(1) Nothing in this Act shall affect the operation of 2[ 3[ section 331 and Part X A] of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 , (44 of 1958 )] or the operation of any other enactment for the time being in force limiting the liability of the owners of sea- going vessels.

(2) The Rules shall not by virtue of this Act apply to any contract for the carriage of goods by sea before such day 3[ , not being earlier than the first day of January, 1926 , as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, nor to any bill of lading or similar document of title issued, whether before or after such day as aforesaid, in pursuance of any such contract as aforesaid.