(a) Arrangements must be such that under any operating condition, including maneuvering, the safety of the vessel is equivalent to that of the same vessel with the machinery spaces fully tended and under direct manual supervision.

(b) Acceptance by the Coast Guard of automated systems to replace specific crew members or to reduce overall requirements for crew members depends upon the—

(1) Capabilities of the automated system;

(2) Combination of crew members, equipment, and systems necessary to ensure the safety of the vessel, personnel, and environment in each operating condition, including maneuvering; and

(3) Ability of the crew members to perform each operational evolution, including to cope with emergencies such as fire and failure of control or monitoring systems.