b'equipment(notreplacementofold)mustExisting vessels must comply with the appli- requirementsinoldSubchapterTwiththe SAFETYmeettheapplicablerequirementsofPartcable machinery installation requirements infollowing exceptions:118 or 181.old Subchapter T with the exception that new installationsofmachinery,bilgeandballast1. ExistingvesselsmustmeetthecurrentNote: A 2022 revision to the fire safety reg- systemequipment,steeringequipment,andrequirementsfornavigationlightsand ulationsdefinesanewterm,coveredsmallpiping system components (not replacementportable lights.passenger vessel, where requirements for fireof old) must meet the applicable requirements detectionandportableextinguishersareap- of Part 119 or 182. 2. New installations of electrical equipmentplicable to all covered small passenger vesselsandmaterials,andthereplacementof regardless of build date. Electrical Installationcable and wire must meet the applicable Parts 120 and 121 requirements of Part 120 or 183.Machinery InstallationExisting vessels must comply with the appli-Parts 119 and 182 cableelectricalinstallationsandequipmentVessel Control and MiscellaneousSystems and Equipment Parts 121 and 184Existing vessels must comply with the current regulations with the exception that they need not comply with the requirements for com-passes, radar, electronic position fixing devices, and internal communications systems unless the cognizant OCMI specifically requires com-pliance due to the route or service of the vessel. Any such decision should come in the form of a policy letter from the local command follow-ing discussions with the affected industry.Operations Parts 122 and 185Existing vessels must comply with the current regulations. THE FUTURECongressandtheNationalTransportation Safety Board (NTSB) have called grandfather-ing into question following recent casualties involvinglossoflifeandlossofinspected vessels. The loss of the M/V Conception and 34livescontinuestohavealegislativeand regulatory impact. The Coast Guard is under tremendous pressure to act regardless of the domestic passenger vessel industrys generally excellent safety record. As noted in the Fire ProtectionEquipmentParts118and181 above, new requirements are being phased in for fire detection and crew training on certain vessels regardless of build date. By the end of 2023 some overnight small passenger vessels will have to modify the egress hatches from below deck accommodation spaces regardless of build date.While still under investigation, the loss of the M/V Spirit of Norfolk to a machinery space fire has the Coast Guard reassessing the grand-fathering of fixed fire suppression systems on vessels construction of steel and aluminum.As always, the PVA staff is here to assist mem-bers when they have regulatory or inspections related questions.FOGHORN 28'