As a Marine Engineer I am one of four officers responsible for the running and upkeep of the ships machinery. My daily responsibilities consist of carrying out the ships planned maintenance as well as identifying, responding to and rectifying unplanned breakdowns. The only on-board specialist is an electrician and therefore requires each engineer to have an understanding of and contribute to the upkeep of all shipboard systems including pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, electrical and control systems, main propulsion units, compressors, steering gear, pumps of varies type and design and other auxiliary equipment.