Who is required to approve operations of equipment that are out of parameters?

The Commanding Officer (CO) holds the ultimate responsibility for the safety and operational integrity of a vessel or installation. When equipment operates outside of established parameters, it can present significant risks to both personnel and the operation itself. Therefore, any decision to approve the continued use of such equipment necessitates the CO's involvement to ensure it aligns with the overall safety protocols and operational directives.

In situations involving out-of-parameter equipment, the CO must evaluate potential hazards and implications for the crew, vessel, and mission objectives. The CO is trained to make high-stakes decisions based on a broad overview of safety and operational effectiveness, which is why their approval is critical in these scenarios.

The Engineering Officer of the Watch, while responsible for monitoring equipment operations during their shift, may not have the authority to approve continued use of out-of-parameter equipment without involving higher command. Similarly, the Chief Engineer and First Assistant Engineer have important roles in maintenance and oversight, but the decisive action regarding operational safety rests with the CO.