scope:

General requirement.

A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford adequate precaution against hazards that might endanger the vessel and the persons being transported.

Applicability; preemptive effect.

(a) An existing vessel need not comply with the hull marking requirements in § 185.602(c) until completion of a vessel's first drydock required by § 176.600 of this subchapter, which occurs after March 11, 1996.

(b) An existing vessel need not comply with the marking requirement in §§ 185.604 and 185.610, where the size and contents of the markings required by these sections 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 §§ 185.514, 185.516, and 185.604(i) 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.