(a) Where in this part it is provided that a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, or equipment, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a vessel, or that any particular provision shall be made or arrangement including cargo segregation shall be adopted, the Commandant may accept in substitution therefor any other fitting, material, apparatus or equipment, or type thereof, or any other provision or arrangement. However, the Commandant shall be satisfied by suitable evidence that the fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, or equipment, or the type thereof, or the provision or arrangement shall be at least as effective as that specified in this part.

(b) In any case where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commandant that the use of any particular equipment, apparatus, or arrangement not specifically required by law is unreasonable or impracticable, the Commandant may permit the use of alternate equipment apparatus, or arrangement to such an extent and upon such conditions as will insure, to his satisfaction, a degree of safety consistent with the minimum standards set forth in this part.