7.1.1 This section of the Guidelines considers
special requirements that apply to the operation of ships with approved
alternatives and/or equivalencies onboard. In particular, the requirements
for documentation on board such ships are addressed as well as requirements
for change of flag.
7.1.2 Depending on the particular design of the
alternative and/or equivalency, conditions for maintaining the safety
level intended during the design approval may be imposed on ship operation.
Such conditions may be restrictions and limitations on the type of
operations and trades the ship can engage in or it may be additional
safety procedures or measures that need to be in place. Any operational
conditions should be determined during the approval process and be
based on the outcome of the HazId and the risk assessments undertaken
as a part of the process described in these Guidelines, and they should
be clearly documented and communicated to relevant parties.
7.1.3 If, during the operational phase, the initial
assumptions made during the design approval are changed, i.e. a change
of any aspects of the operation that may influence the risk, it may
be necessary to repeat the part of the risk assessment with the adjusted
assumptions. Such needs and the extent of work needed will be dependent
on the risk-based features, the assumptions changed and the operation
of the ship and may be decided by the relevant administration.
7.1.4 During the operational phase, inspections
and surveys on these ships will be performed as on conventional ships.
It is therefore important that the features of the alternative and/or
equivalent design and possible operational conditions are taken into
account and understood by the Administration. Thus, clear documentation
on the alternative and/or equivalent design should be kept on board.
In the following, the requirements for onboard documentation are outlined.
7.1.5 Amendments to the Safety Management System
may be required to integrate the evaluation of any changes in the
risk levels. Recurring review of the operational environment may be
a requirement and this may be stipulated as an element in the periodic
company review and masters' review.