What Is Engine Order Telegraph?

In a seagoing vessel, navigational officers control the ship’s navigation system from the bridge and engineering officers control the propulsion plant from the engine room.

The bridge is on top of the ship, hence the officer on the bridge does not know about the condition of the propelling engine, and the marine engineer in the engine control room does not know where the ship is heading, as the engine room is situated below the water line of the ship. Hence, a fail-safe communication is required between the navigation and the engineer officer to ensure a safe sailing.

As the word describes, the telegraph on board a ship is used as a communication device to transfer orders of change in speed or direction from the bridge to the engine control room.

The engine order telegraph consists of a lever which can be moved over different speed positions for ahead and astern direction.

Location of Engine Telegraph

The telegraph and its bell, also known as the telegraph bell, are located both in