(a) Where in this subchapter 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 a particular provision shall be made or arrangement shall be adopted, the assigning authority, with the prior approval of the Commandant, may accept in substitution therefor any other fitting, material, apparatus, or equipment or type thereof, or any other provision or arrangement: Provided, That it can be demonstrated by trial thereof or otherwise that the substitution is at least as effective as that required by the regulations in this subchapter.

(b) In any case where it is shown to the satisfaction of the assigning authority and the Commandant that the use of any particular equipment, apparatus, or arrangement not specifically required by law is unreasonable or impracticable, appropriate alternatives may be permitted under such conditions as are consistent with the minimum standards set forth in this subchapter.

[CGFR 68-60, 33 FR 10050, July 12, 1968]