Except where specifically stated otherwise, an existing vessel must comply with the intact stability and seaworthiness regulations which were applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996, or, as an alternative, the vessel may comply with the regulations in this part. [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 966, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2007-0030, 75 FR 78087, Dec. 14, 2010]
TL;DR
Except where specifically stated otherwise, an existing vessel must comply with the intact stability and seaworthiness regulations which were applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996, or, as an alternative, the vessel may comply with the regulations in this part.
Section 178.115 — full text
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