(a) Before a vessel may be used as a nautical school ship, it shall be inspected by the Coast Guard to determine that the hull, boilers, machinery, equipment and appliances comply with the regulations in this part.

(b) Every nautical school ship subject to the regulations in this part shall be inspected annually, or oftener if necessary, by the Coast Guard to determine that the hull, boilers, machinery, equipment and appliances comply with the regulations in this part.

(c) Nautical school ships while laid up and dismantled and out of commission are exempt from any or all inspections required by law or regulations in this part.