What is the primary responsibility of the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) during operations?

The primary responsibility of the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) during operations is to oversee engineering watchstanders. This role involves ensuring that the engineering systems of a vessel or facility are operating efficiently and safely. The EDO is tasked with monitoring the performance of engineers and technicians on watch, providing guidance, and making critical decisions regarding the engineering department’s operations. By overseeing watchstanders, the EDO ensures that any issues are promptly addressed, thereby maintaining the vessel's operational readiness and safety.

In the context of the other choices, monitoring fuel consumption, reporting personnel issues, and managing logistics and supplies, while important, are typically not the central focus of the EDO's role during active operations. Fuel consumption is usually monitored by engineering personnel, while personnel issues may be handled by human resources or administrative officers. Likewise, logistics and supply management falls under different operational roles. The EDO's primary function centers on the technical integrity and operational condition of the engineering systems, making the oversight of watchstanders critical to successful operations.