1. Introduction
1.1 Section 3.8 recognises that alternatives to the standards applied by the Code can be
considered on the basis that they provide suitable standards of safety by taking into
account specific local conditions which may exist. This Appendix is intended for
assessing equivalence and is for use by Certifying Authorities.
1.2 Applications for the acceptance of alternatives must be supported by justifications
and be formally made via the Certifying Authority to the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency's headquarters who may consult with local MCA Marine Offices.
1.3 Justifications made formally in support of an application for acceptance of an
alternative requirement are to be arranged in priority order, according to the judgement
of the applicant.
2. Guidance on the Assessment of Alternatives to the Standards Applied by the Code
2.1 Alternative standards are expected to be either a direct alternative to a
requirement or a reduced requirement based upon factors that compensate for the
reduction as permitted by section 3.8 of this Code.
2.2 Although not an exhaustive list, factors which will be considered individually and
combined by the MCA will include;
- .1 an area of operations significantly reduced from the applicable area
category;
- .2 a guaranteed control of the vessel which restricts operations to sea
and weather conditions such that there is a very low risk of an accident;
- .3 the certainty of readily available means of emergency rescue;
- .4 operations wholly within sight of the supervising body and means of
emergency rescue;
- .5 seasonal operations only, such as between 1 April and 31 October or
some lesser period, or favourable weather restrictions;
- .6 vessels operating in close proximity to one another and equipped to
provide efficient safety back-up to each other in an emergency;
- .7 the provision/wearing of additional (special) individual personal
survival equipment/clothing which will protect lives in an emergency e.g. Personal
EPIRBS / Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for persons working single-handed;
- .8 enhanced communications between the vessel(s) and a constantly
attended shore base with readily available emergency rescue craft at the base;
- .9 the inherent safety of the vessel by design, test and experience,
(not applicable as an equivalent for stability standards or a specified level of life
saving equipment);
- .10 a high ratio of professional Master and crew numbers to the number
of other persons on board;
- .11 the number of safety craft provided to protect the vessels operating
commercially;
- .12 enhanced provisions for distress alert and rescue;
- .13 means provided for "dry" rescue from a vessel in emergency
situations.
3 Specific Guidance for Vessels Involved in Group Working
3.1 This section gives guidance to circumstances where the MCA may allow equivalent
safety provisions if they are considered appropriate. In all circumstances it is for the
owner/managing agent to make application and present the case for the acceptance of the
equivalent safety standard via the Certifying Authority.
3.2 Where two or more boats are operating in close proximity under the supervision of a
single control and satisfactory communications are provided between all boats and the
shore then single man operations may be accepted and the requirement for all boats to
carry inflatable liferafts and the other safety equipment required by this code may be
waived.
3.3 For the operation as a whole the following safety equipment meeting the standards of
this Code should be provided:
- .1 rescue/retrieval equipment - arrangements will need to be suitable
for the overall operation;
- .2 a minimum of 2 lifebuoys/ or 2 throwing lines and quoits;
- .3 2 red hand flares and 2 orange smoke flares; and
- .4 a fixed or portable VHF radio.
- .5 Other equipment as considered necessary for the particular operation,
by the Administration.
3.4 Lifejackets/buoyancy aids are to be worn at all times. For operations where buoyancy
aids may be considered more practical, their use may be accepted based on alternatives
stated in section 2 above.
3.5 The support or lead vessel(s) should carry on board the following equipment.
- .1 An anchor of sufficient mass for the size of the vessel and
sufficient cable for the area of operation should be provided.
- .2 At least one bilge pump should be provided and on fully decked
vessels a bilge alarm should be fitted. On small open or partially decked vessels an
efficient bailing system may be acceptable as equivalent to a bilge pump, at the
discretion of the Certifying Authority.
- .3 A fire extinguisher meeting the requirements of section 15.2 of this
Code should be carried.
3.6 The requirements for other aspects of the Code such as construction, weathertight
integrity, machinery, electrical arrangements, steering gear, intact stability and
freeboard may be waived by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, if alternative
arrangements suitable for the area and type of operation are provided.
3.7 Charts and nautical publications need not be provided where the area of operation is
limited and the person in charge has demonstrated adequate local knowledge.