The 2025 Engineering Duty Officer In-Service Procurement Program (EDO IPP) is the Navy’s fast lane for transforming experienced enlisted divers into commissioned engineering leaders. If you carry the M2DV, M1DV, or MMDV NEC—and you’re ready to do more than just operate systems—this program is how you take charge of them.
Designed for Active Duty personnel with the skill and the schooling to match, the EDO IPP commissions qualified applicants as restricted line officers (Designator 1460).
Selectees step into a critical operational role, leading the design, maintenance, and modernization of the Navy’s most advanced platforms.
This guide unpacks everything—eligibility, education, application, training pipeline, and what happens after you commission. If you’re serious about building the fleet instead of just sailing it, read on.
- What Is the EDO In-Service Procurement Program?
- Eligibility Requirements (Who Can Apply)
- Education and Academic Standards
- Physical and Medical Standards
- Application Process and Required Endorsements
- What to Expect After Selection
- Rank, Pay, and Service Obligation
- Common Mistakes and Disqualifiers to Avoid
- Is the EDO IPP Right for You?
What Is the EDO In-Service Procurement Program?
The Engineering Duty Officer In-Service Procurement Program (EDO IPP) is a career-accession channel for enlisted Navy Divers to become technical officers in the restricted line community.
Purpose-built for sailors holding NECs M2DV, M1DV, or MMDV, this program commissions candidates directly into Designator 1460—the Navy’s track for engineering leaders in training.
Purpose and Operational Role
This program exists to keep engineering leadership in operational hands. It doesn’t pull officers from the outside; it elevates those who’ve already proven themselves in high-risk underwater operations.
Selected candidates shift from executing dive missions to commanding the systems, infrastructure, and modernization work that keeps the fleet operational.
Once commissioned, officers under Designator 1460 move into mission-critical work: hull integrity, weapons systems integration, shipyard overhaul oversight, and underwater recovery operations.
Eventually, through qualification, officers shift into Designator 1440, fully joining the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) cadre.
Where It Fits: Designator 1460 in the Navy’s Structure
Designator 1460 is one of several Restricted Line officer designators, meaning it specializes in engineering—not command-at-sea. Restricted line officers don’t lead strike groups or aviation squadrons.
They lead technical superiority. Within this domain, EDOs sit at the intersection of deep operational experience and cutting-edge systems command—translating diver grit into engineering authority.
Eligibility Requirements (Who Can Apply)
This program isn’t open to interpretation. Every eligibility criterion is fixed, final, and enforced without waiver authority. Applicants must meet all conditions listed below—without exception.
Navy Diver NEC Requirement
Only personnel with the following classifications are authorized to apply:
- M2DV – Diver Second Class
- M1DV – Diver First Class
- MMDV – Master Diver
These designations confirm specialized qualification in underwater operations and align with the program’s technical mission set.
Time in Service
Applicants must have accumulated less than 12 years of Active Duty service at the time of application submission. No rounding, no grace period. Once the 12-year threshold is crossed, the opportunity closes permanently.
Citizenship and Age
- Must be a U.S. citizen—permanency or green card status doesn’t qualify.
- Must not have turned 42 years old by commissioning date. This is a hard stop. No waivers.
Academic Credentials
The degree must come from a regionally accredited or ABET-recognized institution, and the field of study must fall within a list of narrowly defined categories:
Approved fields include:
- Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, Civil, Ocean, or Marine Engineering
- Naval Architecture, Aerospace, Materials Science, Systems Engineering
- Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
Unacceptable degrees:
- Engineering Technology
- Engineering Management
- Any generalized technical or business program without direct engineering core
GPA and Coursework Minimums
Academic performance is a pass/fail gate. Candidates must have:
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
- “C+” average or above in both:
- A full calculus sequence
- A complete physics series
Even if the overall GPA meets the standard, failing to meet either subject-specific benchmark results in disqualification.
Graduate-Level Substitution
Holding a Master of Science or higher in a qualifying field supersedes the bachelor’s degree requirement. However, undergraduate academic records will still be reviewed for performance consistency.
Medical and Physical Readiness
Applicants must be medically cleared for diving duty under the standards laid out in NAVMED P-117, Chapter 15 and MILPERSMAN 1220-410. This includes:
- Diving fitness
- General physical readiness
- Global deployment eligibility
Passing the physical screening test at minimum thresholds will technically qualify the candidate—but significantly exceeding those standards is highly advisable.
Interview and Endorsement Protocol
Every candidate must:
- Complete a formal interview with a qualified EDO salvage officer
- Receive endorsement from the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (NAVSEA 00C)
This evaluation confirms operational credibility and potential for technical leadership. Interview scheduling is managed through the EDO Community Manager (BUPERS-314C).
Eligible Service Categories
The program is limited to candidates serving in:
- Active Component (AC)
- Full-Time Support (FTS)
- Selected Reserve (SELRES)
- Navy Reserve on ADOS (Active Duty Operational Support)
Disqualified categories include:
- Navy Reserve personnel on Annual Training (AT) or Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT)
- Civilians
- Other branch service members in transition
Education and Academic Standards
This program uses academic precision as more than a simple requirement because it serves as its essential qualifying factor.
A foundational academic background in mathematics, physics and applied engineering is required for selectees because Engineering Duty Officer positions have complex technical requirements. No waivers apply. No degree padding qualifies.
Acceptable Degree Types
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical science from one of two sources:
- An institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- A regionally accredited college or university in the United States
To meet the Navy’s baseline for technical readiness, degrees must fall within the following approved fields:
| Approved Fields of Study |
|---|
| Naval Architecture |
| Mechanical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering |
| Nuclear Engineering |
| Ocean Engineering |
| Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering |
| Computer Science |
| Physics |
| Chemistry |
| Materials Science/Engineering |
| Industrial Engineering |
| Marine Engineering |
| General Engineering |
| Systems Engineering |
| Mathematics |
Disqualifying Degree Types
Not all technical-sounding degrees meet the threshold. The following are explicitly disallowed:
- Engineering Technology
- Engineering Management
- Any degree lacking a calculus-based engineering or physical science foundation
Applicants attempting to qualify with these degrees will be automatically screened out, regardless of GPA or operational background.
Required Academic Performance
Minimum thresholds must be met in both overall performance and core subject areas:
- GPA: 2.7 cumulative (on a 4.0 scale)
- Mathematics: C+ average or better in a multi-course calculus series
- Science: C+ average or better in a physics series based on calculus
Grades in other subjects—even if strong—do not offset deficiencies in these two critical categories.
Graduate Degree Substitution
Possession of a Master of Science (MS) degree or higher in an approved field from a regionally accredited institution fully satisfies the academic requirement. In such cases:
- The undergraduate degree field becomes irrelevant.
- Graduate GPA and coursework may still be reviewed for program competitiveness.
However, an MS in an unapproved field (e.g., MBA, Engineering Management) does not override the undergraduate requirement.
Academic Documentation Requirements
All applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
- Course descriptions (if requested) for any degree falling outside clear ABET-aligned categories
- Grade breakdowns to support calculus and physics evaluation
Transcripts should reflect a consistent academic trajectory, particularly in technical coursework.
Physical and Medical Standards
Academic qualifications alone aren’t enough to earn selection. This commissioning path demands physical performance and medical readiness on par with the operational environments EDOs often support—from shipyard operations to underwater salvage.
These standards aren’t generalized Navy fitness rules—they’re job-specific thresholds tied directly to diving eligibility and operational deployability.
Physical Screening Test Requirements
Every applicant must pass a formal physical screening test in accordance with standards defined in MILPERSMAN 1220-410, which governs diver and rescue swimmer performance baselines. The test includes multiple components:
- Swim evaluations for speed and endurance
- Push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups within set timeframes
- 1.5-mile timed run under heat and fatigue
Minimum scores qualify you. Competitive scores distinguish you. Candidates are strongly encouraged to exceed the minimums by wide margins, as they will be compared against other high-performing applicants.
Medical Clearance for Diving
Applicants must be certified medically fit for diving duty, which involves a different standard than general accession medicals.
The evaluating criteria are found in NAVMED P-117, Chapter 15, which defines diver-specific physiological and diagnostic requirements. These include:
- No history of pulmonary barotrauma
- Normal middle ear function under pressure
- Stable cardiovascular health under exertion
- Clean neurologic and musculoskeletal baselines
This medical screening is non-waivable. Any condition listed as disqualifying under diving guidelines leads to permanent ineligibility for this program.
Worldwide Assignment Eligibility
Beyond diving-specific health, applicants must qualify for global assignment with no duty restrictions. This means:
- No medical waivers on record
- No geographic, environmental, or deployment-related limitations
- Full immunization and medical readiness in accordance with operational standards
EDOs are often assigned to technical leadership roles that require presence aboard ships, within shipyards, and in expeditionary salvage scenarios. Partial medical clearance does not meet the standard.
Physical Readiness and Career Viability
Performance must be sustainable, not just testable. Candidates should demonstrate:
- Operational durability — stamina over repeated efforts
- Injury resilience — no chronic musculoskeletal degradation
- Fitness maintenance — track record of PRT success and weight standards
The Navy is not looking for one-time performers; it is selecting technical leaders capable of maintaining physical readiness throughout a demanding officer career.
Application Process and Required Endorsements
The EDO commissioning process doesn’t operate like standard accessions. It is tailored, technical, and endorsement-driven—built to filter only those who demonstrate a blend of proven diving expertise, academic rigor, and officer potential. The steps aren’t optional. Each one serves as a performance gate.
Step 1: Program Eligibility Verification
Before submission, candidates should independently confirm they meet every non-waiverable criterion:
- NEC alignment (M2DV, M1DV, MMDV)
- Under 12 years of Active Duty
- Valid qualifying degree with required GPA and course averages
- Physical and medical clearance for diving
- U.S. citizenship and under age 42 at commissioning
Packages submitted with known disqualifiers will not be screened for board review.
Step 2: Officer Appraisal Sheets
Applicants must complete Officer Interview Appraisal Sheets as defined by OPNAVINST 1420.1B. These are structured assessments that evaluate the candidate’s leadership potential, communication skills, character, and suitability for commissioned service. Multiple senior officers must submit independent reviews as part of the application packet.
Step 3: Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) Salvage Interview
Candidates are required to schedule and complete a technical interview with a qualified Engineering Duty Officer with salvage experience.
This is not a generalist officer interview. It is a mission-aligned screening conducted by personnel who understand both the operational and engineering demands of the role.
The purpose: assess not just academic and physical preparation, but the applicant’s strategic mindset, technical articulation, and practical command over diving-system operations, equipment, and recovery procedures.
Step 4: NAVSEA 00C Endorsement
Following the EDO salvage officer interview, the candidate must receive a formal endorsement from the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (NAVSEA 00C).
This endorsement functions as a critical gatekeeper stamp. Without it, the application is invalid—regardless of academic or leadership standing.
NAVSEA 00C’s role is to confirm that the applicant aligns with EDO mission profiles and can transition from operational diver to technical program leader.
All coordination for this endorsement flows through the EDO Community Manager (BUPERS-314C).
Step 5: Application Submission and Routing
Completed application packages—including academic transcripts, fitness screening validation, officer appraisals, and NAVSEA endorsement—must be submitted by the official deadline listed in the program NAVADMIN for that cycle. Late or incomplete packages are not accepted.
Applications must be routed through the applicant’s chain of command with command endorsement. Packages are submitted to Navy Personnel Command for processing and board selection.
Step 6: Selection Board Review
The final step is appearance before a formal officer selection board, where applications are reviewed for completeness, competitiveness, and alignment with community requirements. Board members assess performance across six categories:
- Academic performance
- Leadership history
- Professional reputation
- Interview results
- Mission fit
- Long-term potential as an EDO
Selection is not guaranteed—even among qualified applicants. The board recommends only those who demonstrate superior readiness across every axis.
What to Expect After Selection
Selection isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting gate for a structured, high-accountability transformation. From the moment an enlisted diver is selected for commissioning, their timeline shifts into a fully controlled pipeline that transitions operational experience into engineering authority.
Officer Candidate School (OCS)
All selectees begin their officer training at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN) in Rhode Island. This is a full-time program designed to reorient enlisted leaders into the officer role. The curriculum includes:
- Naval leadership and ethics
- Military law and administration
- Seamanship, navigation, and maritime warfare fundamentals
- Physical conditioning and drill
While the curriculum is standardized for all officer candidates, EDO IPP selectees often arrive with higher operational maturity and are expected to take leadership within their OCS companies.
Joint Diving Officer Course (JDOC)
Any candidate holding only the M2DV NEC must attend the Joint Diving Officer Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida, after OCS.
This course is a technical and leadership qualification pipeline designed to certify newly commissioned officers as diving supervisors and unit-level diving program managers. It includes:
- Operational dive planning
- System certification and maintenance oversight
- Mishap response and dive safety management
- Supervision of enlisted dive teams in fleet and expeditionary settings
Candidates with the M1DV or MMDV NECs are considered already dive-qualified at the supervisory level and are not required to attend.
Initial Assignment
Upon completion of all training, new officers are assigned to their first operational tour. Assignment priority is determined by the needs of the Engineering Duty Officer community and the candidate’s prior experience.
Typical assignments include:
- Shipyard or regional maintenance center roles
- Salvage and recovery team billets
- Technical support positions on fleet staffs
- Acquisition or program management tours tied to naval systems commands
Newly commissioned officers enter as Ensigns (O-1), typically assigned Designator 1460, and begin working toward EDO qualification (1440) through directed community mentorship, warfare systems education, and career development courses.
Qualification Pathway and Integration
Once in their first tour, officers begin the formal Engineering Duty Officer qualification process, which includes:
- Technical interview boards
- Fleet familiarization
- Demonstration of knowledge in ship systems, maintenance policy, and program management
The full qualification process generally takes 12–24 months, depending on assignment complexity and officer initiative. Upon qualification, the officer’s designator shifts from 1460 (EDO in training) to 1440 (fully qualified EDO).
Rank, Pay, and Service Obligation
The transition from enlisted diver to Engineering Duty Officer doesn’t just change your role—it shifts your pay structure, your billet classification, and your contractual obligations. These terms are non-negotiable and activate immediately upon commissioning.
Commissioning Rank and Designator
All selectees are commissioned as Ensigns (O-1) in the Restricted Line, assigned Designator 1460—the accession identifier for officers in training to become full Engineering Duty Officers.
This designator is retained until formal EDO qualification is achieved. Upon successful completion of the qualification process, the designator changes to 1440, confirming status as a fully integrated EDO within the Navy’s restricted line community.
Pay Grade Determination
Enlisted pay history directly impacts officer pay entry level:
- Selectees in paygrade E-4 or below are automatically advanced to E-5 upon reporting to Officer Candidate School.
- E-5 and above retain their current enlisted paygrade status through OCS and are redesignated as Officer Candidates at their existing level.
- Upon commissioning, prior enlisted officers may qualify for O-1E pay if they have accumulated over four years of credible Active Duty service in an enlisted paygrade.
O-1E pay reflects higher base pay than standard O-1 and recognizes extended time in service.
Basic Allowance Adjustments
New officers become eligible for:
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at the O-1 rate (or O-1E, if qualified), based on geographic location and dependency status
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
- Standard medical and dental coverage under Tricare Prime as commissioned officers
Allowances adjust automatically upon commissioning and are reflected in the first full pay cycle after accession.
Service Obligation
The total Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) incurred by EDO IPP selectees includes two components:
- Minimum Four-Year Commitment
Activated upon commissioning, this four-year obligation is required regardless of follow-on education or training. - Master’s Degree Obligation
Once the officer completes a Master of Science degree—whether funded by the Navy or self-financed—an additional three-year obligation is incurred. This period runs concurrently, not consecutively, with the initial four-year obligation.
In effect, the longest time owed post-commissioning is typically four years, assuming graduate education is completed during that window.
Common Mistakes and Disqualifiers to Avoid
Despite strong qualifications, many candidates disqualify themselves before their application ever reaches a board. The EDO commissioning pipeline is rigid by design—one misstep in eligibility, documentation, or execution can remove an otherwise capable sailor from consideration. The following list outlines the most common pitfalls that lead to rejection or automatic disqualification.
Submitting with an Ineligible NEC
Applications from personnel who do not hold the required diver NECs—M2DV, M1DV, or MMDV—are rejected without review. Mislabeling NECs or misunderstanding career field eligibility leads to automatic removal from the applicant pool.
Attempting to Waive Non-Waiverable Requirements
Waiver requests for non-waiverable items—such as age, education type, GPA minimums, medical standards, or service time limits—are not processed. These constraints are explicitly fixed in Program Authorization 101B (Feb 2025). Any package that includes waiver documentation for these items is disqualified.
Unapproved Degree Types
Degrees in Engineering Technology, Engineering Management, or unrelated fields—even if earned from accredited institutions—do not satisfy the program’s academic standard. Many applicants assume “engineering-adjacent” degrees qualify. They do not.
Even with high GPAs or impressive military records, degree type misalignment results in immediate disqualification.
Undocumented Calculus and Physics Requirements
Candidates often fail to demonstrate the required “C+” average in both calculus and physics series coursework. Submitting transcripts without course descriptions or grade summaries for these sequences leaves reviewers without evidence. Incomplete academic validation will disqualify the applicant.
PST or Medical Ineligibility
Failing to pass the Physical Screening Test or meet diving medical clearance requirements—per MILPERSMAN 1220-410 and NAVMED P-117—results in program ineligibility. This includes conditions such as hearing loss, barotrauma history, pulmonary restriction, or cardiovascular flags that would limit diving duty.
A single failed screening event disqualifies the candidate.
Missing or Weak NAVSEA 00C Endorsement
Failure to schedule or complete the required EDO salvage officer interview or receive a NAVSEA 00C endorsement automatically renders the application invalid. Equally risky: receiving a neutral or weak endorsement that casts doubt on the applicant’s technical or leadership readiness.
Outdated or Incomplete Submission
Submitting without official transcripts, command endorsement, or appraisal sheets leads to administrative rejection. Applications submitted late or routed outside official channels will not be reviewed. Many otherwise strong applicants lose eligibility due to preventable admin errors.
Misunderstanding Reserve Eligibility
Only Navy Reserve members on Active Duty Operational Support (ADOS), Full-Time Support (FTS), or Selected Reserve (SELRES) status may apply. Personnel on Annual Training (AT) or Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT) are ineligible, even if they meet all other standards.
Is the EDO IPP Right for You?
Not every diver should pursue a commission—and not every qualified candidate should submit an application. The EDO pipeline isn’t just a chance to promote; it’s a shift in operational identity. You stop turning wrenches and start managing the platforms they support. You’re no longer the one entering the water—you’re the officer overseeing readiness, maintenance, and modernization at the system level.
Is Your Operational Experience Transferable?
The best candidates don’t just meet the minimums. They understand what this role actually demands. Have you led maintenance efforts, overseen system certifications, or managed diving readiness across multiple deployments? If you’ve already operated like a technical leader, this path gives you the rank and authority to do it officially—and at scale.
Are You Ready to Lead Beyond the Waterline?
Becoming an EDO means shifting from physical performance to technical oversight. This isn’t a staff job. It’s an operational engineering role with direct implications for fleet readiness. You’ll lead teams, manage budgets, sign off on systems, and drive decisions that ripple across commands. If you’re looking for a quiet desk, this isn’t it.
Can You Sustain the Academic Load?
Even if you’ve already earned a degree, plan on sharpening your technical edge. EDOs operate in high-density learning environments—graduate courses, acquisition schools, system qualifications. If you coasted through undergrad, you’ll need to reset your habits. The learning doesn’t stop. It compounds.
Long-Term Opportunity vs. Short-Term Cost
Yes, the process is competitive. Yes, the standards are high. And yes—transitioning from enlisted to officer will disrupt your short-term plans. But the payoff is lasting: a career path that combines operational knowledge with engineering authority. No other designator bridges that gap the way EDO does.
If you’re ready to step off the ladder and start building it, this is your move.
