This part contains requirements for the design, construction, installation, and operation of propulsion and auxiliary machinery, piping and pressure systems, steering apparatus, and associated safety systems. Machinery and equipment installed on each vessel must be suitable for the vessel and its operation and for the purpose intended. All machinery and equipment must be installed and maintained in such a manner as to afford adequate protection from causing fire, explosion, machinery failure, and personnel injury.

(a) Except as otherwise required by paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section, an existing vessel must comply with the regulations on machinery, bilge and ballast system equipment, steering apparatus, and piping systems or components that were applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996 or, as an alternative, the vessel may comply with the regulations in this part.

(b) New installations of machinery, bilge and ballast system equipment, steering equipment, and piping systems or components on an existing vessel, which are completed to the satisfaction of the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) on or after March 11, 1996, must comply with the regulations of this part. Replacement of existing equipment installed on the vessel prior to March 11, 1996, need not comply with the regulations in this part.

(c) An existing vessel equipped with machinery powered by gasoline or other fuels having a flash point of 43.3 °C (110 °F) or lower must comply with the requirements of § 182.410(c) on or before March 11, 1999.

(d) On or before March 11, 1999, an existing vessel must comply with the bilge high level alarm requirements in § 182.530.

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

As an alternative to complying with the provisions of this part, a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, carrying not more than 12 passengers, and propelled by gasoline or diesel internal combustion engines, other than a High Speed Craft, may comply with ABYC H-2, ABYC H-22, ABYC H-24, ABYC H-25, ABYC H-32, ABYC H-33, ABYC P-1, and ABYC P-4 (all eight standards incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 175.600) as specified in this part.