(1) Any vessel of a foreign nation signatory to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, and which has on board a current, valid safety equipment certificate.

(2) Any vessel operating exclusively on inland waters which are not navigable waters of the United States.

(3) Any vessel while laid up and dismantled and out of commission.

(4) With the exception of vessels of the U.S. Maritime Administration, any vessel with title vested in the United States and which is used for public purposes.

(b) Notwithstanding the exception previously noted in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, foreign vessels of novel design or construction or whose operation involves potential unusual risks shall be subject to inspection to the extent necessary to safeguard life and property in United States ports, as further provided by §2.01-13 of subchapter A (Procedures Applicable to the Public) of this chapter.

(c) Notwithstanding the exception noted in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, each foreign vessel shall report marine casualties occurring while the vessel is in the navigable waters of the United States as required by Subpart 97.07.