NOAA's fleet of 15 research and survey ships operate worldwide in support of NOAA's environmental observation, scientific research, and stewardship missions. NOAA ships are operated by a combination of NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps officers and civilian professional mariners. The ships' officers and crew provide mission support and assistance to embarked scientists from various NOAA programs and the academic community.

NOAA regularly has openings for civilian mariners aboard the agency's ships. NOAA's professional mariner workforce includes licensed masters, mates, engineers, and unlicensed members of the engine, steward, and deck departments. In addition, survey and electronic technicians operate and/or maintain the ship's mission, communication, and navigation equipment.

NOAA's professional mariners play a key role in improving our understanding of the ocean and atmosphere. They also bring a mariner's know-how to NOAA's scientific research by directly participating in the operation and handling of scientific gear in the tumultuous ocean environment. The highly-skilled and technical workforce provides NOAA the ability to achieve success in the conduct of nautical charting, bathymetric mapping, fisheries research and surveys, ecosystem and marine environment baseline assessments, coastal-ocean circulation studies, atmospheric research, and more.

NOAA’s ship fleet is operated, managed, and maintained by NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.