If you believe the machinery is going to fail while on watch, what action should you take?

In a situation where there's a belief that machinery may fail while on watch, the most prudent action to take is to inform the Chief Engineer. This step is crucial because the Chief Engineer has the experience and authority to make the best decisions regarding equipment and operational safety. By communicating your concerns, you allow the Chief Engineer to assess the situation, allocate resources, and implement necessary preventive measures to address the potential failure.

It's important to understand that machinery operations involve complexities that may not be fully understood by all personnel. Attempting to fix a problem on your own could lead to further complications or unsafe conditions, especially if the proper tools, spare parts, or knowledge of the system is lacking. Additionally, waiting for the machinery to fail can lead to safety hazards, operational downtime, and increased repair costs which can affect the entire vessel's operation.

While notifying the captain is important for broader operational decisions, the Chief Engineer is typically the appropriate point of contact for machinery-related issues. The Chief Engineer can then relay any necessary information to the captain or make decisions on their behalf, ensuring a coordinated response to the potential machinery failure.