(a) Except for vessels satisfying paragraph (b) of this section, this subpart applies to all Coast Guard inspected vessels, including tank ships and barges, that are carrying benzene or benzene containing liquids in bulk as cargo.

(b) This subpart does not apply to vessels that are carrying only liquid cargoes containing less than 0.5% benzene by volume.

(c) This subpart does not apply to vessels of foreign registry.