Despite the active introduction in the fleet of modern control mechanisms and the growth in the number of fully automated systems, the profession of an engineer is still relevant. The number of vacancy announcements tells us: the market is not saturated with such specialists, there is always work for them. So, what kind of position is this in which unmanned modern technology can in no way displace a person?
Who is a minder?
A minder is a worker who engages in engines, troubleshoots and monitors their smooth operation.
There is still such a profession as a steering minder. This is a man from the sea or river fleet, who, in addition to the standard duties of the minder, also controls the ship and can adjust the course. What exactly should he do? We will understand further.
Responsibilities of the minder
What does such a specialist on board do? Consider in more detail the job responsibilities of a minder:
- Maintenance and operation of internal combustion engines.
- Preparation, start and stop of engines and auxiliary mechanisms.
- Management of the vessel and the course of the vessel under the supervision of the immediate superior (included in the duties of the steering minder on the vessel).
- Cleaning, lubrication, maintenance of steering gear mechanisms.
Mechanic sailor
If the job description states that the employee also fulfills the duties of a sailor-minder, then the list of his tasks and skills is expanding. In this case, he should know not only the work of the minder, but also be able to perform the same duties as an ordinary sailor: knit knots, clean the deck, know the methods of first aid for drowning people, paint work, etc.
Personal requirements
Any work in addition to knowledge and professional skills requires certain personal qualities. A person who constantly needs communication is unlikely to effectively perform work on the space station in complete solitude for six months. And vice versa, if someone is afraid of children and “pinches” to make a speech if necessary, he is unlikely to make a successful career as an animator.
The situation is exactly the same with the profession of motor mechanic - there are certain subtleties of personality, characteristics of character and health, which will help in the development of this profession. Some of them are highly desirable for a person who has decided to take on the duties of a minder.
- Skill to work in team. Motorists, like the rest of the crew, spend a long time in a confined space with the same people. It is logical that a stay in a team should be comfortable for all its members, this directly increases productivity. The minder should be a team player, not a lone wolf who loves solitude. Mutual assistance and friendliness - these are the components that must be present in a person who is acting as a minder on a ship.
- Stamina and fit. This profession is not for the fellow. Often you have to deal with the heavy parts of the engine, with the nodes of the motor. It is desirable for the motor-driver to have a good physical training.
- Discipline. Here again, it will not be superfluous to recall the need to work in a team. If an order is received from a higher management, the minder is obliged to fulfill it on time and without unnecessary questions. If a person is inherent in some slackness, painful pride and irresponsibility, then he can fail the whole team and, obviously, is not suitable for working as a minder.
- Good vestibular apparatus, hearing, vision. Everyone knows that the astronauts need a developed vestibular apparatus, but sea workers need it no less. Storms, storms, pitching - sometimes it is necessary to perform work in extreme conditions. The motorist definitely should not suffer from seasickness. An experienced specialist can identify some malfunctions by characteristic sounds, respectively, good hearing will also be far from superfluous in this work. Good vision will be required to measure “by eye” the distance between two vessels, the distance to the coast, and visually assess the obstacles that appear along the route. Understanding that the observation will have to be carried out in fog and rain, as well as at night, we conclude that the minder needs sharp vision no less than sharp hearing.
- Developed spatial thinking. The water surface is not a federal highway - there are no signs of mileage or settlements on it. The motor-driver should be well-guided in the water area and remember the details of those places that he saw.
- Good reaction. Acting as a minder, it is required to control several objects simultaneously. You can’t be distracted by your attention. In addition, if any element of the engine fails, prompt decision-making is required. And that means a quick reaction is needed.
Professional requirements
- Knowledge of the principles of engine operation, the rules of their operation and maintenance. This is a basic requirement, since the minder works directly with the motor and its components.
- Ways to resolve potential problems. The duty of the minder is “so that everything works”, so he must be able to perform minor repairs on his own.
- The ability to swim and navigate with a boat. Situations in the sea or on the river can be different, and the sailor-minder who does not know how to swim is, of course, nonsense.
Motorist: jack of all trades
In order to successfully fulfill the duties of a watchman, the employee must know everything about his ship - the purpose of all valves and gates, understand how the anchor mechanisms operate, where the pipelines are located on the ship, and what are the ways of mooring the ship.
On his shoulders - taking care of the serviceability of the signal lights and the steering device, control over the change of engine operation mode, the presence of lubrication in it and the level of pollution.
He is required to maintain maximum coordination of attention while on duty. And this, for a second, up to 8 hours on passenger ships and up to 12 hours - on ships of a different type.
At the same time, you must remember and observe numerous safety rules every second and quickly respond to malfunctions. Such work maximizes multitasking.
Responsibility of the minder
This work requires not only patience, but also responsibility. According to article 330 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation (“Discipline of workers whose work is directly related to the movement of vehicles”), for an improper performance of direct duties through his fault, the minder is disciplined.
Well, to everything else, such an employee is financially responsible for the material assets entrusted to him.
In what other areas do minders work?
In addition to sea and river shipping, motorists can work in two more areas:
- Aviation. Here they are called aircraft minders. The duties of the minder in aviation include the repair and monitoring of the operation of piston aircraft engines. At the moment, this profession is a thing of the past - most modern airplanes have gas turbine engines.
- Car Services. Here, too, workers are working, calling themselves minders. In fact, these are auto mechanics specializing in the repair of internal combustion engines.
Employees from these areas are often called minders. Nevertheless, for most people, the profession of motorcycling is associated primarily with bodies of water.