46 CFR § 154.32 - Equivalents.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s154.32"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 154.32 - Equivalents."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "154.32"
section_name: "Equivalents."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "O"
subchapter_name: "CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES"
part_number: "154"
part_name: "SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SELF-PROPELLED VESSELS CARRYING BULK LIQUEFIED GASES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 3703, 9101; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "CGD 74-289, 44 FR 26009, May 3, 1979, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "154"
---


# 154.32 Equivalents.

(a) A vessel that fails to meet the standards in this part for an endorsement on a Certificate of Inspection or a Certificate of Compliance may meet an alternate standard if the Commandant (CG-ENG) finds that the alternate standard provides an equivalent or greater level of protection for the purpose of safety.

(b) The Commandant (CG-ENG) considers issuance of a finding of equivalence to the standard required by this part if the person requesting the finding submits a written application to the Commandant (CG-ENG) that includes—

(1) A detailed explanation of the vessel's characteristics that do not meet the requirements in this part; and

(2) An explanation of how each substituted standard would enable the vessel to meet a level of safety that would be equivalent to or greater than the standard in this part.

(c) Operational methods or procedures may not be substituted for a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item, or type of equipment required in this part.