Engineer Officers are responsible for the running and maintenance of the ship's engine room and its ever more complex equipment; main engine, boilers, pumps, fuel systems, electrical generating and distribution equipment, refrigeration and air conditioning plant, lifts, cranes. in fact all the mechanical and electrical equipment throughout the ship.
Modern ships have a very high degree of electronic control and automation. Often they are designed so that the engine room operates without the need for continuous manning but, as an Engineer Officer, you must be prepared to turn out at a moments notice, day or night, should the need arise.