Rating Forming Part of an Engine Room Watch (RFPEW)
The Rating Forming Part of an Engine Room Watch (RFPEW) course is designed for seafarers who wish to work as part of the engineering watch on ships. The course provides the essential knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to perform routine duties safely and efficiently under the supervision of a qualified engineer officer, as required by the STCW Regulation III/4 and Section A-III/4.
During this course, participants learn about the basic operation and maintenance of machinery commonly found in a ship’s engine room. They are introduced to engine room organization, safety practices, and watchkeeping procedures. The training focuses on how to assist in monitoring main propulsion and auxiliary machinery, handle machinery emergencies, and maintain cleanliness and order in the engine department.
The main topics covered include:
Engine Room Familiarization – layout, machinery systems, and safety equipment.
Watchkeeping Duties – understanding the role of the watchkeeping rating and communication with the engineering team.
Machinery Operations – basic operation of pumps, compressors, purifiers, and other shipboard systems.
Safety and Pollution Prevention – fire prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe working practices, and environmental care under MARPOL.
Basic Electrical and Control Systems – introduction to electrical safety and machinery automation.
Emergency Procedures – response to machinery malfunctions, alarms, and emergency shutdowns.
The course combines classroom lessons with practical demonstrations and simulator exercises. On completion, trainees are better prepared to demonstrate competence for the RFPEW Certificate of Proficiency, proving their ability to assist effectively in the engine room watch under proper supervision.
What will I learn?
- Introduction to Engine Room Operations: Layout and organization of the engine room, Familiarization with main and auxiliary machinery, Role and responsibilities of engine room personnel
- Watchkeeping Procedures: Duties of a rating during engine room watch, Communication with the engineering team and bridge, Record keeping and reporting during watch
- Machinery and Systems: Basic working of propulsion and auxiliary machinery, Operation and maintenance of pumps, compressors, purifiers, and heat exchangers, Understanding fuel, lubricating oil, and cooling systems
- Electrical and Control Systems: Basics of electrical safety and power distribution, Understanding automation and alarm systems in engine control room
- Maintenance and Housekeeping: Routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspections; Safe use of hand tools and maintenance equipment; Importance of good housekeeping practices
- Safety and Environmental Protection: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE); Fire prevention and firefighting in the engine room; Pollution prevention measures under MARPOL (oil, bilge, sewage handling)
- Emergency Procedures: Responding to machinery failures, leaks, and alarms, Procedures during blackout, flooding, and fire emergencies; Communication and teamwork during emergencies
- Human Element and Teamwork: Working effectively under supervision, Following instructions and maintaining situational awareness, Importance of discipline and safe behavior at sea
- Candidate must be at least 18 years old at the time of joining the course.
- Must have completed 10th standard (secondary school) or an equivalent recognized qualification with science and mathematics subjects preferred.
- Candidate must hold a valid medical fitness certificate
- Must have successfully completed the STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) courses
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