33 CFR §126.12

1. (a)An owner or operator of a waterfront facility may request that the COTP allow the use of an alternative method of complying with a requirement in this part.
2. (b)The request must establish, to the COTP's satisfaction—
   1. (1)That compliance with the requirement is economically or physically impractical; and
   2. (2)That the alternative requested provides an equivalent or greater level of safety.
3. (c)The COTP examines the request and provides an answer, in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the request.