Who must approve lighting fires in a boiler with newly installed castable refractory after an air-cure of only one day?

The correct answer is that NAVSEA approval is required for lighting fires in a boiler with newly installed castable refractory after only a one-day air cure. This requirement underscores the importance of following safety protocols and engineering standards mandated by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

When refractory material is newly installed, it needs to fully cure to ensure proper bonding and performance under high temperatures. A one-day air cure is typically insufficient for the material to achieve the necessary strength and stability. NAVSEA has established guidelines and regulations to ensure safety during operations involving equipment that handles high temperatures and pressures, such as boilers. Thus, any deviation from standard curing processes or scheduling of fires in such contexts requires oversight from NAVSEA to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with engineering specifications.

Other roles, such as the Commanding Officer (CO), Safety Officer, and Boiler Inspector, while crucial in their own respects for overseeing operations, maintenance, and safety protocols, do not hold the specific authority that NAVSEA does regarding the approval for firing up a boiler under these specific conditions.