Another main engine duty is that of keeping watch on the bearings of the propeller shafts leading from the reduction gears (or motors of a turboelectric-driven ship) to the ship's propellers. As a shaft alley watch stander, you may perform the following duties:

Check all spring bearings for proper lubrication. This includes correct oil level, condition of the oil, proper operation of self-oiling devices (ring or chain), and bearing temperature.

Check and adjust the stern tube gland for the correct amount of leak-off.

Pump the shaft alley bilge, as authorized by the EOOW and OOD.

During high speed, keep alert and observe any abnormal rise in bearing temperature.

Report hourly, by phone, to the control engine room under normal conditions and if abnormal conditions develop.

Operate the main thrust bearing when it is located in the shaft alley.

EVAPORATOR WATCH

A ship requires a large amount of pure fresh water daily for use as boiler feedwater, for corrosion control (freshwater wash down), and for the crew's consumption. However, a ship can only store enough water to last a few days. Therefore, proper and careful watches must be maintained on the evaporators whenever they are in operation. An evaporator watch has to constantly check on pressures, temperatures, vacuum, and salt content of the distilled water. A ship cannot operate if the distilled water for feedwater contains more than the maximum allowable amount of salt.

WATCH, QUARTER, AND STATION BILL

Each division officer prepares a watch, quarter, and station bill for his or her division. You will generally find the following information on this bill:

Organization of the division (sections and watches).

A listing of each person as to billet number, locker number, bunk number, compartment number, name, rating, and rate (actual and allowance).

Watch assignments for each person under various conditions of battle readiness.

The station and job each person will have in emergency situations, such as fire, rescue and assistance, and general emergency.

The special duties and stations each person will have. The special duties may include visit and search party, landing force, special sea detail, and other special duties.

The watch, quarter, and station bill tells you where you fit into the ship's organizational picture. Check it frequently; it is your duty to know where you belong under all conditions. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING. The bills may be designed differently for different ships, but the stations and duties are always about the same. The bill assignments are for actual emergencies and drills. Billets are assigned according to the skills and the qualifications of the personnel in the division. Refer to Basic Military Requirements, NAVEDTRA 10054-F, for more information about the watch, quarter, and station bill.

SUMMARY

This chapter has covered information on standard ship and engineering organization and engineering administration, ratings, and programs, such as safety, PMS, tag-out, and EOSS. You have learned about the various watches of the engineering department. Do not become overwhelmed by the many things you must learn to be an effective watch stander. Keep your ears and eyes open, and above all, ASK QUESTIONS. If you desire to advance in the Navy, you should study the publications mentioned in the Advancement Handbook for Apprenticeships, NAVEDTRA 71700, and the Advancement Handbook for Petty Officers (the NAVEDTRA number is rate specific; ask your division training officer for assistance).