The EOPs are prepared specifically for each of the three following levels of operation:

1. Plant supervision (level 1)

2. Space supervision (level 2)

3. Component/system operator (level 3)

The materials for each level or stage of operation contain only the information necessary at that level. All materials are interrelated. Ships personnel must use these materials together to maintain the proper relationship of each level of operation and to ensure positive control and sequencing of operational events within the plant. Personnel on ships that do not have EOSS should use written operating instructions and a casualty control manual for plant operations.

ENGINEERING OPERATIONAL CASUALTY CONTROL (EOCC)

The EOCC procedures enable plant and space supervisors to RECOGNIZE the symptoms of a possible casualty. They can then ELIMINATE or CONTROL the casualty to prevent possible damage to machinery and to RESTORE plant operation to normal. The EOCC contains procedures and information that describe symp-toms, causes, and actions to be taken in the most common engineering plant casualties. We will discuss casualty control in more detail later in this chapter.

WATCH STANDING

As an Engineman, you will spend much of your time aboard ship as a watch stander. How you stand your watch is very important to the reliability of the engineering plant and the entire ship. You must have the skills to detect unusual noises, vibrations, or odors, which may indicate faulty machinery operation. You must also take appropriate and prompt corrective measures. You must be ready, at all times, to act quickly and independently. You must know the ships piping systems and HOW, WHERE, and WHY they are controlled. You must know each piece of machinery; how it is constructed, how it operates, how it fits into the engineering plant, and where related equipment is controlled. You must read and interpret measuring instruments. You must understand how and why protective devices function (relief valves, speed-limiting governors, overspeed trips, and alarms). You must recognize and remove fire hazards, stow gear that is adrift, and keep deck plates clean and dry. You must NEVER try to operate a piece of equipment that is defective. You must report all unsafe conditions to the space and/or plant supervisor.

Whatever your watch station, you must know the status of every piece of machinery at your station. You must be sure that the logs are up to date and the status boards are correct, and you must know what machinery is operating before you relieve the watch. Above all, if you dont know-ASK. A noise, odor, or condition may seem abnormal to you, but you may not be cer-tain whether it is a problem. Whenever you suspect any type of abnormal condition, call your immediate watch supervisor.

You can best gain the respect and confidence of your supervisors and shipmates if you stand an alert watch. Relieve the watch on time or even a little early if possible and be sure you know the condition of the machinery and what you need to do. DONT TRY TO RELIEVE THE WATCH FIRST AND FIGURE OUT THE DETAILS LATER. The same rules should apply when you are being relieved. Do not be in a big hurry to take off. Make certain your relief understands the situation completely. Before you are relieved, make certain your station is clean and squared away. These little considerations will earn you a good reputation and will improve the overall quality of watch standing within the department.