scope:

Scope of regulations.

(a) This subchapter provides the specifications, standards and requirements for strength and adequacy of design, construction, installation, inspection, and choice of materials for machinery, boilers, pressure vessels, safety valves,and piping systems upon which safety of life is dependent.

(b) Since this subchapter contains the marine engineering details, it implements the requirements for inspection and certification of vessels as set forth in other subchapters for specific types of vessels.

(c) The regulations in this subchapter (parts 50, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 61 through 64) have preemptive effect over state or local regulations in the same field.

Purpose of regulations.

(a) The purpose of the regulations in this subchapter is to set forth minimum requirements for marine engineering details for various types of vessels in accordance with the intent of title 52 of the Revised Statutes and acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto as well as to implement various international conventions for safety of life at sea and other treaties, which contain requirements affecting marine engineering. The regulations in this subchapter have the force of law.

(b) All marine engineering details, such as boilers, pressure vessels, main and auxiliary machinery, piping, valves, and fittings, shall be designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, except when specifically modified by the regulations in another subchapter in this chapter for a particular type of vessel or where a specific installation may be required or permitted.