to be the definition of smart. And I 'd imagine you'd need to have a fairly good handle on your emotions -- as in not getting flustered easily.
Those guys have to have a strong mechanical talent first and tons of learning plus experience. The type that can figure out anything mechanical and common sense. Ability to look at a situation and break it down into steps and bring it all back together. These are definitely the ones I want around in a disastrous situation because they're worth their weight in gold!
Great point, many people hear the word "engineer" and immediately think of the professional class person designing airplanes, bridges or whatever. The category however is way broader than that.
In American labor union lingo, an "operating engineer" operates heavy equipment ranging from small excavators to 100 ton cranes to temporary construction elevators, to bulldozers to forklifts.
I was one of these special manufacturer's engineers he was talking about. I was stationed in Dubai as lots of ships pass by here on a regular basis. The navigation officers on the bridge were complaining that the speed input on the collision avoidance system had not been working since they left Singapore. This signal comes from a unit down in the engine room. When I went down to check it, they told me it had been removed and left for repair in Singapore. An expensive service call, I guess they don't talk to each other very often.
Chief the old saying(s) applies here...."They are a jack of all trades, and a master of none!" ........ and "they learn their their craft in the school of hard knocks!" ........ but they get the job done right the ship still functions and that's what matters most!
Unfortunately that first saying is used more as an insult and so I wouldn’t agree, in fact marine engineers are masters of many trades and it’s how they apply their knowledge to each situation where they show their expertise!
Good morning Chief! At least from Virginia, USA. On the ship I served on, we had many engines. 6 main engines, which were V16 ALCOs. 3 Generators, 2 V12 ALCOs and 1 V8 ALCO. ALL these engines used the same sized heads, pistones, injectors, etc. Making the parts interchangeable for all these engines. We used JP5 for fuel, since they were all diesel, so we didn't have to use that 'crude oil,' like stuff that your ships use. All the small boats, used Detroit diesels, mostly straight 6s, two stroke, 671 "Grey Marine," meaning they basically used sea water for coolant. Except for the 'Captain's boat," that had an 871. "A V8 instead of a straight 6." But again, because they were all the same mechanically, the parts could be interchangeable. Being a military vessel, meant we were required to 'tinker,' with these engines on a regular maintenance schedule. I enjoy your videos, how your team breaks an engine down, and then puts it all back together. "And no extra parts left over!!" It's a good feeling when that engine starts up and the ship continues on course. Het Chief... You looking like you're hitting the main deck cookouts a bit much! The drone footage reveals all! LOL Maybe a walk on deck is in order! Smooth seas and clear skies Chief!!
Amazingly, the two NASA crawler-transporters for the Apollo missions had two ALCO V-16 251C turbosupercharged engines to run it, each engine producing 2,750 horsepower, as it carried the Saturn V to the launch platform. They remain the world's largest self-propelled land vehicles. The transporters weigh 2,721 metric tons (3,000 tons). The engines drive four 1,000 kilowatt electric generators. These in turn supply electricity to sixteen 375 horsepower traction motors. Since replaced by Cummins QSK95 16-cylinder diesel/C3000-series.
They are engineers in the most fundamental way. This is where the term engineers originated from - the people who look after the engines of large vehicles.
Not sure what people think you do when something breaks in the middle of the ocean. Find a lay by and phone the ship recovery help line. Hope they can get there within the allotted 2 hours. That is one of the best things about Marine engineers. You are isolated and so have to work it out. The huge variety and complexity of the jobs you undertake makes for very well trained and qualified engineers. Once upon a time you took a car to a mechanical engineer. Often some bloke in a back street garage. If you got a good one they could pull every part of that car apart. Repair parts. Make their own parts. And generally fix what it needed. More like what you still do. Now when you take a car in they need a computer to lead them in the right direction. And a big box of plug and play parts for a direct swap. Nothing is repairable anymore apparently. In truth most of them wouldn't know how to fix anything.
I would like to see a video on backup equipment that is possibly low tech compared to live systems. Those you mentioned that will enable you to get back to port.
Thanks for another well structured and positive explanation of the life of an ship’s engineer. As a first trip deck cadet in the late 1970’s I well remember the 2nd Engineer (who was from Yorkshire in Northern England) explaining to me: “Dus tha’ wanna know t’secret ‘o’ Marine Ingineerin’? If it dun’t wark - ‘it it wi’ ‘ammer. If it still dun’t wark - bigger ‘ammer!” [Roughly translated for anyone not versed in northern English dialect: If something isn’t working, apply a hammer to it. If that doesn’t have the desired effect, try a bigger hammer.]. I think he was joking...though whenever anything stops working in my (predominantly woodworking) workshop at home I still find myself looking at my selection of hammers on the rack before thinking better of it.
I was a Radar Technician in the Navy. There was a 10lb 'tuning tool' in every equipment space. (Its primary declred purpose, was to prevent functional equipment falling into enemy hands...but we all agree with your Engineer. )
Percussive maintenance is an honourable tradition in most branches of engineering. What makes a good engineer worth his weight in gold is that he knows exactly where to 'it it!
My dad was in the Navy. He always started the Bridge officers and crew may tell the ship where to go. But the engineers are the ones that actually get it there. Great video as always. Thanks Mark
The only thing that doesn't have some kind of back-up system is the main engine, depending on the ships design. Our big lake ships, the 1000 footers have multiple engines. A few even have 4- 20 cylinder engines.
There are many kinds of engineers, most of which require a master's level education and a "Board License" or a "Professional Certification." Electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, aeronautical engineers, logistics engineers, petroleum engineers, marine engineers, etc. ad nauseam. At one time the only degree available to a student of the US Naval Academy was a degree in Marine Engineering. As Chief Makoi indicates, it's possible to be an engineer aboard ship by virtue of introductory schooling and OJT. One would be an engineer working for the Chief Engineer. In the Navy, every person assigned to a "E-#" division was an engineer (little 'e'). Our E-4 shop had the trial of remanufacturing parts for a ship's high pressure steam turbine, a job we were specifically and peculiarly not trained to do. If we couldn't get the job done, the ship would be unceremoniously hauled into a drydock, have her guts ripped out through a hole in her side, and refitted with a new turbine. At a saved cost of about $3.3 million, I think we did ok. This is what engineers did.
Hi Chief. The best job I ever had.... Such a broad range of duties to carry out and never get bored, And the best part... a good crew... (well, maybe food). What a life. Thanks for the uploads. Take care :-)
Good video chief. I have been asked by people, who never went to sea, about how engineers could work on one brand of machinery on one ship and then sail on a different ship with different brands of machinery and know how to work on that. The best answer I could give them is that one brand of machinery is different from another, but it is also the same in respect as to what it is supposed to do. "Vanilla version, basic working principles and the ability to figure out how things work" is a very good way to describe to others on how engineers are able to work successfully on multiple ships. Good explanation chief. Certainly more clear than mine. On a different subject, I read a couple of nice comments on here from deck officers. I used to joke around with those guys saying that I could never do their jobs because I was afraid of heights. Take care all my sailor brothers and sisters currently shipping or now on the beach for good. Have a good watch everyone.
Very interesting. Sounds like the engineers have to be proficient in many systems. I to have to be proficient in several systems repairing locomotives for switching operations.
Chief, I would imagine that energy isolation lockout ragout procedures to protect the workers working on preventive maintenance or repairing equipment. I am a power plant operator in the U.S. and we take that seriously.
Hey Mark! Nice to see your smiling face! I always appreciate you bringing us into your world. Question: have you ever been on a ship that was "dead in the water", or have you seen or rescued crew from one? What would you say how that might happen? Improper maintenance of aging equipment? Lack of competence of the engineering department? Or even not having the right part? Do they have to be towed or fixed at sea?
As an Ex-Navy M/E , what we do is " Make It Go " by whatever means necessary . The " Right " way is always preferable , but Improvisation is acceptable , if needs must . Navy ships have a Sub-Branch of Electricians for Electronics problems .
Hi - at one time the operator of a piece of heavy equipment was called an operating engineer - since they were so difficult and complicated. There were a number of different kinds. The person who operated the engine of a train in an engineer, they have to try and fix it if it breaks. As a side note, the Conductor is the highest ranking person on a passenger train, not the engineer. That use of the term has fallen out of favor, but it still is used in some places like the Marine Engineer. My Great Grandfather was a "Stationary Engineer". Today they call that job a Power Plant Operator. He worked at large construction sites rather than power plants.
Maintenance & overhaul doesn't just happen when the ship is setting in dock. I'm sure just like any equipment there are parameters & workings any equipment has that must done once those parameters arise. At X-amount of working hours an engine must be overhauled & repaired & most likely happens while at sea & yes overhaul must happen in the middle of nowhere, it has been planned upon & the proper needs have been allocated so it can be carried out. Cruise ships are fun, but really I would like to just a passenger on a working ship to see the day to day operations & all it takes to make the world operate. But, as long as we have folks like Chiel MAKOi this will get us all as close to being able to it in the comfort of being at home. Thank you Chief for another great video, I'm glad you enjoy bringing these video, because look forward to seeing them each time they come out!!!!!
On my ship and the company I work for our engineers are smart competent men who can research and think critically while problem solving. They also know their limitations as well.
It must come down to the severity of the breakdown. Damage to a major component I'm sure is very rare. No doubt the crew can handle 99% + of failures, it's the odd 1% where outside help is required. The fact that the crew carries out major maintenance also means of course they are capable of major repairs should they happen. It's a tried and tested system that works.
It should be noted that in almost every country there are maritime schools that teach seamaship and marine mechanics in order to be pualified to sail ships i studies from 14 to 18. in maritime school today i am a ritired captain THANKS FOR SHARING CHIEF MAKOI
Say Chief, does the maritime industry use a chit system or shadow boxes for tools? It was critical in military aviation. We utilized shadow boxes to keep track, as a missing tool could easily damage or even cause an aircraft to crash. Excellent video!
No, we do not, which is sometimes a pity. On one occasion we had to change a main engine cylinder liner which was worn beyond makers limits. (We were in port doing scheduled maintenance) It became stuck after lifting it out for approx. 2 bananas. We went looking for two heavy hydraulic jacks in our store room but the conclusion was that they were probably now part of the inventory of the Singapore shipyard we had left a few months earlier. But we got it out using freon and ordered two new jacks.
You've got it nice and warm where you are anchored 🙂. We're now nearly freezing. (Worthing, Sussex, England.) I'm jealous 🙂. Thanks for all the very interesting Engineering info 😊.
Soon my dreams will come true whenever I get a look of your videos I get motivated on what you have be doing in you're daily routine, God will take you far Chief Makoi,,
Excellent explanation Sir. I was a marine engineer for 27 years. I have experienced a huge crankcase explosion and some other unforeseen events but we coped and carried on the journey.
Chief Makoi, I truly enjoy your videos, and wanted to ask you. Were you ever tempted to work in the cruise ship industry…maybe for Norwegian…MSC, or Viking. You definitely could have averted the engine oil problems Viking had recently with lubrication.
These are some of the best videos on RU-vid. I have learned so much from watching and have a new appreciation for the work you do. Keep the videos coming Chief!!!!
this is a bit of a random question but your video on your daily schedule made me think of this. You'd said that you guys only get a very small amount of data to use while under way and that you have to try and get a SIM card in whatever country you happen to be in. Do you see something like Starlink making its way onto cargo ships and allow much better access to the internet?
Great video ,you cant beat the oily rag as they say ,with such sophisticated electronic equipment appearing everywhere engineering becomes more of a nightmare and is good to see you can still function if it no longer works it shows what the engineer of tomorrow will be like more a software technician .
The same situation happend me too, every embarcation get a new challenge, because i have to work with different types of vessel and some of them are modern than others, uses different technologies, so that i need to study the manual and drawing of all equipment to can figure out how you well depict the situation Chief, it's a hard task i have not time to see movies only struggling with the most esential equipment like composite boilers, alternators, refeers machinery, and in some cases the different types of ships take an important roll, because they have different principles of working.Much greeting to you Chief from Venezurla, ETO from BSM.
This is really interesting, I've just left my job and applied to the british Royal Fleet Auxillary as an engineering apprentice. Some more background info was really helpful!
I love watching videos about stuff i know nothing about to learn more about things. Your videos are the most interesting things i watch . Thanks for the hard work you do making the videos
From watching your videos there appear to be two things members of your staff are always doing; teaching and learning. It always seems that it is a team, and everyone supports each other.
Another outstanding episode, thanks Chief Makoi. Excellent overview of the essential skills and knowledge necessary to execute the ship’s mission. When the telegraph annunciates a bell order, make ship go fast! Carry on!
so cool, thanks for the insight into things at a high-level! i would have guessed y'all would have both a lathe _and_ a milling machine?...i guess if you have a good drill press you can make do.
Sir I like your youtube video. Specially like to engine s video. Because I'm working in marine engineering work in alang ship yard .(India). This video is knowledgeable for me.
Thank you chief! That answered a lot of my questions. As a former EE - now doing house swapping because it's more fun - I was thinking at first that you guys would just swap the board, but I can see that's a bad idea because that board could have been damaged due to bad connections or some other system damaging it so yes, you would want a specialist to diagnose the problem first. However, those surface mount boards tend to just get swapped and the factory then either repairs it or recycles it depending on costs.
Computer boards, particularly very specialized ones, are not only expensive, but in general, keeping a spare around is generally not going to help if you don't know how everything has to connect and if you need to do some programming of the board. Back when I was running a computer shop, I had a small manufacturer ask me to come out and repair one of his machines. What it needed was a replacement controller board from the manufacturer. He thought I should have one sitting in my shop, like a standard PC motherboard. Nope. He had to call the company to get a repair tech out.
@@Norbrookc Ya my knowledge is out of date for sure. We have some controllers with PROM's but nothing like today I can imagine. When I was around, we had - wait for - discrete components - yup - that old :)
@@JackKirbyFan This was a plasma cutter, and the kicker was that the guy had ruined it by leaving the cover off while cutting. Originally, he told me it was the diskette drive (loaded the cutting instructions), which was easy to replace. However, that wasn't the problem ... the board was toast. Metal vapor/particles, some magnetized, on what should have been a protected board pretty much guaranteed it was toast. He was pretty upset that I couldn't fix it, and really upset when he found out that he was looking at a pretty hefty price tag to get a new board and have it installed by the manufacturer. Their rep replaced the cover, and informed the guy that it should under no circumstances be left open.
@@Norbrookc That was so typical a story. I did tech work working my way through college and somehow customers - FIND A WAY. I'm sure you look back on that and laugh but I'm not sure you were laughing at the time.
@@JackKirbyFan What was the most exasperating part was that he was trying to bully me into fixing it somehow while also griping about the cost to fix a piece of critical equipment for his business. Now it's funny, but back then I wanted to punch him.
I was asked by the owner of an ocean going tug boat company around 2009 (his regular chief engineer was to be off for a month or more) what do you know about EMD diesel engines. I said, "Dan they are all the same no matter the brand, so I went through some things after I got through he said, I guess they are all the same. The tug was the Black Hawk at 134 feet with twin EMD diesels and we carried 125,000 gallons of fuel. He wanted me as chief engineer because I had a ship repair back ground, both in the shop and in the yard yard, his assistant engineer was not very good at figuring out a problem should one arise.
Thanks for another interesting video, Chief. I noticed that a ship that I think you've been on before, the Nord Gemini, now has a new name and a new owner?
As Corporate IT I often work side by side with Chief Engineer and his staff, I have great respect of the marine engineer people because they are very well trained and are able to find solutions to most of issues onboard. About deck electronics (not engine PLCs and similiar), do you have GMDSS certified people onboard or you rely on shore support?
