(a) Vessel control systems and other miscellaneous systems and equipment required by this part must be suitable for the purposes intended.

(b) The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may require navigation, control, or communications equipment, in excess of the equipment specifically required by this part, on a vessel that is of a novel design, operates at high speeds in restricted or high traffic areas, operates in a dynamically supported mode, or operates on extended routes or in remote locations.

(a) An existing vessel need not comply with §§ 121.402(c), 121.404, 121.410, and 121.602 of this part unless the cognizant OCMI specifically requires compliance due to the route or service of the vessel.

(b) An existing vessel need not comply with the requirements of § 121.610 of this part until March 11, 2001, or 10 years after its keel was laid or the vessel was at a similar stage of construction, whichever is later.

(c) An existing vessel need not comply with the requirements of § 121.710 of this part until March 11, 1997.