Who determines the combination of boilers and burners to be used that gives the greatest plant efficiency while considering safety and military requisites?

The Engineering Officer is responsible for determining the combination of boilers and burners that will maximize plant efficiency while also ensuring safety and meeting military requirements. This role involves a comprehensive understanding of thermodynamics, system operation, and safety protocols, as well as the ability to analyze operational data and performance metrics. The Engineering Officer typically has the authority and expertise to make decisions that best balance efficiency with safety, aligning with naval operations' strict standards.

In contrast, while other roles such as the Chief Engineer and Boiler Operator are involved in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of boiler systems, they may not have the same level of decision-making authority regarding the overall plant efficiency strategies. The Chief Engineer oversees engineering operations but often relies on the Engineering Officer for specific decisions about combinations of equipment. The Boiler Operator focuses on the operation of boilers, and the Maintenance Technician is involved in maintenance tasks rather than strategic operational decisions.