scope:

Applicability.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, this part applies to passenger vessels inspected under subchapter K or H of this chapter, or a passenger vessel the stability of which is questioned by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI).

(b) Specific sections of this part also apply to nautical school ships, sailing school vessels and oceanographic vessels. The applicable sections are listed in subparts C and D of part 173 of this chapter.

(c) Specific sections of this part may also apply to a small passenger vessel inspected under subchapter T of this chapter. The specific sections are listed in subparts B and C of part 178 of this chapter and in subpart B of part 179 of this chapter.

(d) Unless permitted otherwise, a passenger vessel constructed on or after January 1, 2009, and issued a SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate must meet the applicable requirements of IMO Res. MSC.216(82) (incorporated by reference, see § 171.012), instead of the requirements of this part. For the purposes of this section, the applicable requirements of IMO Res. MSC.216(82) are equivalent to the requirements of this part when applied to such vessels.