Subsection 7.2.2 Orders
You are expected to carry out routine operations without being specifically told to what to do, but direction can be found in the standing orders, and in the night orders. Standing orders and night orders may be formal written instructions, requiring the watch officer to read and sign, or they may be less formal, simply written on the engine room status board. On some ships, instructions are verbally passed from watch to watch.
Standing orders are the generalized and permanent orders written by the chief engineer that describe ship’s policy, standard operating procedures, and the normal daily routine of the plant. The chief may establish the frequency for switching over machinery to equalize wear, or assign a daily task to a particular watch, such as having the 4-8 watch change over the TG lube oil strainers.
Night orders are daily, specific instructions issued by the chief or first engineer, detailing machinery to be secured or started, tanks to be filled or drained, maintenance to be carried out, etc. Orders to prepare the plant to get underway would be found in the night orders.
