Engineering and Bunkering Assessor
The Engineering & Bunkering Assessor Course is a 5-day programme designed for experienced marine engineers and maritime professionals whose responsibilities may include conducting structured onboard assessments relating to engineering and bunkering operations.
In today’s maritime industry, the ability to carry out effective assessments is critical—not only for ensuring compliance with international safety and operational standards but also for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Designed by industry experts for Chief Engineers, Technical Superintendents, Marine Consultants, and Surveyors, the course will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to plan, conduct, and report effective assessments that support compliance, best practice, and continuous improvement.
Delivered over five days, this instructor-led course combines theory with practical exercises, case studies and open discussion to develop a systematic, non‑interference approach to onboard assessment, specifically for structured evaluations of engineering and fuel use/storage operations aboard vessels. Simulating real-world scenarios, case studies and assignments will be contextualised with linked - and increasingly important - topics, such as communication, mentoring and the human element.
The course aims to provide participants with an in‑depth understanding of:
- How to prepare an efficient and beneficial assessment report for a target organisation
- The differences between inspection, audit, and assessment
- How to prepare a systematic approach to an assessment
- How to conduct an effective onboard engineering and bunkering assessment
- How to provide a constructive debriefing with shipboard personnel
Participants should meet one of the following criteria:
- Chief Engineer holding an STCW certificate from a recognised ‘whitelist’ country, and have obtained minimum of 12 months’ accumulated time in rank; or
- Applicants able to demonstrate an equivalent level of professional service in the maritime sector, assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
This course is suitable for:
- Seagoing Engineers and Chief Engineers
- Superintendents carrying out onboard assessments
- Auditors and Competency Assessors
- Marine Consultants and Surveyors conducting external independent assessments
- Any personnel with a technical or operational background relating to engine room and shipping fuel who wish to develop their career.
- Day 1
Introduction and discussion of frequently asked questions - Day 2
Engine‑room incidents and causes, scope and extent of assessment - Day 3
Pre‑assessment preparation, objectives of assessment, assessment and Safety Management Systems - Day 4
Human element in assessment, supported by video‑based learning - Day 5
Communication, post‑assessment activities, Just Culture, mentoring, and human factors
Assessment and Certification
The course is assessed in two parts:
Part 1 – Online Written Assessment
- One‑hour online examination
- Minimum pass mark: 75%
- Successful completion is required to progress to Part 2
Part 2 - Practical Assessment
- Individual practical assessment
- Completion and submission of an assessment report following an onboard assessment covering Engineering & Bunkering
- Report must follow the standardised format taught during the course
- Assessment documentation must be signed by the attending assessor and submitted in PDF format
- Part 2 must be completed within nine months of the Part 1 course start date
Participants who successfully complete both parts of the course will be awarded a Certificate of Completion for the Engineering & Bunkering Assessor’s Course from The Nautical Institute Academy.