An Illustrated Tour of the Machinery Spaces

by John J. Hole

About the Author

I served my apprenticeship under the then alternative training scheme for marine engineers with the British Tanker Company Limited (later the BP Tanker Company Limited) from September 1953 to the end of February 1958.

The final year, actually eighteen months because of reduced sea time due to the Suez crisis, was spent on the repair side at Smiths Dock, South Bank, Middlesbrough.

Sailing with the BP Tanker Company Limited as junior engineer through to certificated second engineer on ships propelled by diesel engines, I obtained a First Class (Motor) Certificate of Competency in November 1962.

Granted "steam" time, I served the qualifying sea service in charge of the 4/8 watch on the ss "British Victory", a 32,334 dwt oil tanker built in 1955, 12,500 shp Pametrada designed turbines and Foster Wheeler "D" type water tube boilers, steam conditions 450lbs per square inch and 750 deg F(290 deg F of superheat).

I passed the examinations for the First Class Steam Endorsement in December 1963 and then sailed with the same company as second engineer on ships propelled by steam turbines.

Hoping to successfully complete my studies for an Extra First Class Certificate of Competency and to obtain employment ashore, I paid-off my last ship in May 1966.

Both objectives were achieved in July 1967.

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