Answer
In the event of a collision, the Chief Engineer must immediately secure, preserve, and lock all relevant physical and digital engine room records for legal, insurance (P&I Club), and statutory investigations:
- Engine Room Logbook (Original): Secure the physical logbook. Do not erase, alter, or back-date any entries. Ensure all entries up to the time of collision are signed.
- Engine Telegraph Logger / Bell Book: Retain the original printed tape from the telegraph logger showing all bridge-to-engine speed and direction commands (FWE, Full\ Astern, etc.). If manual, preserve the physical Bell Book.
- Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) Engine Data: Confirm that the VDR backup button on the bridge has been pressed. Verify that engine telemetry and bridge-engine voice communications are saved.
- Automation Auto-Logger Records: Export and print engine parameters, alarm history, main engine RPM, pitch angle (for CPP), starting air pressure, and control station transfers around the time of the incident.
- Fuel & Ballast Sounding Logs / ROB Records: Record exact tank soundings for fuel oil, lube oil, and ballast tanks immediately before and after the collision to verify hull integrity and trim.
- Watchkeeping Duty Register: Sign-off sheet confirming the engine room watch composition, UMS status (manned/unmanned), and duty officer details.
- Pre-Maneuvering Test Records & PMS Logs: Evidence showing that propulsion, steering gear, emergency generator, and telegraphs were tested and fully operational prior to arrival/departure/maneuvering.
- Chief Engineer’s Statement of Facts: A factual, signed statement outlining the chronology of engine room events leading up to, during, and after the collision.
Immediately after collision I also record
I will make a factual record of:
- exact time of collision.
- machinery status immediately before impact.
- engine order received.
- engine response.
- RPM ahead/astern.
- generators running.
- steering hydraulic units running, if applicable.
- alarms before and after collision.
- tanks/compartments affected.
- sounding levels.
- bilge levels.
- leakage/flooding.
- oil leakage or pollution.
- temporary repairs performed.
- photographs/video of damage where safe.