Regulation 4 of Annex VI allows Administrations to approve the use of fuels not meeting the requirements of Regulation 14 of the Annex, provided the vessel applies a method that results in equivalent emission reductions. This section describes provisions related to applying this allowance.

(a) Any person may request approval of such equivalent methods for controlling emissions on U.S.-flagged vessels by submitting an application for certification of an equivalent control method to the Designated Certification Officer. If we determine that your control method achieves emission levels equivalent to those achieved by the use of fuels meeting the requirements of Regulation 14 of Annex VI, we will issue a certificate and notify IMO that your method has been certified.

(b) The provisions of this paragraph (b) apply for vessels equipped with controls certified by the Administration of a foreign flag vessel to achieve emission levels equivalent to those achieved by the use of fuels meeting the applicable fuel sulfur limits of Regulation 14 of Annex VI. Fuels not meeting the applicable fuel sulfur limits of Regulation 14 of Annex VI may be used on such vessels consistent with the provisions of the IAPP certificate, APPS and Annex VI.

(c) Compliance with the requirements of this section does not affect the applicability of requirements or prohibitions specified by other statutes or regulations with respect to water pollution.