Who must specifically approve the alteration or bypassing of safety interlocks for equipment or systems?

The correct answer is that NAVSEASSYSCOM must specifically approve the alteration or bypassing of safety interlocks for equipment or systems. NAVSEASSYSCOM, which stands for the Naval Sea Systems Command, is responsible for ensuring the safety and operational effectiveness of naval vessels and their systems. Any alterations or bypassing of safety interlocks can significantly affect the safety protocols in place, which are designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safe handling of potentially hazardous materials or operations. Therefore, the involvement of a higher authority like NAVSEASSYSCOM is crucial, as they can assess the risks, gauge the implications of such changes, and enforce compliance with safety regulations.

In contrast, while the Operational Commander, Safety Officer, and Maintenance Supervisor have roles in managing safety and maintenance operations, they do not possess the overarching authority to approve alterations to critical safety systems like interlocks. Their responsibilities typically revolve around overseeing routine operations, implementing safety protocols, and conducting maintenance tasks, but the ultimate authority for such significant changes rests with NAVSEASSYSCOM. This ensures that any modifications adhere to established safety standards, reflecting the importance of maintaining stringent control over safety mechanisms aboard naval vessels.