scope:

Applicability; preemptive effect.

(a) An existing vessel need not comply with the hull marking requirements in § 122.602(c) until completion of a vessel's first drydock required by § 115.600 of this chapter that occurs after March 11, 1996.

(b) An existing vessel need not comply with the marking requirements in §§ 122.604 and 122.610, where the size and contents of the markings required by §§ 122.604 and 122.610 vary from the size and contents of required markings on lifesaving equipment, watertight doors, and watertight hatches on the vessel prior to March 11, 1996, until the existing markings are no longer legible, as determined by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI).

(c) An existing vessel need not comply with the requirements of §§ 122.514, 122.515, 122.516, and 124.604(j) until completion of the first inspection for certification that occurs after March 11, 1996.

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