(a) Unless expressly provided otherwise in this part, this part applies to all inspected OSVs of the United States flag, including liftboats.
(b) Offshore supply vessels which were constructed prior to October 1, 1996, must--
(1) By October 1, 1997, meet the requirements of Sec. Sec. 133.60(a), 133.80, and 133.90;
(2) By October 1, 1997, fit retro-reflective material on all floating appliances, lifejackets, and immersion suits; and
(3) Offshore supply vessels may retain the arrangement of lifeboats, lifeboat davits, winches, inflatable liferafts, liferaft launching equipment, rescue boats, lifefloats, and buoyant apparatus previously required and approved for the OSV, as long as the arrangement or appliance is maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the OCMI.
(c) When any lifesaving appliance or arrangement on an OSV subject to this part is replaced, or when the OSV undergoes repairs, alterations, or modifications of a major character involving replacement of, or any addition to, the existing lifesaving appliances or arrangements, each new lifesaving appliance and arrangement must meet the requirements of this part, unless the OCMI determines that the OSV cannot accommodate the new appliance or arrangement. [CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996; 61 FR 40281, Aug. 1, 1996]