The EN Rating
The Engineman rating was first established in 1917, and then disestablished 1931. In 1948, Engineman was re-established as a Navy rating when the ratings of Motor Machinist's Mate, Motor Machinists's Mate (SR) (Diesel Engine Mechanics), and Motor Machinists's Mate (SR) (Gasoline Engine Mechanics) were consolidated.
Engineman operate and maintain diesel engines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery such as diesel generators, pumps and oil purifiers. They also maintain auxiliary machinery outside of main machinery spaces, such as electro hydraulic steering engines and elevators, refrigeration plants, air conditioning systems and desalinization plants. They will also operate and maintain compressed gas producing plants, deck equipment including cranes, winches and hoists, condensers and heat exchange devices and small boats.
Engineman (EN)
The duties performed by ENs include aligning piping systems for oil, water, and air for controlling the operation of diesel engines used for ship propulsion and service systems, and controlling operation of diesel generators used to produce electrical power. They clean, adjust, test and perform other preventive maintenance on a ship's auxiliary boilers, main engines, diesel generators and other auxiliary machinery including steering engines, elevators, winches, pumps and associated valves.
ENs operate and maintain desalinization plants (distilling plants) to make fresh water from sea water, and they maintain refrigeration plants, air conditioning systems and galley equipment. They repair or replace valves, pumps, heat exchangers, compressors, steam turbines and hydraulic or pneumatic control devices. ENs can also operate and maintain small boats. They make entries in and analyze machinery operating records and reports.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Engineman should have clear speech, physical stamina, manual dexterity and the ability to work with others as a team. They should know how to use common hand and power tools and enjoy working with mechanical devices. Other helpful characteristics are resourcefulness and an interest in learning new ideas and skills. Curiosity, record keeping talent and physical strength are also required. Normal hearing is required.
Enginemen work any where on a ship in main engine rooms, auxiliary machinery rooms, engine rooms or shops. These locations are sometimes hot and noisy. ENs may be required to perform some heavy physical work. They must be able to work closely with others and, in some cases, with limited supervision. Engineman ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on machine technology, machine shop mathematics, blueprint reading and metric system of measurement.