The new U.S. Coast Guard-approved Fireman/Watertender and Oiler (FOWT) program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education prepares candidates to earn both the Fireman/WT and Oiler rating endorsements as well as STCW certification as a Rating Forming Part of the Engineering Watch.
This eight-week program consists of three course modules: Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (four weeks), Basic Motor Plant Operations (two weeks), and Basic Steam Plant Operations (two weeks). Students are assessed via written examinations with a primary emphasis on practical marine engineering plant operations while in a support role, as well as a practical demonstration of job-related skills. Students are required to perform those tasks associated with the performance of their job duties as a watchstander, including routine maintenance performed while on watch.
The updated program makes extensive use of engineering plant simulators.
“The new program is not only designed to provide members the necessary training for Coast Guard rating endorsements and STCW certification, but also provides an excellent foundation for continued growth and development as a professional mariner working in the engine room,” said Bill Eglinton, director of training at the Piney Point, Md. school.
The following is an overview of each module and its contents:
Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Module
Consists of instruction and practical training in basic marine engineering, fire protection systems and emergency response procedures, miscellaneous systems, and auxiliary plant operations.
Topics in basic marine engineering include basic machines and mechanical energy transformations, thermal energy and combustion principles, fluid power using both hydraulic and pneumatic mediums, electrical energy and basic electricity, basic metallurgy and engineering materials, and piping system hardware.
Subjects in fire protection systems and emergency response procedures include the layout, arrangement, use and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, fixed CO2 flooding systems, fixed and semi-portable dry chemical systems, fixed and semi-portable foam systems, and fire main and sprinkler systems.
The miscellaneous systems segment covers the layout, arrangement and operation of bilge and ballast systems, central priming systems, general service sea water and low temperature fresh water cooling systems, potable water and engine room fresh water service systems, sanitary flushing and sanitary drain systems, lube oil filling and transfer systems, and fuel oil filling and transfer systems.
Topics in auxiliary plant operations include the layout, arrangement, principles, operation and monitoring of distilling plants, oily water separators, sewage treatment plants, hydraulic power plants, electro-hydraulic steering gear, lube oil purification plants, fuel oil treatment plants, compressed air plants, auxiliary boilers, motor vessel steam plants, refrigeration plants, air conditioning plants, and electricity generating plants.
Auxiliary plant simulations consist of stand-alone plant simulations as well as those integrated with diesel propulsion plant and steam propulsion plant simulations.
Basic Motor Plant Operations Module
Consists of instruction and practical training in power transmission systems, diesel engines, diesel engine support systems, plant automation, reduction gears, propulsion shafting and associated bearings, and propellers. Topics in power transmission systems include the layout and arrangement of gear, chain and belt drives; solid and flexible couplings; brakes and clutches; and principles of lubrication, lubricants and bearings.
Topics in diesel engines include the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of slow and medium speed propulsion diesel engines, medium speed generator diesel engines, high speed auxiliary and emergency generator diesel engines, and diesel-electric drives.
Subjects in diesel engine support systems include the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of starting systems, fuel oil service systems and fuel injection equipment, charge air and exhaust systems, fresh water and sea water cooling systems, lubricating oil systems and crankcase ventilation systems.
Issues covered during plant automation include the layout, arrangement and operation of engine operating controls, diesel engine governors, process control systems, automation sequencing, self-protection and alarms.
Topics in reduction gears include the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of reversing and non-reversing reduction gears and propulsion clutches.
Course material in propulsion shafting includes the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of propulsion shafting, thrust bearings, line shaft or spring bearings, stern tube bearings and strut bearings.
Subjects in propellers include the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of fixed pitch and controllable pitch propellers and controllable pitch propeller servos.
Motor plant simulations consist of stand-alone plant simulations as well as those integrated with auxiliary plant and electricity generating plant simulations. Both slow speed and medium speed diesel propulsion plants are modeled. Additionally, the motor plant simulation program offers a complete mockup of an engine control room including propulsion plant, auxiliary plant, and electricity generating plant prime mover operating consoles as well as a main switchboard.
Basic Steam Plant Operations Module
Consists of instruction and practical training in the steam and water cycle, marine power boilers, turbines, condensers, air removal equipment, condensate and feed heating equipment, steam plant systems, plant automation, reduction gears and propulsion shafting, and casualty control. Topics in the steam and water cycle include steam generation, steam expansion, steam condensation, the preparation and introduction of feed and the thermodynamic properties of steam.
Matters addressed in marine power boilers include the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of single and divided furnace boilers, controlled and uncontrolled superheat boilers, non-automated and automated boilers, and steam-to-steam generators.
Subjects in turbines include the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of main and auxiliary turbines, and condensing and non-condensing turbines.
Material covered in condensers includes the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of main and auxiliary condensers.
Topics in air removal equipment include the layout, arrangement, principles, operation and monitoring of main and auxiliary air ejectors, vacuum pumps, and de-arating feed tanks.
The condensate and feed heating equipment segment covers the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of low pressure and high pressure feed heaters, air ejector and gland exhaust condensers, and boiler economizers.
The steam plant systems section includes the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of steam systems, condensate systems, condensate drain systems, feed systems, sea water circulating cooling systems, fuel oil service systems, forced draft and exhaust systems and lubricating oil systems.
Plant automation addresses the layout, arrangement and operation of boiler and turbine operating controls, turbine governors, process control systems, automation sequencing, self-protection and alarms.
Course content in reduction gears and propulsion shafting includes the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of reduction gears and propulsion shafting, thrust bearings, line shaft or spring bearings, stern tube bearings, strut bearings and propellers.
Subjects in casualty control include the appropriate corrective reaction to boiler low, high and out-of-sight unknown boiler water level casualties as well as a boiler economizer fire casualty.
Steam plant simulations consist of stand-alone plant simulations as well as those integrated with auxiliary plant and electricity generating plant simulations.
In all phases of instruction, proper watchstanding techniques are emphasized. Proper relieving of the watch, conducting of machinery space rounds, taking log readings, using operating plant guides, consulting engineering watch supervisors, seeking clarification when in doubt, using and updating machinery status boards, communicating effectively, and handing over of the watch are all emphasized and are an integral part of the assessment process. Safety awareness and the proper response to engineering plant and shipboard emergencies are strongly emphasized.
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