---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 180.15"
title: "46"
number: "180.15"
heading: "Applicability to existing vessels."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/180.15"
---

# §180.15. Applicability to existing vessels.


An existing vessel must comply with the requirements of this part except as otherwise specified by this section.

- (a) A vessel that meets the following requirements shall be considered in compliance with the subdivision requirements contained in §§ [180.202](/cfr/46/180.202.md), [180.204](/cfr/46/180.204.md), [180.205](/cfr/46/180.205.md), [180.206](/cfr/46/180.206.md), [180.207](/cfr/46/180.207.md) and [180.208](/cfr/46/180.208.md):
  - (1) **The vessel was constructed before March 11, 2001.**
  - (2) The vessel is of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length and carries not more than 49 passengers;
  - (3) The vessel meets the standards for collision bulkheads in [§ 179.310](/cfr/46/179.310.md) of this chapter; and
  - (4) The vessel meets the standards for one-compartment subdivision in §§ [179.220](/cfr/46/179.220.md) and [179.320](/cfr/46/179.320.md) of this chapter, at least in way of the engine room and lazarette.
- (b) Each inflatable liferaft, inflatable buoyant apparatus, life float, and buoyant apparatus on the vessel on March 11, 1996, may be used to meet the requirements of this part for these survival craft as long as the survival craft is continued in use on the vessel, and is in good and serviceable condition.
- (c) An existing vessel need not comply with [§ 180.78(a)(4)](/cfr/46/180.78.md?p=a-4).
- (d) An existing vessel must comply with [§ 180.210](/cfr/46/180.210.md) or may comply with the regulations for rescue boats that were in effect for the vessel prior to March 11, 1996.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24464, May 15, 1996, as amended by USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59789, Oct. 1, 2012]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2104, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24464, May 15, 1996, as amended by USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59789, Oct. 1, 2012]