Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW)

Administer normal operation and maintenance of main propulsion plant (including operation and maintenance of boilers and associated equipment). Directs control of damage, operation and maintenance of electrical systems, repairs to ship's hull and repairs to material equipment of other departments when required. Controls and directs normal non propulsion activities to include normal operation and maintenance of auxiliary machinery and piping systems.

Prerequisite qualifications as Engineer Officer of the Watch. Pass oral, written and practical abilities examinations.  Meet PQS requirement for designation upon completion of assignment as an officer in the engineering department with qualifications in electrical, mechanical, hull and damage control maintenance. 

In the Surface Warfare community, the EOOW is a direct report to the Senior Bridge Watch Stander usually either the Officer of the Deck or the Commanding Officer of a smaller ship such as a Minesweeper. On larger ships such as Cruisers and Destroyers, the EOOW is a prerequisite to become a Commanding Officer of a larger ship.