A ship's power system is more complex than just one engine. Then add on the auxiliary systems (water filtration, sewer treatment, HVAC, etc) on top of that.Yes, much of it is automated, but what happens if a gasket leaks due to poor maintenance and suddenly you have to operate some part of the system manually?
That's why there's someone always on watch in the engine room.
Adding an automated backup to every system would be a considerable cost, and even then a manual option would be required and some-times relied upon.
That's why there's someone always on watch in the engine room.
Adding an automated backup to every system would be a considerable cost, and even then a manual option would be required and some-times relied upon.
(Former ship engineer.)