RULE 1. These regulations are to provide requirements for safety of life, limb and health. In case of practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship an employer or vessel may make exceptions from the literal requirements of this Code and permit the use of other devices or methods but ONLY when it is clearly evident that equivalent protection, as mutually agreed by the Parties, is provided.

In circumstances where these regulations are deficient with respect to government Acts, Regulations, Codes or Standards, such will prevail to the extent of the deficiences.