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.

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24464, May 15, 1996, as amended by USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59789, Oct. 1, 2012]