(a) The owner or managing operator of a U.S. flag large passenger vessel seeking to employ non-resident aliens issued MMCs under this subpart may submit a plan to the Coast Guard, which, if approved, will serve as an alternative means of complying with the requirements of this subpart.

(b) The plan must address all the elements contained in this subpart, as well as the related elements contained in §15.530 of this subchapter, to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard.