7.5.1 Alternative and/or equivalent design approval
should specify if survey intervals are coincident with those relevant
to prescriptive requirements or if different intervals are needed.
7.5.2 Survey and inspection of a ship which has
alternatives and/or equivalencies will be required similar to those
for conventionally designed ships, and flag state inspection and port
State control need to be performed. Thus, surveyors need an understanding
of the alternatives and/or equivalencies, which may be promoted by
means of on board documentation and certificates, as relevant. Proper
authoritative documentation may provide the surveyor with evidence
that the ship has been built and maintained in a satisfactory manner.
7.5.3 A port State control officer, in addition
to checking certificates and documentation, may opt to perform a detailed
inspection to obtain objective evidence that the ship is in a proper
condition. Ships which are built to different standards or requirements
than prescriptive regulations may be inspected against the onboard
documentation. Such documentation may also provide guidance with regard
to elements adequate for inspection and with regard to gauging points
on system and operation details.