The engine room crew consisted of only three men - the watch engineer, a fireman/watertender, (FWT), and an oiler/wiper. In addition to serving as the engine room watch officer, each of the engineers had other duties.
The first assistant engineer oversaw all the maintenance work performed by the engine department. The second assistant engineer was typically responsible for the ship’s fuel and freshwater supplies as well as for caring for the boilers. The third assistant engineer was responsible for maintaining the auxiliary machinery.
While on watch the fireman/watertender was responsible for the operation of the ship’s boilers. It was critical that he generated the correct amount of steam while maintaining the proper water level in the boilers and ensuring that the “bunker C” oil burned cleanly. Generating black smoke could give away the ship’s position endangering the entire crew.
Equally critical was the work of the oiler/wiper, as he lubricated all the machinery and checked bearing temperatures to ensure that nothing was overheating.
There were members of the engine department who did not stand watches. They included the deck engineer who maintained all the deck machinery along with the wipers, who cleaned, painted, and assisted with repairs in the engineering spaces.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Remain on this level to explore the top of the Triple Expansion Steam Engine.