Here's how you can navigate the evolving leadership trends in Marine Engineering.

As a Marine engineer on a vessel you are running a small town and all facilities must be in operation every minute of the day, management of personnel efficiently and health and safety always. For the above reasons marine engineers must embrace change , this will enhance the efficient management of engine room , personnel , health and safety, and foster confident culture .

Embrace and look for change, try to improve the conditions for you and everyone around you either through processes, or through mentality

ensuring the team feels they can both ask questions and input ideas without being closed out creates a very strong and loyal team with the focus onefficent and professional outputs

It’s easy to use glib wording and say one should just adapt to change, as we’re living in a changing world. While this is true, one should be careful ful to not just follow like sheep and have no care for where you are heading. Change comes with challenges and challenges have safety aspects which have to be considered. One cannot simply adapt or accept change for the sake of change, one has to consider the aspects of the environment or issue that is busy changing and determine the associated risks. Once this is understood or resolved, you can move forward and then accept or reject the change, or even consider adapting or managing the factors that are influencing the change!

My own subjective view is the supply of spare parts and maintenance ,Without having a proactive approach to planning these necessities Karma will come back to bite in the end. Another aspect worth noting is the evolution of engine manufacturers, engine auxilaries,procedures,regulations and international rules A proactive attitude is needed so that marine engineering department does not run into a cul de sac.Original engineering suppliers are often gone of business and their parts do not exist anymore The essence of Marine Engineering is understanding the life cycles of the engine and equipment and knowing when to uprade or to sell on the ship before it is too late . Without planning ahead a future cannot be guaranteed

- Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and dedication in your actions and decisions. - Show commitment to professional development by continuously updating your own skills and knowledge. - Set high standards for performance and behavior, and consistently model these for your team.

### Leading by Example in Marine Engineering In the dynamic field of marine engineering, leading by example is crucial for effective leadership. Here’s how: **Integrity**: Demonstrate honesty and transparency in all actions to build trust. **Excellence**: Set high standards and strive for continuous improvement. **Work Ethic**: Show diligence and reliability to inspire your team. **Continuous Learning**: Prioritize ongoing education to stay updated with industry advancements. **Adaptability**: Embrace change and encourage your team to innovate. **Communication**: Practice clarity and empathy to foster a collaborative environment.

Getting your hands dirty doesn't mean doing everything on your own and allowing your subordinates to stand and watch. There are times where you have to initiate and intervene and there are times where you have to let it go. Also remember you can't do everything by yourself, so you have to learn to trust others and guide them patiently towards the right way of doing a job. Lastly, do not allow your subordinates to take advantage of your good nature, that you do all the work, and they act a fool the whole time and praise you after completion. Teach them politely and patiently and be strict if they are not willing to learn or trying to act as such.

In marine engineering we have to lead by example often sometimes operations need expertise of someone and at that point one should lead by an example to omit chances of error

In marine engineering, leadership is shown through actions. Set high standards for safety, work ethic, and professionalism. Be willing to get your hands dirty and understand the job's intricacies. By committing to the same principles you expect from your team, you build trust and respect. Encourage open communication and continuous learning. Prioritize safety and follow protocols strictly, leading by example. Empower your team by delegating responsibilities and fostering accountability. Show adaptability and resilience in challenges. Celebrate achievements, cultivate a positive work environment, and communicate your strategic vision clearly. Inspire your team to strive for excellence in all aspects of their work.

- Promote a collaborative work environment where team members feel valued and included. - Encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual respect among team members. - Organize team-building activities and regular meetings to strengthen relationships and enhance cooperation.

### Fostering Teamwork in Marine Engineering Effective teamwork in marine engineering is built on clear goals, open communication, trust, and respect for diversity. Encouraging collaboration, supporting initiative, and celebrating successes create a cohesive and productive team environment.

Sometimes, especially Trainee Marine Engineers or even Senior engineering officers might say or ask something which is completely off and wrong. As a team leader you must learn to keep a straight face and take everything seriously. Wrong knowledge or information may lead to disaster. Hence, it's important to correct them without disrespecting or insulting them. Otherwise, they will completely lose their confidence and become silent, which is more dangerous.

A good team can always overcome the hardest of situation I guess a good team is one where everyone is equally respected and everyone has a good psychological contract. Thus its evident to have a good team for a better and efficient approach towards a common agenda

1. *Clear communication*: Ensure everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and project goals. 2. *Collaborative problem-solving*: Encourage team members to share ideas and work together to address challenges. 3. *Define roles and responsibilities*: Clearly outline each team member's tasks and expectations. 4. *Set shared goals and objectives*: Establish common targets and work towards achieving them together. 5. *Respect and inclusivity*: Promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and diversity. 6. *Active listening*: Encourage team members to listen attentively to each other's ideas and concerns. 7. *Empower team members*: Delegate tasks and provide autonomy to team members to take ownership of their work.

Considering the constant and face pace progress made possible by technological advancement of the last decade, it is almost impossible to manage to be at the forefront of evolution at your field so you should at least try to follow up, have a curious attitude and lead your teams toward that scope. Training of people on new technologies, and on latest updates on problem solving, project management and interpersonal communication will lift the team and work wonders. It may not work with everyone but I still consider it pivotal for successful outcomes on the long term goals

Training must not be only academic, learning by the actions is the most effective training. When I was still sailing, I used to give responsibilities to the cadets, and let them find the solutions by themselves (which does not mean not helping them with tips), that way, they would not only learn to solve an instant problem but they would also learn the process to be followed how to properly find out a solution. Nowadays, when I am carrying out an IGF training, during simulator exercises, I am also trying to let the trainees making their input, using their mind, to really catch the matter… by the way, that is well showing how much they have understood the lesson

- Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for your team to keep their skills current. - Support professional certifications and advanced degrees that align with industry needs. - Encourage cross-training to build a versatile and knowledgeable team capable of tackling diverse challenges.

Fostering a culture of continuous learning and development is critical. It's not just about meeting industry standards; it's about pushing the boundaries of what our team can achieve. By supporting our team's professional growth, we are building a resilient and adaptable workforce that is prepared to tackle any obstacles that come our way. This investment in our people ultimately drives innovation and success for our organization.

1. _Attend conferences and seminars_: Stay updated on industry developments and network with professionals. 2. _Workshops and short courses_: Enroll in specialized training programs to enhance specific skills. 3. _Online courses and webinars_: Utilize digital platforms for flexible and convenient learning. 4. _Certification programs_: Pursue recognized certifications like MEO (Marine Engineer Officer) or CE (Chartered Engineer). 5. _On-the-job training_: Seek mentorship and hands-on experience with experienced engineers. 6. _Shipyard or equipment manufacturer training_: Learn from industry experts and gain practical knowledge.

- Create an environment that fosters creativity and welcomes new ideas. - Provide the necessary resources and support for experimenting with innovative solutions. - Recognize and reward contributions that lead to process improvements or technological advancements.

As a senior marine engineer onboard, it is always a good practice to engage other engineers during their free time or coffee time in discussing scenarios, incidents and accidents that has happened in the past, then ask them what they would have done differently or what design changes you would have made to avoid it. After that tell them what is recommended by the study. Also create some made up scenarios such as if high pressure steam line starts leaking all of a sudden what measures you would take etc. Ensure to keep the discussion friendly and allow new ideas no matter how ridiculous they sound.

- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and promote a culture of safety within your team. - Conduct regular safety training and drills to keep safety protocols top of mind. - Continuously assess and improve safety measures to protect team members and assets.

Creating a safety-first culture goes beyond compliance; it demonstrates genuine care for the well-being of our team. When safety is a core value, it empowers each team member to take ownership and act responsibly. This proactive approach not only reduces risks but also fosters a trustful and collaborative environment. By embedding safety into every aspect of our operations, we are committing to excellence and ensuring the longevity and success of our projects.

### Prioritizing Safety in Marine Engineering Safety is paramount in marine engineering. Emphasizing rigorous protocols, regular training, and proactive hazard identification fosters a culture where safety is always the top priority.

It is usually observed that people tend to make fun of someone who can't perform his duty in the drill or who does not have any idea about the duty assigned to him. Often the person is scolded by seniors and insulted in front of everyone. This further destroys his confidence and he'd not be able to perform at all if the real situation arises. Hence, proper training in a friendly environment is the way to go. If someone doesn't know, he should be trained, I mean that's what the drills are for. It is important to know what safety measures are to be taken before carrying out a task. Taking extra precautions, more than what is required, may compromise the safety standards instead of improving it.

- Stay connected with industry peers and thought leaders to exchange insights and best practices. - Implement feedback mechanisms to regularly gather input from your team and make informed decisions. - Focus on developing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic thinking to enhance your leadership effectiveness. - Use technology to streamline operations, improve communication, and increase overall efficiency within your team.