Fourth engineer

A fourth engineer or third assistant engineer is the most Junior engine officer in the engine department of a merchant vessel. A third assistant engineer’s license is by a Maritime Administration in accordance with the International Convention on the Standards and Training of Watchkeepers that allows the recipient to work on board any vessel up to the rank of a fourth engineer or below. Third assistant engineers do most of the general labor among the officers, as well as leading the oilers and other engine room crew. Depending on the style of ship, company, and other factors, they are called "the third" or "the fourth," usually stand a watch and sometimes assist the third mate in maintaining proper operation of the lifeboats. This credential, is earned by cadets who complete engineering training at an authorised maritime academy. American 3rd assistant engineers can receive an optional commission as ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve, Merchant Marine Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve. With experience and additional training, third officers may qualify for higher rank. The general duties for a third assistant engineer (fourth engineer) differ from ship to ship. Generally speaking, third assistant engineer (fourth engineer) are tasked with controlling the main propulsion systems, water systems,Purifiers,Air compressors,Sewage Treatment Plant,Fresh water Generator, actively involving in bunkering operation,Record keeping of fuel tanks sounding as instructed by chief engineer and anything else tasked to them from up in the chain of command. A third assistant engineer (fourth engineer) is part of the engine company’s chain of command. The top of this chain of command is the Chief engineer (or first engineer), who is in command of engine room and auxiliary areas that would relate. Then comes the first assistant engineer, or second engineer, second assistant engineer (third engineer, and then the third assistant engineer, or fourth engineer. These are the officers within the engine company of a standard ship.