Answer
Thought for a couple of seconds
As Chief Engineer, if your 2/E is not working properly / not performing duties / refusing work, your action must be professional, documented, fair, and as per SMS, STCW, MLC and company procedure. Do not react emotionally.
“As Chief Engineer, first I will not directly treat it as indiscipline. I will find out why 2/E is not working — whether he is sick, fatigued, mentally stressed, not competent, or deliberately refusing duty. If medical or fatigue-related, I will inform Master, give medical assistance, adjust duties, and maintain rest-hour compliance. If he is fit but refusing lawful duty, I will counsel him, give clear instruction, warn him, inform Master, document the incident, and report to company as per SMS. Meanwhile, I will ensure safe engine-room operation by reallocating duties and personally supervising critical operations. If safe manning or watchkeeping is affected, I will advise Master that vessel should not sail until company gives instructions or replacement is arranged. All actions will be factual, documented, and as per ISM, STCW, MLC and company SMS.”