A vessel on an international voyage subject to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, (SOLAS) must meet the requirements in subchapter W of this chapter for passenger vessels in the same service, instead of the requirements of this part.

An existing vessel must comply with the requirements of this part except as otherwise specified by this section.

(a) A vessel that meets the following requirements shall be considered in compliance with the subdivision requirements contained in §§ 180.202, 180.204, 180.205, 180.206, 180.207 and 180.208:

(1) The vessel was constructed before March 11, 2001.

(2) The vessel is of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length and carries not more than 49 passengers;

(3) The vessel meets the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter; and

(4) The vessel meets the standards for one-compartment subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, at least in way of the engine room and lazarette.

(b) Each inflatable liferaft, inflatable buoyant apparatus, life float, and buoyant apparatus on the vessel on March 11, 1996, may be used to meet the requirements of this part for these survival craft as long as the survival craft is continued in use on the vessel, and is in good and serviceable condition.

(c) An existing vessel need not comply with § 180.78(a)(4).

(d) An existing vessel must comply with § 180.210 or may comply with the regulations for rescue boats that were in effect for the vessel prior to March 11, 1996.

(a) Each item of lifesaving equipment carried on board a vessel but not required under this part, must be approved by the Commandant.

(b) The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may require a vessel to carry specialized or additional lifesaving equipment if:

(1) The OCMI determines the conditions of the voyage render the requirements of this part inadequate; or

(2) The vessel is operated in Arctic, Antarctic, or other severe conditions not covered under this part.