The
engineering department's primary function is to ensure that the ship is
functioning within established parameters. This of course, will not
always be true, and Engineers, whether they
detect the problem by themselves or whether the
problem is detected by other department, are responsible for fixing the
problem if it is based on a technical malfunction. If the ship's mission also
calls for construction or technical maintenance on areas outside the ship,
this department is called upon to play a major role in fulfiling that tasks.
Areas of responsibility assigned exclusively to engineers include repairs,
maintenance, propulsion, and diagnostic running in conjunction
with other departments according to the type and use of the equipment being
inspected.