Substitutions for fittings, equipment, arrangements, calculations, information, or tests required in this subchapter may be approved by the Commandant, the Commanding Officer (MSC), Attn: Marine Safety Center, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7430, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7430, or the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, if the substitution provides an equivalent level of safety.
46 C.F.R. §170.010