ooooh, many thanks everyone for the knowledgeable answers - and the ones that nicely link into Traveller scenarios.
(I did mean to add a query about how much you'd allow 'novice' PCs to get an Adventure Class ship going from scratch...)
It does sound like Mr Davies experience is similar to mine in that you wouldn't be able to do it from the Bridge, but would have to have Engineers down in the Engine Room as well. But something in the video review, I think it was, implied that the reviewer (presumably) an engineer was pleased to see 'local' engine start options IN the engine room which made me think maybe you could do it all from the Bridge (for a yacht rather than a ship). Some great points though, thank you.
And Leonard gave an interesting lead with the Ringo books. I've not read them either, but I might do so now just to save me thinking that I could bother turning my dream into a story!