scope:

General; preemptive effect.

(a) The provisions of this part, with the exception of subpart 194.90, shall apply to all vessels other than non-selfpropelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons shall not be subject to the provisions of this part except as provided otherwise by paragraph (c) of this section.

(c) Non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons shall be governed by the applicable portions of 49 CFR parts 171-179, and the applicable portions of 33 CFR parts 6 and 121 to 126, inclusively. Alternately, the owner, at his option, may comply with the provisions of this part.

(d) Vessels contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, shall meet the requirements of subpart 194.90.

(e) The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.