(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section every vessel must be fitted with a suitable magnetic compass designed for marine use, to be mounted at the primary operating station.

(b) The following vessels need not be fitted with a compass:

(1) A vessel on a rivers route;

(2) A non-self-propelled vessel; and

(3) A vessel operating on short restricted routes on lakes, bays, and sounds.

(c) Except on a vessel limited to daytime operations, the compass must be illuminated.