1.1 These Guidelines should be used in applying
the principles of minimum safe manning set out in section 3 to ensure
the safe operation of ships to which article III of the 1978 STCW
Convention, as amended, applies, and the security of ships to which chapter XI-2 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention,
as amended, applies, and for the protection of the marine environment.
1.2 The Administration may retain or adopt arrangements
which differ from the provisions herein recommended and which are
especially adapted to technical developments and to special types
of ships and trades. However, at all times the Administration should
satisfy itself that the detailed manning arrangements ensure a degree
of safety at least equivalent to that established by these Guidelines.