(a) Except as specified otherwise, this subpart applies to—

(1) Each vessel or installation of steering gear contracted for on or after June 9, 1995; and

(2) Each vessel on an international voyage with an installation of steering gear contracted for on or after September 1, 1984.

(b) Each vessel not on an international voyage with an installation of steering gear contracted for before June 9, 1995, and each vessel on an international voyage with such an installation contracted for before September 1, 1984, may meet either the requirements of this subpart or those in effect on the date of the installation.