Who is directly responsible for the machinery in the engineering department during sea watches?

The Engineering Watch Officer (EOW) is directly responsible for the machinery in the engineering department during sea watches. This role is crucial for the proper oversight and operation of the ship's systems, including propulsion, power generation, and other machinery essential for the cutter's performance at sea. The EOW must monitor and ensure all engineering equipment operates efficiently and safely, take necessary readings and record them, and respond to any alarms or malfunctions.

While the Officer of the Deck (OOD) oversees the entire operation of the ship during their watch, their responsibilities are broader and include navigation and the safety of the vessel and crew. The Engineering Officer (EPO) has overall responsibility for the engineering department but typically is not directly involved in day-to-day watchstanding. The Cutter Captain, as the commanding officer, holds ultimate authority but does not actively manage machinery during specific watches; that duty falls to the EOW. Thus, the EOW is the individual specifically tasked with and accountable for machinery oversight during engineering watches.