StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

33 CFR §81.9

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
The Chief of the Prevention Division issues the Certificate of Alternative Compliance to the vessel based on a determination that it cannot comply fully with 72 COLREGS light, shape, and sound signal provisions without interference with its special function. This Certificate includes—
  1. (a)Identification of the vessel as supplied in the application under § 81.5(a)(2);
  2. (b)The provision of the 72 COLREGS for which the Certificate authorizes alternative compliance;
  3. (c)A certification that the vessel is unable to comply fully with the 72 COLREGS lights, shape, and sound signal requirements without interference with its special function;
  4. (d)A statement of why full compliance would interfere with the special function of the vessel;
  5. (e)The required alternative installation;
  6. (f)A statement that the required alternative installation is in the closest possible compliance with the 72 COLREGS without interfering with the special function of the vessel;
  7. (g)The date of issuance;
  8. (h)A statement that the Certificate of Alternative Compliance terminates when the vessel ceases to be usually engaged in the operation for which the certificate is issued.