Ship engine control system

A command signal is applied to a main unit (12) from a remote control unit (18) operated by an operator of a ship. A sensor unit (10) detects an operating state of a ship engine (2) and develops an operating state representative signal. The main unit (12) prepares and provides a main command based on the command signal and the operating state representative signal. A set including a subsidiary unit (14) and a valve (6) is provided for each of cylinders (4) of the engine (2). Each subsidiary unit (14) computes, from the operating state representative signal and the main command, operation timing, provides an operation timing command in accordance with the operation timing. The valve (6) is adapted to supply fuel to the associated cylinder (4) in accordance with the operation timing command. A subsidiary remote controller (20) is disposed at a location remote from the remote control unit (18), and is adapted to provide a first subsidiary command signal to the main unit (12) and a second subsidiary command signal to the subsidiary units (14). The main unit (12) is also capable of providing the main signal based on the first subsidiary command signal and the operating state representative signal. The subsidiary units (14) are also arranged to provide an operation timing command based on the second subsidiary command signal and the operating state representative signal.