Regulation 4
Alternative design and arrangement
1 The goal of this regulation is to provide a methodology for alternative design and arrangements for
structure, machinery, and electrical installations, fire safety and life-saving appliances and
arrangements.
2 Structural arrangements, machinery and electrical installation, fire safety design and arrangement
measures and as well as life-saving appliances and arrangements may deviate from the prescriptive
requirements set out in chapters 3, 6, 7 and 8 of the Polar Code, provided that the alternative design
and arrangements meet the intent of the goal and functional requirements concerned and provide an
equivalent level of safety to the requirements in those chapters.
3 When alternative designs or arrangements deviate from the prescriptive requirements of chapters
3, 6, 7 and 8 of the Polar Code, an engineering analysis, evaluation and approval of the design and
arrangements shall be carried out based on the guidelines approved by the Organization
1
.
1
Refer to the
Guidelines for the approval of alternatives and equivalents as provided for in various
IMO instruments (
MSC.1/Circ.1455
), the Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for
SOLAS chapters II-1 and III (
MSC.1/Circ.1212
) and the Guidelines on alternative design and
arrangements for fire safety (
MSC/Circ.1002
), as applicable.
4 Any alternative designs or arrangement deviating from the prescriptive requirements shall be
recorded in the Polar Ship Certificate and the ship's Polar Water Operational Manual, as required by
the Polar Code, also defining the technical and operational measures and conditions for the allowed
deviation.