This section gives guidance to circumstances where the Maritime
and Coastguard Agency may allow equivalent safety provisions if they
are considered appropriate. In all circumstances it is for the owner
to make application and present the case for the acceptance of the
equivalent safety standard.
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.
The following safety equipment should be provided:-
- lifejackets/buoyancy aids for all on boardfootnote;
- rescue/retrieval equipmentfootnote;
- a minimum of 2 lifebuoys;
- 6 red hand flares; and
- a fixed or portable VHF radio.
Other equipment as considered necessary, for the particular
operation, by the Administration.
An anchor of sufficient
mass for the size of the vessel and sufficient cable for the area
of operation should be provided.
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 Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Fire
appliances as detailed in Section 15 of
the Code should be provided.
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.