(a) Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, shall meet the following requirements:

(1) The provisions of §§76.50-5 through 76.50-15 shall be met with the exception that existing installations in safety areas, accommodations, service spaces, and cargo spaces may be maintained if in the opinion of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, they are in general agreement with the standard of safety prescribed by table 76.50-10(a). In such cases, minor modifications may be made to the same standards as the original installation, provided that in no case will a greater departure from the standards of table 76.50-10(a) be permitted than presently exists.

(2) [Reserved]

(b) [Reserved]