National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin.

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them.

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.

Having a career as a Wage Marine employee in NOAA is to be an integral part of understanding the condition of the ocean and atmosphere. NOAA Wage Marine personnel add a seaman's know-how to NOAA's scientific research by directly participating in the operation and handling of scientific gear in the tumultuous ocean environment.  NOAA's fleet of 15 research ships operate world-wide in direct support of NOAA's diverse environmental information programs, environmental stewardship services and applied scientific research.  The highly-skilled and technical workforce provides NOAA the ability to achieve success in the conduct of nautical charting, bathymetric mapping, fisheries research, ecosystem assessments, marine environment baseline assessments, coastal-ocean circulation, and oceanic and atmospheric research. Enjoy an exciting career while gaining experience and training to advance your mariner or personal credentials.

NOAA shipboard mariners have an excellent total compensation benefits package which includes health insurance (optional), life insurance (optional), paid annual(vacation), sick, and shore leave, retirement plan, and participation in a funds matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401K).

Significant opportunities exist for cutting edge training in diving, medical care at sea, shipboard scientific operations, hazardous materials, small boat operations, advanced technologies and more.

NOAA operates a wide assortment of Hydrographic Survey, Oceanographic Research, and Fisheries Research vessels.  

These vessels are operated by NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.  Ships located in the Pacific are managed by the Marine Operations Center, Pacific (MOP) in Newport, OR.  Ships located in the Atlantic are managed by the Marine Operations Center, Atlantic (MOA) in Norfolk, VA.  Ships located in the Hawaiian Islands are managed by the Marine Operations Center, Honolulu, HI.

Logistic support for the vessels are provided by the appropriate marine operations centers or, for vessels in Woods Hole, MA; Charleston, SC; New Castle, NH; Newport, RI; Pascagoula, MS; Ketchikan, AK; Kodiak, AK; and San Diego, CA by Port Captains.