Application

(1) Unless provided otherwise, this Part shall apply to new ships propelled by mechanical means except special purpose ships. (2) Existing ships shall as far as practicable and reasonable in the opinion of the Administration, comply with the provisions of this Part not later than 9 February 1999. (3) Where, prior to 9 February 1999, an existing ship cannot comply with the provisions of this Part the ship should not proceed more than 20 miles from the nearest land during the course of a voyage. (4) The Administration may exempt a ship from the provisions of subregulation (3) where such exemption is acceptable to the States to be visited by the ship.