openssh unix dev - May 2002 - SSH and .exrc of vi

I am trying to use "~/.exrc" file to customize vi sessions.
The file is properly configured: I can telnet or establish a serial
terminal session to the server and I can use my customizations when I
invoke vi.
Still when I use vi with ssh sessions, the mappings in the .exrc file are
not working.
What part am I missing here?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Mesut Pak