46 CFR §153.10

1. (a)The Coast Guard considers allowing the use of an alternative in place of a requirement in this part if—
   1. (1)The person wishing to use the alternative sends a written application to the Commandant (CG-ENG) explaining—
      1. (i)The requirement in this part that would not be met and the reason why;
      2. (ii)The alternative the person proposes to be substituted; and
      3. (iii)How the alternative would ensure a level of safety and pollution protection at least equal to that of the requirement for which the alternative would substitute;
   2. (2)The alternative does not substitute an operational standard for a design or equipment standard; and
   3. (3)The Commandant (CG-ENG) determines that the alternative provides a level of protection for purposes of safety and pollution at least equal to the requirement in this part.
2. (b)The Coast Guard considers granting a waiver of a requirement for which this part allows a waiver if the person wishing the waiver sends a written application to the Commandant (CG-ENG) that includes—
   1. (1)A citation of the regulation that allows the waiver; and
   2. (2)Any information and pledges that the regulation requires to be submitted with the application for the waiver.
3. (c)The Commandant notifies the applicant in writing—
   1. (1)Whether any further information is necessary to evaluate the request for an alternative or waiver; and
   2. (2)Of the outcome of the request for an alternative or waiver.
4. (d)A waiver issued under this part terminates if any—
   1. (1)Information required to be supplied with the application for the waiver changes;
   2. (2)Pledges required to be supplied with the application for the waiver are repudiated;
   3. (3)Restrictions or procedures applying to operations under the waiver are violated; or
   4. (4)Requirements in the section of this part authorizing the waiver are violated.