Before the 1986/87 refit, watchkeepers did a four-on eight-off shift rota. This changed afterwards with the appointment of a new Chief Engr so all the watchkeepers now did a ten hour day. I seem to remember that this wasn't popular.
The extra two hours were spent on various tasks, usually in the machinery spaces, however my 'overtime' was spent learning about the workings of the SCR. Nobody asked me if I'd like to do this... it was just assumed that I'd do it I think.
Anyway, after several periods in there, there was a crew change and I was posted to the SCR on watches. This was solitary work and I found it quite nerve racking. The main work involved fuel oil and salt water ballast transfers between tanks. Also heating steam had to be switched on to various fuel oil tanks to facilitate ease of transfer by pump.
As well as this, various other tasks were done with the Officer Of the Watch on the bridge phoning down asking to right the ship if needed, taking fresh water tank readings etc etc... I've forgotten some of the things we needed to do but a lot of it also involved monitoring various systems - fire doors, WTD's etc. Such was the nature of the job that 2 ex-smokers I knew started smoking again. Quite a stressful job.
I tendered my resignation soon afterwards and despite reassurances from the First Engr that I'd "only have to do one more trip", I'd already had enough and left the ship.
