(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, a mechanically propelled vessel of the United States, which is certificated for or carries more than 12 passengers on international voyages must be in compliance with the applicable requirements of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as Amended (SOLAS), to which the United States Government is currently a party.

(b) SOLAS does not apply to a vessel solely navigating the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River as far east as a straight line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd Meridian.