Vessels contracted for before November 23, 1992, must meet the following requirements:

(a) Each vessel must satisfy §§ 96.35-5 through 96.35-20 concerning the number of items and method of stowage of equipment.

(b) Items of equipment previously approved, but not meeting the applicable specifications set forth in § 96.35-5, may continue in service as long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; but each item in an installation or a replacement must meet all applicable specifications.

(c) After November 23, 1994, each respirator must either satisfy § 96.35-5(b) or be a self-contained compressed-air breathing apparatus previously approved by MSHA and NIOSH under part 160, subpart 160.011, of this chapter.