The NOAA Small Boat 

Standards and Procedures Manual 

1st Edition 

Created by 

The NOAA Small Boat Safety Board 

with input from OMAO and other area experts 

March 19, 2008
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NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

NOAA SMALL BOAT STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES MANUAL 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 8

.01 Purpose............................................................................................................................ 8 

.02 Wording .......................................................................................................................... 8 

.03 Distribution ..................................................................................................................... 8 

.04 Manual Review............................................................................................................... 9 

.05 Waivers and Emergency Action ................................................................................... 10 

.06 Other Guidance ............................................................................................................. 11 

SECTION 2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................. 12

.01 NOAA Marine and Aviation Operation Director ......................................................... 12 

.02 Office of the Chief Administrative Officer................................................................... 12 

.03 Small Boat Program Manager (Manager)..................................................................... 12 

.04 Small Boat Safety Board............................................................................................... 13 

.05 Line Office Assistant Administrator............................................................................. 13 

.06 Line Office Small Boat Officer (LOSBO).................................................................... 13 

.07 Program Director .......................................................................................................... 14 

.08 Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC)......................................................................... 14 

.09 Operator-in-Charge (OIC) ............................................................................................ 14 

.10 Small Boat Operator ..................................................................................................... 15 

.11 Crewmember................................................................................................................. 15 

.12 Persons Other than Crew .............................................................................................. 15 

SECTION 3. SMALL BOAT GENERAL POLICIES........................................................... 16

.01 Official Use................................................................................................................... 16 

.02 Transportation of Passengers........................................................................................ 16 

.03 Small Boat Command Designation............................................................................... 16 

.04 Small Boat Control ....................................................................................................... 16 

.05 Personnel Authorized to Operate NOAA Small Boats................................................. 17 

.06 Seamanship and Conduct.............................................................................................. 17 

.07 Alcohol, Drugs, Narcotics............................................................................................. 17 

.08 Smoking Restrictions.................................................................................................... 17 

.09 Additional NOAA Policies........................................................................................... 17 

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NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

SECTION 4. QUALIFICATION, EVALUATION, AND DESIGNATION ........................ 18

.01 Introduction................................................................................................................... 18 

.02 Small Boat Categories................................................................................................... 18 

.03 Required Credentials and Training for Small Boat Operators...................................... 18 

.04 Personnel Qualification Standards Checklist................................................................ 19 

.05 Training for Crewmembers........................................................................................... 19 

.06 CPR and First Aid Training .......................................................................................... 19 

.07 Documentation.............................................................................................................. 20 

.08 Currency Requirements ................................................................................................ 20 

.09 Delinquency .................................................................................................................. 20 

.10 Small Boat Operator Currency Responsibilities........................................................... 20 

.11 Reporting....................................................................................................................... 20 

SECTION 5. SAFE MANNING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 21

.01 General.......................................................................................................................... 21 

.02 Succession to Command............................................................................................... 21 

.03 Minimum Safe Manning Levels................................................................................... 21 

.04 Dive operations ............................................................................................................. 22 

.05 Solo Operations............................................................................................................. 22 

SECTION 6. SMALL BOAT OPERATING PROCEDURES .............................................. 23

.01 Prior to Engine Start-Up ............................................................................................... 23 

.02 Start-Up Procedures...................................................................................................... 26 

.03 Underway Operations................................................................................................... 26 

.04 Shut-Down Procedures................................................................................................. 27 

.05 Small Boat Clean-Up Procedures ............................................................................ 28 

.06 Office Float Plan Maintenance ................................................................................. 28 

.07 Float Plan Delinquency........................................................................................... 28 

SECTION 7. SMALL BOAT CREW DUTY PERFORMANCE.......................................... 29

.01 Crew Duties .................................................................................................................. 29 

.02 Watch Standing............................................................................................................. 29 

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NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

SECTION 8. MINIMUM EQUIPMENT................................................................................. 30

.01 Emergency Equipment.................................................................................................. 30 

.02 Communications and Navigation Electronics............................................................... 31 

.03 Other Equipment........................................................................................................... 31 

SECTION 9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES........................................................................ 32

.01 Responsibility ............................................................................................................... 32 

.02 Emergency Drills.......................................................................................................... 32 

.03 Emergency Communications........................................................................................ 32 

.04 Emergency Procedures.................................................................................................. 33 

SECTION 10. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION................................... 34

.01 Major Incidents............................................................................................................. 34 

.02 Minor Incidents and Close Calls................................................................................... 34 

.03 Investigation Assistance................................................................................................ 35 

SECTION 11. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/WASTE MANAGEMENT AND 

POLLUTION PREVENTION CONTROL.............................................................................. 36

.01 Environmental Compliance .......................................................................................... 36 

.02 Hazardous Materials ..................................................................................................... 36 

.03 Pollution Prevention Control ........................................................................................ 37 

.04 Marine Sanitation Devices............................................................................................ 37 

SECTION 12. SMALL BOAT INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS ...................................... 38

.01 General.......................................................................................................................... 38 

.02 Responsibility ............................................................................................................... 38 

.03 Inspection Procedures for Class A, Class I and Class II boats and all boat trailers...... 38 

.04 OMAO Inspection Procedures for Class III small boats and SRVs ............................. 39 

SECTION 13. SMALL BOAT ACQUISITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS. ...... 42

.01 Small Boat Acquisition................................................................................................. 42 

.02 Marine Surveys............................................................................................................. 42 

.03 Alteration and Repair of Small Boats........................................................................... 43 

.04 Stability Standard.......................................................................................................... 43 

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NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

SECTION 14. NOAA SMALL BOAT VISUAL IDENTIFICATION AND 

REGISTRATION ....................................................................................................................... 44

.01 General.......................................................................................................................... 44 

.02 Requirements ................................................................................................................ 44 

.03 Responsibility ............................................................................................................... 44 

.04 Visual Identification...................................................................................................... 44 

.05 Exemptions ................................................................................................................... 47 

.06 Flags.............................................................................................................................. 48 

.07 NOAA Hull-Registration Numbers. ............................................................................. 49 

SECTION 15. CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT .......................................................... 51

SECTION 16. MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................. 52

.01 General.......................................................................................................................... 52 

.02 Financial Support for Small Boat Maintenance............................................................ 52 

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APPENDICES ........................................................................................................53

Appendix A. NAO 209-125: NOAA Small Boat Program....................................................... 54

Appendix B. Procedures Of Risk Analysis And Management .............................................. 61

Appendix C. Small Boat Operations Manual Table Of Contents Template........................ 63

Appendix D Small Boat Safety Board Charter ........................................................................ 67

Appendix E – NOAA Boat Operator Qualifications Letter.................................................... 70

Appendix F. Personnel Qualifications Standards (PQS) – Minimum Requirements .......... 71

Appendix G. Safety Orientation Briefing ................................................................................. 73

Appendix H. Operational Risk Assessment Form (GAR)....................................................... 74

Appendix I. Float Plan/Trip Report Form Example. ............................................................. 76

Appendix J. Minimum Small Boat Safety Equipment ........................................................... 77

Appendix K. Minimum Small Boat Communication and Navigation Equipment............... 79

Appendix L. Personal Flotation Devices Policy ....................................................................... 80

Appendix M. Example List Of Drills And Frequencies .......................................................... 86

Appendix N. NOAA Inspection Policy..................................................................................... 87

Appendix O. Examples Of Noaa Small Boat Hull Markings.................................................. 90

Appendix P. Small Boat Stability Standard ............................................................................. 92

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NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION 

.01 Purpose 

This document contains the standards and procedures for operations and management of 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Service (NOAA) small boats. For the purposes of The 

NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (the Manual), “small boats” are 

defined as vessels less than 300 gross tons. The Manual is designed to provide guidance, 

enhance safety and promote operational readiness by dictating general operating 

standards and procedures for all small boats operated under the authority of NOAA, 

including those based on Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) ships. It is 

not intended to cover every contingency that may arise or every rule of safety in practice. 

At a minimum, this Manual incorporates the required provisions defined by NOAA 

Administrative Order (NAO) 209-125: The NOAA Small Boat Program, while also 

providing guidance specific to operations of NOAA small boats. All NOAA small boat 

operators, as well as employees and contractors involved in small boat operations, shall 

adhere to this Manual. 

This Manual may be augmented by a program’s Supplemental Small Boat Policy (SSBP), 

however, the Supplemental Small Boat Policy can not diminish the minimum standards 

as set by the Manual or by NAO 209-125. 

.02 Wording 

Words used in this Manual to denote mandatory or permissive actions are defined as 

follows: 

a. “Shall” or “must” means the procedure or standard is mandatory. 

b. “Should” means the procedure or standard is recommended. 

c. “May” and “need note” means that the procedure or standard is optional. 

d. “Will” means futurity of action only and does not indicate any degree of 

requirement for application of a procedure or meeting a standard. 

.03 Distribution 

The current version of this Manual shall be made available on the Small Boat Program 

web site. Each Line Office that services a NOAA small boat shall have a time-stamped 

and updated hardcopy available; if possible, a copy will be placed on board each boat for 

viewing by anyone at anytime. This Manual shall be read by all NOAA employees and 

contractors, as well as partners and volunteers that may use NOAA small boats as part of 

their work. In addition, copies of this Manual will be distributed to partner lawenforcement entities. Other interested parties may receive a copy upon request. If 

practical, the Operator-in-Charge (OIC) of a vessel is responsible for ensuring that an upto-date copy of this Manual, the Line Office Policy or Manual (if in place) and a specific 

small boat operation manual are on board the boat. 

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.04 Manual Review 

It is the responsibility of each Line Office in NOAA to review this Manual annually and 

propose written changes to their Small Boat Safety Board representative. Significant 

proposed changes to the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual shall be 

reviewed by the SBSB. The chair of the SBSB is responsible for ensuring that any 

approved changes/additions to this Manual are forwarded to the Small Boat Program 

Manager for clearance and distribution to Line Offices. Revisions to the Manual will be 

implemented via the issuance of either technical directives or a new edition of the 

Manual, as required. Programs and operating units shall establish small boat working 

groups that will review this Manual, ensuring that they can meet the stated safety and 

operational requirements. Issues pertaining to this Manual shall be elevated to the Small 

Board Safety Board for review. 

a. Clearance process of the Manual: 

1. SBSB with consultation within each representative’s Line Office or 

Program 

2. Internal OMAO 

3. General Council for NOAA Safety 

4. Additional consultation at the discretion of Director, OMAO 

5. Final approval authority by Director, OMAO 

b. Policy quoted from NAO 209-125 Section 3.01: 

a. Issuance of the Manual is in compliance with NAO 200-3, the NOAA 

Administrative Order Series. 

b. The Manual augments and supplements the policies, procedures, and 

guidelines in this Order and is intended to maximize the efficiency and 

effectiveness of NOAA's SBP by providing for the timely development and 

issuance of programmatic materials to the small boat community. 

c. The core elements of the Manual apply to all individuals and Programs 

involved with NOAA's small boats and has the same force, effect, and 

authority as this Order. These core elements shall be developed and 

maintained by the SBSB. An electronic edition of these elements will be 

available for viewing at the link to the Small Boat Program found on OMAO's 

web page at http://www.omao.noaa.gov/. 

d. The SBSB shall be responsible for preparing, clearing, issuing, 

maintaining, and distributing the NOAA Small Boat Standards and 

Procedures Manual (the Manual). The SBSB shall review and revise the 

Manual, as necessary, in order to keep it current with applicable policies and 

regulations and to maintain the ability to adapt to changes involving 

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technology and/or safety within the marine community. The Manual, and its 

future updates, will be issued via sequentially numbered Transmittal Sheets. 

e. The Director, OMAO, shall review the contents of the Manual and any 

subsequent updates prior to their issuance. Concurrence will be indicated by 

signature of the Director on the sequentially numbered Transmittal Sheets 

that will accompany each issuance or update to the Manual. The Director 

may request prior review and concurrence by the Deputy Under Secretary for 

Oceans and Atmosphere prior to authorizing potentially controversial 

updates. 

f. The Manual will adhere to all requirements of NOAA Administrative Order 

200-3, The NOAA Administrative Order Series, as listed under the subject, 

“Handbooks and Manuals.” An electronic version of the Handbook will be 

available on the OMAO web site. 

.05 Waivers and Emergency Action 

The procedures and standards contained in this Manual constitute criteria necessary to 

promote the safe and efficient operation of NOAA small boats. Neither Operators nor 

Crewmembers shall be scheduled for, nor shall they engage in, boating activities unless 

they satisfy the requirements of this Manual. Only the Director, OMAO, may approve 

requests for waivers to these procedures, standards, and requirements. Requests must be 

made through the Vessels Operation Coordinator to the SBSB who will take action on the 

request and provide recommendations to the Director, OMAO. Emergency situations may 

warrant actions contrary to the provisions of this Manual. Emergency situations consist 

of conditions that could result in death, physical harm, property loss, or where 

environmental damage is likely, but only to the extent that the action is immediately 

necessary in order to prevent or minimize harm. Any deviations from the guidelines in 

this Manual must be reported to the respective Program Director and LOSBO within 24 

hours. 

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.06 Other Guidance 

This Manual provides guidance for operations and management of all NOAA small 

boats. Further guidance, references, directives, and details may be found in the 

Supplemental Small Boat Policy (SSBP), Annual Risk Assessments, Small Boat 

Operations Manual (SBOM), Original Equipment Manuals (OEM), or applicable United 

States Coast Guard (USCG) and federal regulations. 

a. Supplemental Small Boat Policy (SSBP) 

Line Offices and their subordinate programs may issue policies and procedures 

relating to Small Boat Safety and Small Boat operations in addition to the 

standards and procedures set in this document. A Supplemental Small Boat 

Policy shall not diminish the NAO 209-125 policy and the standards and 

procedures established in this Manual. 

b. Annual Risk Assessment 

Every NOAA Line Office that operates small boats shall conduct, document, and 

review an Annual Risk Assessment for all NOAA small boats. The assessment 

shall be based on an evaluation of operational risks to personnel, small boat, 

environment, mission, and public relations. Guidelines for performing an Annual 

Risk Assessment can be found in Appendix B of this Manual. The guidance in the 

appendix is not all-encompassing and may be added to and modified to suit the 

program’s needs. The Annual Risk Assessment shall be an appendix to the Small 

Boat Operations Manual. 

c. Small Boat Operations Manual (SBOM) 

A small boat-specific SBOM is required for each Class III and Small Research 

Vessel (SRV), as well as for Class A, Class I, Class II, and non-motorized small 

boats. The SBOM shall be a compilation of instructions, procedures, regulations, 

and guidelines derived from that small boat’s or a small boat Class’s Annual Risk 

Assessment. A template outlining the topics to be included in a SBOM can be 

found in Appendix C of this Manual. 

d. Original Equipment Manual (OEM) 

Technical manuals for equipment installed aboard a Class III and Small Research 

Vessel (SRV) shall be kept onboard that small boat and may be used as specific 

guidance for safe operations and maintenance. For Class A, Class I and Class II 

small boats, as well as non-motorized small boats where it may not be practical to 

carry manuals onboard, a laminated copy of the operating procedures shall be 

sufficient with the manuals available ashore. 

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SECTION 2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

.01 NOAA Marine and Aviation Operation Director 

It is the responsibility of OMAO to administer NOAA's Small Boat Program, establish 

policies and procedures to ensure a safe small boat program to support NOAA's program 

needs, identify applicable regulations, provide operator training, staffing guidance, and 

marine engineering assistance on boat alterations, boat design and selection criteria. 

(Departmental Organization Order 25-5) 

The Director of OMAO: 

a. Will ensure, at a minimum, the position of NOAA Small Boat Program 

Manager is filled and will make every effort to identify and fill additional 

positions within the program, as deemed necessary by the Small Boat Safety 

Board or OMAO Safety and Environmental Compliance Division; 

b. Is the final authority on decisions of waivers after hearing recommendations 

from the Small Boat Safety Board; 

c. Will make every effort to identify funding and other resources to develop and 

maintain the Small Boat Program for all of NOAA; 

d. Is the final administrative approval authority for this Manual. 

.02 Office of the Chief Administrative Officer 

NOAA’s Chief Administrative Officer will appoint a representative to the Small Boat 

Safety Board to: 

a. Ensure all NOAA safety policies are adhered to by the program; 

b. Assist in the development of small-boat policies and procedures; 

c. Participate in all small-boat accident investigations. 

.03 Small Boat Program Manager (Manager) 

The Manager is the functional head and communications focal point of the SBP. 

 

 The Manager, in conjunction with the SBSB, is responsible for: 

a. Managing operator-training program development; 

b. Inspection-program criteria and promulgation; 

c. NOAA boat inventory and NAO and Manual compliance monitoring for all 

NOAA small boats and operators. 

d. NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual and NAO development; 

e. Budget development and implementation, both short and long term; 

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f. Accident and incident reporting protocol and tracking; 

g. Risk management development; 

h. Web-site development and maintenance; 

i. Development and maintenance of the program’s organizational and 

communication structure. 

j. The SBPM is Chair of an appointed board of representatives from the NOAA 

Line and Staff Offices. This NOAA Small Boat Safety Board (SBSB) will 

formulate NOAA small boat safety policies, plans and projects required to 

implement and sustain an agency-wide small boat safety program. The SBPM 

manages and coordinates the efforts of personnel, from multiple line offices, 

that regularly work with the SBP as a collateral duty. 

.04 Small Boat Safety Board 

The objective and purpose of the Small Boat Safety Board are reflected in its charter and 

the NAO 209-125. A copy of the charter is included as Appendix D. 

.05 Line Office Assistant Administrator 

The Assistant Administrator (AA) maintains overall responsibility for compliance with 

policies and for the safe use and management of all small boats within the Line Office. 

The AA or Director of each Line or Staff Office identified in the NAO 209-125, Section 

5.02, will: 

a. Identify and appoint a qualified and experienced “expert” to the SBSB and 

will ensure these representatives have the resources, responsibility, and authority 

to represent their respective Programs; 

b. Ensure that there is one focal point (see NAO, section 2.05) in the Program’s 

chain of communications and command pertaining to Small Boat Program issues. 

It is recommended this person is also assigned to the SBSB, but not required. 

.06 Line Office Small Boat Officer (LOSBO) 

The Line Office Small Boat Officer represents both individual programs and the Line 

Office as a whole on all matters pertaining to small boat operations. The LOSBO often 

serves on NOAA’s Small Boat Safety Board and the Line Office’s Small Boat 

Committee. The LOSBO assists Line Office Regional Programs in carrying out safe and 

effective small boat operations, and coordinates Line Office compliance with NAO 209-

125, as well as the requirements as set by this Manual and Supplemental Small Boat 

Policy. The LOSBO will have authority from his/her Director or AA to issue “No Sail” 

orders to all boats within his/her purview, operating out of compliance with NAO 209-

125, this Manual or any Supplemental Small Boat Policies. (Checklist of responsibilities 

is available on the web site www.sbp.noaa.gov) 

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.07 Program Director 

The Program Director (i.e., Science Center Directors, Lab Directors, Sanctuary 

Managers, or the responsible management position for each Vessel Operations 

Coordinator) ensures implementation of and compliance with all policies for the safe use 

and management of small boats within a Program. 

The Program Director: 

a. Reviews and approves, via signature, written waivers of any requirement 

stipulated in the program’s Supplemental Small Boat Policy; 

b. Is responsible for delegating authority of small boat operations to a Vessel 

Operations Coordinator; 

c. Ensures sufficient resources for training, maintenance, appropriate equipment 

purchases, professionally approved alterations and new constructions, and 

minimum safe manning levels; 

d. Is responsible for ensuring that all small boats not covered in Section 12.02.a 

are inspected in accordance with the provisions of this Manual and that resources 

are provided to address deficiencies identified in all inspections identified within 

this Manual; 

e. Ensures risk assessments are completed in accordance with this Manual. 

.08 Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC)

The Vessel Operations Coordinator (i.e., Operations Coordinator, Operations Manager, 

Marine Operations Coordinator, Navigation Response Team Leader, or marine operations 

point of contact) for each Program, Laboratory, or Field Party is responsible for 

implementing all requirements in accordance with this Manual. (Checklist of 

responsibilities is available on the web site www.sbp.noaa.gov) 

The VOC shall also manage and maintain small boat support costs, establish and 

maintain contact with all users, and manage all small boat operations personnel. The 

Vessel Operations Coordinator should address any conflicts or other problems arising 

from the daily operation or maintenance of small boats with the appropriate Program 

Director as soon as possible. 

The VOC shall update the NOAA small boat inventory list and operator training list, and 

report inspections as completed to their LOSBO and the NOAA Small Boat Program. 

.09 Operator-in-Charge (OIC) 

The OIC is the single qualified individual responsible for the safe operation of a small 

boat and all embarked personnel while underway. The OIC will be clearly identified in 

writing or verbally to all embarked personnel. In any case where more than one qualified 

Small Boat Operator is aboard a small boat, only one individual shall be designated OIC. 

The OIC shall make the decision whether to conduct, postpone, or cancel operations 

based on weather, the status of the small boat, available personnel, and other pertinent 

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factors, any of which could result in an unacceptable level of risk. 

.10 Small Boat Operator 

A Small Boat Operator must meet all requirements for certification and be designated 

according to this Manual. Small Boat Operators are considered OIC of a boat if they are 

the only qualified operator aboard. If multiple qualified Small Boat Operators are aboard, 

only one will be designated and clearly identified as OIC as defined above (Section 2.09). 

Multiple Small Boat Operators are required onboard during longer, more complex 

voyages, including overnight voyages, as defined in Section 5 of this Manual. The Small 

Boat Operator(s) assists with the oversight of all personnel aboard, and helps to ensure 

that operations are conducted safely and efficiently, in accordance with the OIC’s 

instructions. The Small Boat Operator(s) reports directly to the OIC while underway. 

.11 Crewmember 

A crewmember is an individual designated in writing and is capable of assisting in the 

operation of the small boat including underway operations, docking, anchoring, 

communications, and emergency procedures. This individual must be able to assist the 

Small Boat Operator in safely completing the mission. Crewmembers are required 

onboard during longer, more complex voyages and/or those voyages requiring the 

carriage of a large number of people, as defined in Section 5 of this Manual. 

Crewmembers report directly to the OIC or Small Boat Operator currently on watch. 

.12 Persons Other than Crew 

Persons Other than Crew include researchers, educators, VIPs, members of the media, 

interns, students, volunteers, or other personnel on board to participate directly in the 

planned operations, as documented in the Float Plan. All Persons Other than Crew must 

comply with this Manual and follow the instructions and guidance of the OIC, Small 

Boat Operator(s), and Crewmember(s). Any embarked person(s) who possesses skills and 

qualifications commensurate with a Crewmember’s duties may be designated as a 

Crewmember at the discretion of the OIC. In this case, the embarked 

person/Crewmember shall not assume any mission-related duties until the duties as a 

Crewmember are fulfilled. 

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SECTION 3. SMALL BOAT GENERAL POLICIES 

.01 Official Use 

All NOAA small boats shall be used for official government purposes only. In 

determining whether a use is official, all pertinent factors shall be considered, including 

whether the use is essential to the completion of an operation, mission, or other legitimate 

NOAA function or activity, and whether it is consistent with the purpose for which the 

boat is intended. Each Vessel Operations Coordinator or designee shall determine 

whether a proposed small boat underway operation is official. OIC’s are responsible for 

the enforcement of this requirement. 

.02 Transportation of Passengers 

When permitted by this Manual or a Small Boat Operating Manual, non-mission critical 

personnel (passengers) may be transported on NOAA boats. Any such arrangements 

shall be prearranged and approved by the Vessel Operations Coordinator. Non-mission 

critical personnel may include members of the media, guests, VIPs or service 

organization personnel. The OIC has the authority to deny passage to any personnel 

determined to be unofficial. Approvals will be granted when: 

a. It is determined to be clearly in the interest of the Government. 

b. The embarked personnel will not interfere with NOAA operations. 

All federal and state requirements shall be followed as well as any other special 

considerations given to the safety of minors on NOAA small boats. 

The OIC may authorize the boarding and carriage of personnel in emergency situations 

involving the protection of life at sea. For further guidance consult NOAA 

Administrative Order (NAO) 217-106, “Transportation of Nongovernmental Personnel as 

Passengers on NOAA Vessels, Aircraft, and Motor Vehicles.” 

.03 Small Boat Command Designation 

A Program Director is responsible for delegating authority of small boat operations to the 

Vessel Operations Coordinator. The Vessel Operations Coordinator is responsible for 

designating an OIC for each underway operation. The OIC has command authority over 

all Small Boat Operators, Crewmembers, and other embarked personnel while underway. 

The OIC is also responsible for ensuring the safe conduct of the mission and compliance 

with all NOAA and Line Office policies and procedures. 

.04 Small Boat Control 

A small boat when underway shall have a designated OIC or Small Boat Operator in 

control at all times. When conducting dive operations from a small boat, the boat shall be 

continuously manned by a qualified Small Boat Operator. 

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.05 Personnel Authorized to Operate NOAA Small Boats 

Only those personnel whose credentials meet training and certification requirements as 

per this Manual will be authorized to operate NOAA small boats. An authorization 

certificate (Appendix E) must be completed for each qualified Small Boat Operator, 

identifying the specific operations and small boats, or class of boats, for which that 

operator is qualified. The authorization certificate must be signed and maintained on file 

by the Small Boat Operator’s Vessel Operations Coordinator. Personnel in training for 

Small Boat Operator or Crewmember designation may control the small boat under the 

direct supervision of an OIC or instructor for training purposes only. 

.06 Seamanship and Conduct 

OIC’s shall conduct small boat operations in such a manner as to avoid unnecessary 

hazards. All Small Boat Operators and Crewmembers must exercise prudent judgment at 

all times and take proper action when dictated by emergencies that endanger life or 

property. 

.07 Alcohol, Drugs, Narcotics 

The OIC and all Crewmembers shall not operate a boat or assist with operations within 

eight hours of having consumed alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or drugs that may 

detrimentally impact cognitive or motor abilities. The consumption of these substances is 

prohibited onboard NOAA small boats. Any person under the influence of alcohol, 

drugs, or narcotics will not be permitted aboard the small boat. 

.08 Smoking Restrictions 

Smoking may be permitted aboard NOAA small boats outfitted with weather decks that 

are physically separated from the small boat’s house, including all berthing, eating, and 

living spaces, the pilothouse, and all machinery spaces. Smoking is allowable on weather 

decks only. 

Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of all NOAA vessels during fueling operations. 

Smoking shall not be permitted in the vicinity of fuel, flammable/combustible material, 

or battery storage areas and such areas shall be labeled accordingly. Smoking shall not be 

permitted in the vicinity of any ventilation intake ducts. Identifying designated smoking 

area(s) that are physically removed from all mission-related working areas is strongly 

recommended. 

.09 Additional NOAA Policies 

Small boat operations must comply with all applicable NOAA policies. 

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SECTION 4. QUALIFICATION, EVALUATION, AND DESIGNATION

.01 Introduction 

This chapter establishes standards and provides guidance for the evaluation, qualification, 

and designation of personnel involved in the operation of NOAA small boats. Each 

Vessel Operations Coordinator shall ensure that personnel are trained to achieve the 

stated qualifications and to maintain the level of proficiency and currency necessary to 

safely and effectively accomplish their assigned duties. The requirements described in 

this Manual shall be regarded as the minimum standard of personnel qualification. 

.02 Small Boat Categories 

Small Boat Category Definition

Class A less than 16 feet length overall 

Class I 16 to less than 26 feet length overall 

Class II 26 to less than 40 feet length overall 

Class III 40 to 65 feet length overall 

Small Research Vessel 

(SRV) 

greater than 65 feet length overall but less 

than 300 gross tons 

.03 Required Credentials and Training for Small Boat Operators 

a. Class A, I and II training: 

1. The USCG Auxiliary BS&S (Boating Skills and Seamanship) or 

equivalent. An equivalent course must cover all of the significant topics of the 

USCG Auxiliary’s BS&S curriculum and must be, at minimum, of equivalent 

duration (approximately 24 hours dependent on location). The topics are 

available at: 

http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/classes/boating_skills_and_seamanshi

p.html 

2. NOAA Component Course. The NOAA Component is developed by the 

SBSB and updated as policies, procedures and standards change. It consists of 

3 sections with accompanying exercises and a test. The NOAA Component 

Refresher Course will be required every one to three years (TBD) and will be 

taught by regional instructors or by e-learning (TBD). The Course may be 

customized by location. Section topics include: 

(a) NOAA small-boat policy, procedures and standards 

(b) Operational Risk Assessment 

(c)Team Leadership 

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3. Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS). These may be developed, on 

site, by the Programs with direction from the Small Boat Safety Board. These 

will include: 

(a) Checklists (see Section 4.04 and Appendix F for minimum 

requirements Class A-I and Class II) 

(b) Advanced/Continuing Education 

(c) Local or program-specific training (examples: surf operations, dive 

operations, towing nets, trailering, survey launch, ice, marine mammal 

operations). 

b. Class III and SRV: 

1. Appropriate USCG License or active Uniformed Service Officer of the 

Deck (OOD). 

2. NOAA Component Course. (see above) 

3. PQS and Advanced/Continuing Education (see section 4.04 and Appendix

F for minimum requirements Class III and SRV) 

c. All Small Boat Operator candidates shall have appropriate experience, as 

determined by the VOC, to be designated as a NOAA Small Boat Operator. The 

class of small boat, the small boat’s operating area(s), and small boat’s mission 

shall be taken into account when determining an appropriate level of experience. 

.04 Personnel Qualification Standards Checklist 

Small Boat Operators must successfully complete a checkout process with their Vessel 

Operations Coordinator (or designee) for each type of mission and for each specific small 

boat on which the personnel will be employed. Upon completion of the checkout 

process, the Vessel Operations Coordinator must complete an Operator Qualifications 

Checklist form (Appendix F) for each person who will be operating any small boat(s) 

within that Line Office Program. 

.05 Training for Crewmembers 

All Crewmembers are required to meet the training requirements defined in this Manual, 

and any additional standards set by the Program SSBP. Crewmembers are required to 

receive small boat-specific training and must demonstrate to their Vessel Operations 

Coordinator knowledge of the procedures and equipment carried aboard the small boat(s) 

on which they will be employed. 

.06 CPR and First Aid Training 

All Small Boat Operators shall have current Red Cross or equivalent certification in 

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including the use of Automated External 

Defibrillators (AED) instruction when available, and First Aid. 

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.07 Documentation 

Copies of all training certificates and operator qualification checklists for all Small Boat 

Operators will be maintained by the Vessel Operations Coordinator for each Line Office 

Program. 

.08 Currency Requirements 

All Small Boat Operator Qualification Letters shall be validated annually by the Program 

Vessel Operations Coordinator to ensure currency of certifications, training requirements, 

and a measure of proficiency. 

.09 Delinquency 

Small Boat Operators shall be considered delinquent and will be restricted from duties on 

their designated small boat(s) if the required training and certification requirements are 

not maintained in accordance with this Manual. 

.10 Small Boat Operator Currency Responsibilities 

Although each Program Vessel Operations Coordinator will maintain records of 

personnel qualifications, Small Boat Operators are responsible for tracking their own 

training and currency requirements in conjunction with the Vessel Operations 

Coordinator. 

Each Small Boat Operator should request training through the Program Director to 

maintain qualification and currency in advance of expiration dates, to ensure that their 

small boat qualifications remain uninterrupted. 

.11 Reporting 

Vessel Operations Coordinators shall report updates of training and certifications to the 

LOSBO and SBPM as they are completed. 

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SECTION 5. SAFE MANNING REQUIREMENTS 

.01 General 

All NOAA small boats shall be manned by qualified Operators and Crewmembers, with 

possible exceptions during emergency situations, to ensure that operations are conducted 

in a safe, efficient, and professional manner. Personnel who are onboard primarily to 

conduct mission-related operations may assume crew duties only if the OIC has 

determined that the individual possesses the necessary skills and qualifications prior to 

assuming those duties. In this case, the embarked person/Crewmember shall assign 

higher priority to the Crewmember duties. Small boat Crewmembers may, if conditions 

warrant, assist embarked personnel with their mission at the discretion of the OIC. 

.02 Succession to Command 

The Chain of Command must be addressed during the pre-departure briefings. Should the 

OIC become incapacitated, the next senior-most Operator or Crewmember must take the 

lead in maneuvering the small boat to a position of safety and contacting emergency 

services to make necessary arrangements

.03 Minimum Safe Manning Levels 

a. All Class A, Class I, and Class II 

Manning-level baselines (minimum safe-manning-level requirements) are set by 

the Vessel Operation Coordinator based on, but not limited to, the minimum 

manning levels as determined by the small boat’s Pre-departure Risk Assessment 

and SBOM, and as approved by the Program Director or designee. 

b. All Class III and SRVs 

All Class III small boats and SRVs shall be manned at a minimum by one Small 

Boat Operator and one Crewmember. Manning-level baselines (minimum safemanning-level requirements) are set by the Vessel Operation Coordinator based 

on, but not limited to, the pre-departure Risk Assessment and as approved by the 

Program Director. 

c. Manning Requirements for Additional Embarked Personnel 

.

In addition to the OIC and a Crewmember, an additional staff person familiar with 

the boat and its emergency procedures is required for every 10 embarked persons 

(other than crew). 

d. Length of Operations 

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For planned operations exceeding 12 hours in duration an additional operator and 

enough qualified crewmembers must be onboard so that each watch is manned 

appropriately for the size and complexity of the small boat. 

.04 Dive operations 

When conducting dive operations from a small boat, the boat shall be continuously 

manned by a qualified Small Boat Operator. 

.05 Solo Operations 

When a small boat will be manned by one unaccompanied operator not working in close 

conjunction with another boat, ship, or person ashore, a Pre-Departure Risk Assessment 

shall be completed and approved by the Program Director or designee. Close conjunction 

is defined as: Where rescue will be immediately notified by someone other than the 

operator in the event of a catastrophic emergency. 

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SECTION 6. SMALL BOAT OPERATING PROCEDURES 

Compliance with each of the following procedures for motorized small boats is mandatory for all 

trips, whether planned or unplanned. 

.01 Prior to Engine Start-Up 

a. Crew Reporting 

Crewmembers for each mission shall report to the OIC at a specific, predetermined time and place prior to departure. 

b. Pre-departure and Safety Briefings 

The OIC shall conduct a pre-departure briefing that should review any prior 

mission planning and preparation and cover any updates. This briefing shall be 

conducted far enough in advance to enable the crew to prepare adequately for any 

last-minute adjustments. The next senior-most Small Boat Operator or 

Crewmember must be identified during this briefing, and must be prepared to take 

command of the small boat in case of OIC incapacitation. 

The OIC, Small Boat Operator, or Crewmember must also conduct a thorough 

safety briefing with all embarked personnel prior to getting underway. The 

briefing shall include general small boat familiarity and the locations of all safety 

systems and equipment carried aboard (fire extinguishers, life rafts, life rings, 

personal floatation devices, immersion suits, EPIRBs, etc.). The embarked 

personnel shall be apprised of the procedures to follow during fire, abandon ship, 

man overboard, and other emergencies. The use of a formal, written checklist 

detailing all of the topics to be covered during each safety briefing is strongly 

encouraged. (See Appendix G for an example) 

Confirm verbally with all aboard that: 

1. The team is well rested and ready to work; 

2. Everyone understands the mission, and is capable of performing it. 

c. Operational Risk Assessment 

Prior to getting underway, the OIC and Crewmember(s) shall conduct an 

Operational Risk Assessment (See Appendix H) and confirm that the mission, 

personnel, and small boat all meet the assumptions made within the Annual Risk 

Assessment. If there is any indication that an unacceptable level of risk exists, the 

OIC shall take actions to reduce existing risks to an acceptable level. 

Actions taken might include requiring additional crewmembers, reducing the 

scope of the mission, or carrying additional equipment aboard. Any 

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modifications to the mission, personnel, or small boat completed in an effort to 

mitigate risks shall be documented in both the Float Plan and the small boat's log 

and provided verbally to the Vessel Operations Coordinator prior to departure. 

The total score of the Operational Risk Assessment shall be recorded in the Float 

Plan or the small boat’s log. 

The OIC has the authority to cancel the operations in question if risks cannot be 

reduced to a level that will ensure the safe, successful outcome of the mission. 

d. Weather Briefing 

The OIC is responsible for reviewing and being familiar with both prevailing and 

anticipated weather conditions for the area in which the mission is planned. The 

OIC shall obtain a briefing by a qualified meteorological forecast service (i.e. 

NOAA weather radio, National Weather Service web site, local Coast Guard 

reports, etc.). The briefing information shall consist of, at a minimum, current 

weather, sea state, trends, and forecasts for the departure location, proposed route, 

destination, and any alternate working areas. 

Based on weather and sea-state forecasts, the OIC will determine if conditions are 

suitable for operations. The OIC has the authority to cancel operations if it is 

determined that personnel safety or the safety of the small boat will be subject to 

unnecessary risk. 

e. Float Plan 

All use of NOAA small boats shall be documented in a Float Plan. All Float 

Plans must be filed prior to departure, and shall conform, at a minimum, to the 

standardized Trip Report/Float Plan. (See Appendix I) 

In addition, the OIC shall ensure that the name and contact number of a family 

member, significant other, or legal guardian is available for all embarked 

personnel prior to the small boat’s departure. 

All Float Plans must be submitted in writing or electronically, regardless of 

voyage duration. The OIC shall tender the Float Plan, prior to departure, with the 

Vessel Operations Coordinator or designee as follows: 

1. The Plan shall establish a specific tracking and communications procedure 

that requires the OIC to report the small boat’s position and an operations 

update at least once daily on multi-day trips; 

2. The contact person shall be responsible for determining whether a small 

boat is overdue for arrival or check-in, and shall take appropriate action to 

either determine the location of the small boat or initiate emergency 

response. 

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If the OIC cannot prepare a written Float Plan prior to departure, the Vessel 

Operations Coordinator or designee shall be notified to communicate the Float 

Plan over the phone. The Vessel Operations Coordinator or designee shall then 

put the information in writing and manage the Float Plan as required by this 

Manual. 

f. Communication Plan 

A specific Point of Contact (POC) must be identified and established prior to 

departure, whether that departure is planned or unplanned. The POC must be 

available by phone or radio throughout the duration of the mission. The 

communication plan shall be incorporated into the Float Plan, and must identify 

specific times at which the OIC will check in and the means of communication to 

be used. 

A back-up emergency phone number(s) shall be included in the event the primary 

means of communication fails. 

g. Fuel Planning 

Fuel planning for each voyage should be based on efficiency and economy, but 

shall not compromise safety. Careful considerations must be given to the weather 

conditions at the planned destination, and distances to alternate ports shall be 

taken into account. 

h. Boat Inspection 

The OIC shall ensure that a pre-mission inspection of the boat is completed in 

accordance with the applicable start-up procedures. In addition to the start-up 

procedures, the OIC shall also: 

1. Inspect the log for maintenance discrepancies that have not been 

addressed; 

2. Not accept the boat if it has been identified as not operational in the 

logbook or during the inspection until the mechanical or structural 

problem has been corrected; 

3. Ensure that all required safety, survival, and communication/navigation 

equipment specified in Appendix J and Appendix K are aboard and in 

good working order; 

4. Ensure that the boat is properly fueled for the mission; 

5. Ensure all fluid levels are normal (e.g. oil, coolant, steering, etc.) and that 

adequate reserves are onboard; 

6. When applicable, ensure that the back-up motor or secondary means of 

propulsion is operational. 

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.02 Start-Up Procedures 

a. Start-Up Procedures Checklist 

All NOAA small boats are required to have a written checklist of start-up 

procedures, specific to each small boat, to ensure safe operations. The OIC is 

responsible for ensuring the use of the checklist prior to each and every voyage. 

b. Start Logbook Entries 

For all small boats except small boats without enclosed cabins, the OIC shall 

ensure that all start-up procedures are appropriately entered in the official 

logbook, and shall identify the information to be logged while underway. 

Logbook entries should include but are not limited to: 

1, OIC, Small Boat Operators, and Crewmembers; 

2, Name/description of the mission; 

3, Date and Time Underway; 

4, Date and Time of Arrival; 

5, Items of Operational Interest; 

6, Problems or Incidents; 

7, Operational Area and/or Destination; 

8, Embarked Personnel 

The OIC of a small boat without enclosed cabins may prepare a trip report instead 

of maintaining a vessel logbook. (See Appendix I for a sample Trip Report/Float 

Plan.) 

.03 Underway Operations 

a. Weather Updates 

The OIC shall ensure that destination and en-route weather forecasts are obtained 

prior to departure from the pier. Detailed weather updates shall be obtained at 

appropriate intervals, as well as any time the weather conditions appear 

threatening or conflict with forecasted conditions, and/or any time that en-route 

plans change. 

b. Operations Under Adverse Conditions 

Adverse weather conditions include, but are not limited to, low visibility, high 

winds, and/or high sea state, which could cause equipment or personnel 

emergencies or system malfunctions. NOAA small boats shall not be operated in 

known or forecasted conditions that exceed small boat or personnel limitations. 

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The OIC has the authority and responsibility to cease operations, return to port, or 

not depart from port if it is determined there is unnecessary risk to either 

personnel or the safety of the small boat. Any such decision should be based 

upon the results of the Operational Risk Assessment Form. 

c. Float Plan Updates 

The filed Float Plan shall be updated whenever the small boat will exceed the 

estimated time of arrival by more than 60 minutes, or whenever en-route plans or 

operations change substantially. 

d. Radio Transmissions 

Use of the small boat radios shall be professional and limited to the conduct of 

normal marine radio traffic and government business. 

.04 Shut-Down Procedures 

a. Use of Checklists 

All NOAA boats are required to have a written checklist of shut-down procedures 

specific to each small boat. The OIC is responsible for ensuring the use of the 

checklist at the conclusion of each and every voyage. 

b. Logbook Completion 

The OIC shall ensure that all logbook entries are completed in a timely manner 

after the boat has been shut down. Entries shall include, at a minimum, actual 

time of arrival, final fuel information, ending engine hours, and any changes to 

the original Float Plan. 

If a Trip Report is to be filed it shall be prepared and sent to the Vessel 

Operations Coordinator or his designee in a timely fashion upon completion of the 

voyage or operation. 

c. Equipment Malfunction Reporting 

All equipment malfunctions shall be logged in the small-boat logbook (or Trip 

Report) on the day of discovery. The OIC shall report the malfunction to the 

Vessel Operations Coordinator on the day of discovery. 

 

d. Float Plan Closure Procedures 

Float Plans must be closed and notification of arrival must be made with the shore 

based designee within thirty minutes of arrival. 

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.05 Small Boat Clean-Up Procedures 

A post-mission inspection shall be made in accordance with the Shut-Down 

Procedures Checklist in a timely manner after the boat is docked. The small boat 

shall be left in a state in which it could be immediately used if necessary. 

.06 Office Float Plan Maintenance 

Each Vessel Operations Coordinator or designee is responsible for maintaining 

and monitoring active Float Plans within his/her Line Office Program. The OIC 

shall communicate directly with the Vessel Operations Coordinator or designee to 

amend or close a Float Plan 

.07 Float Plan Delinquency 

If a small boat is delinquent (has not returned within 60 minutes of estimated time 

of arrival), the Vessel Operations Coordinator or designee shall: 

a. Attempt to contact the small boat by satellite/cell phone or HF/VHF radio; 

b. Check the boat slip personally or ask the local marina manager, Coast Guard, 

or any on-site personnel to do so, if practicable; 

c. If no contact is made after 2 hours of delinquency or if sunset is near, notify the 

appropriate Program Director; 

d. When appropriate, notify the USCG of delinquency and be prepared to provide 

Float Plan information; 

e. Remain in the office or at the station until the boat has been contacted and 

either returns to the dock or has reached an alternate safe location; 

f. If the boat is delinquent 4 hours or more and communications cannot be 

established with the small boat by the USCG, the Line Office Small Boat 

Officer should be contacted. 

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SECTION 7. SMALL BOAT CREW DUTY PERFORMANCE 

.01 Crew Duties 

All Small Boat Operators and Crewmembers will be trained and qualified to perform the 

duties expected of them at sea, whether on oceans, inland, or Great Lakes waterways. 

This includes all equipment, including: cranes, A-frames, hydraulic units, anchor 

windlass/winches, davits, compressors, as well as all small boats carried aboard and their 

engines. 

.02 Watch Standing 

The Program Director, VOC, and OIC shall make every effort to avoid situations 

requiring that anyone be on duty in excess of 12 hours in one day. 

If unforeseen events require personnel on duty for greater than 12 hours the following 

applies: 

a. All persons who are assigned as operator shall be provided a minimum of 10 

hours of rest in any 24-hour period; 

b. The hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which 

shall be at least 6 hours in length. 

c. The requirements for rest periods laid down in paragraph .02.a and .02.b need 

not be maintained in the case of an emergency or drill or in other overriding 

operational conditions. 

d. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph .02.a and .02.b, the minimum 

period of 10 hours may be reduced to not less than 6 consecutive hours provided 

that any such reduction shall not extend beyond two days and not less than 70 

hours of rest are provided each seven-day period. 

Other requirements when applicable: 

e. The VOC shall require that watch schedules be posted where they are easily 

accessible when applicable.

f. When required, a Crewmember may be assigned duties as a watch stander 

either when the small boat is underway or at anchor. As watch stander, the 

primary task is to stand a proper lookout, free of distractions, so that full focus 

can be applied to the environment of the small boat. 

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SECTION 8. MINIMUM EQUIPMENT 

The safety, survival, and communication/navigation equipment specified in Appendix J and 

Appendix K of this Manual are the minimum required for safe operations. All survival 

equipment shall be maintained and, at a minimum, inspected or tested monthly in accordance 

with best-management practices and guidance in Appendix M (Drills and Frequencies). 

Additions and changes to these requirements may be necessitated by such considerations as 

small boat configuration, type and duration of missions, area of operations, and proximity to 

search and rescue assets. Individual survival gear shall be placed in areas accessible to all Small 

Boat Operators, Crewmembers, and embarked personnel so as to be readily available in an 

emergency. 

.01 Emergency Equipment 

a. Emergency Equipment. 

 

See Appendix J of this Manual for the minimum required safety, firefighting, and 

lifesaving equipment that must be on board and maintained in a ready and 

serviceable condition before any NOAA small boat is operated. All lifesaving 

and firefighting equipment shall be USCG or Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 

approved, or conform to military specification (with SBSB approval), or 

otherwise be approved by the SBSB, when applicable. 

b. Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) 

All EPIRBs must be properly registered with the NOAA SARSAT program, and 

registrations must be current. Prior to departure, the OIC should ensure that the 

EPIRB battery has not expired and that the monthly test has been completed. In 

addition, EPIRB beacon identification registration information shall be reviewed 

at least annually to ensure that it contains valid emergency contact information. 

c. Life Rafts/Floats 

Life rafts/floats of sufficient capacity to accommodate all embarked personnel 

shall be carried onboard all NOAA small boats in accordance with Appendix J of 

this Manual. 

d. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Immersion Suits 

All personnel must have a PFD and or an Immersion Suit available in accordance 

with the NOAA PFD Policy (Appendix L) 

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.02 Communications and Navigation Electronics 

The minimum communication and navigation equipment requirements for small 

boats are generally based on the distance from shore, support vessel or inhabited 

land that the small boat will operate from. (See Appendix K.) It is NOAA’s 

intention that no NOAA small boat will be without a method of direct verbal 

communications with a shore facility or support vessel. 

Before any NOAA small boat gets underway, communication and navigation 

equipment must be maintained in a ready and serviceable condition. 

.03 Other Equipment. 

a. Personal Protective Clothing 

All persons aboard NOAA small boats shall, at all times, wear protective footwear 

that is appropriate to the work that is being conducted. It is recommended that all 

personnel have appropriate foul-weather gear, including long-sleeve shirts, long 

pants, and a hat onboard the small boat for use in unexpected weather conditions 

or emergencies. Special operations may require the wearing of other safety 

equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, safety harnesses, steel-toed 

shoes, etc. , based on the operational risk assessment. 

 

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SECTION 9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 

.01 Responsibility 

When an OIC experiences an underway difficulty or emergency, or believes that a 

situation exists that will create a difficulty or an emergency, the OIC must take the 

appropriate action to ensure the safety of the small boat and embarked personnel. The 

OIC is encouraged to use all personnel on the boat in a judicious manner to assist in 

responding to the difficulty or emergency. The OIC may deviate from approved 

procedures when a greater emergency would result from strict compliance with the 

procedures set forth in this Manual. 

.02 Emergency Drills 

OICs shall hold emergency training and drills to maintain crew proficiency in emergency 

procedures. Drills should be realistic and include, at a minimum: man overboard, fire, 

abandon ship and emergency communications. Small Boat Operators, Crewmembers and 

any others aboard at the time are required to participate. 

a. Aboard Class A, Class I, and Class II Small Boats. 

Man-overboard, fire, abandon-ship and emergency-communication drills/training 

shall be conducted annually for boat operators and crew. A safety briefing shall be 

conducted immediately prior to sailing for all embarked personnel explaining 

man-overboard, fire, abandon-ship and emergency-communications procedures. 

b. Aboard Class III and SRVs. 

See Appendix M for a list of drills and frequencies. Upon completion, all drills 

shall be logged.

.03 Emergency Communications 

As soon as practicable after completing the tasks necessary to stabilize an underway 

emergency or immediately if an emergency is catastrophic; the OIC shall furnish the 

USCG with a description and assessment of the situation, request any assistance 

necessary, state intentions for handling the emergency, and provide any other pertinent 

information. When time permits, the OIC should notify the designated POC on shore, in 

accordance with the Communications and Float Plans. 

During an emergency, at least one VHF radio shall be continually tuned to either Channel 

16, or an alternate frequency if requested by the USCG. 

All small boats shall carry communications equipment in accordance with Appendix K of 

this Manual. Class III and SRVs, shall include written instructions on the use of all 

communications equipment carried aboard in the Small Boat Operating Manual. In 

addition, simple, thorough instructions on how to place an emergency distress call shall 

be posted next to each type of emergency-communications equipment. 

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.04 Emergency Procedures 

Each field office shall develop small boat-specific emergency procedures for applicable 

emergency situations. Such as: 

a. Abandon Ship 

b. Fire 

c. Man Overboard 

d. Flooding 

e. Launching a Raft 

f. Donning Immersion Suits and PFDs 

g. Donning SCBA and Fire Suits (if so equipped) 

h. Making Distress Calls and Using Distress Signals 

i. Activating the General Alarm 

j. Reporting Inoperative Alarms 

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 SECTION 10. ACCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION 

.01 Major Incidents 

Small Boat Program activities shall follow all existing policy regarding the reporting of 

accidents. 

The affected Program Director (or designee) shall notify the Line Office Small Boat 

Officer and Safety and Environmental Compliance Office (SECO) Representative of a 

small boat accident or incident when it involves any of the following: 

a. Unintentional grounding for greater than 24 hours; 

b. Explosions; 

c. Sinking; 

d. Fire; 

e. Collisions involving breach of hull integrity; 

f. Any incident which results in damage in excess of $10,000 to the small boat, 

its systems, or its equipment; 

g. Incapacitating injury requiring professional medical attention or 

hospitalization, or loss of life of any person; 

h. Unintentional and extensive flooding (self-bailing boats excluded); 

i. Discharge of oil or any substance violating local, State, or Federal 

Regulations; 

j. Failure of gear and equipment and any other damage that may affect or impair 

a small boat’s seaworthiness; or 

k. Damage/harm to a protected or endangered natural resource or species. 

When the cause of the accident is not clearly evident, the Program Director shall initiate 

an investigation. Findings and recommendations resulting from the investigation shall be 

made available to the Program Director, Line Office Small Boat Officer, AA, NOAA 

Small Boat Program Manager, OMAO Small Boat Engineer(s), and the Director, OMAO.

Findings and lessons learned from an accident or accident investigation shall be 

distributed by the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager to the NOAA small boat-user 

community. The identity of the small boat, personnel, and program or facility associated 

with the accident will remain anonymous. 

.02 Minor Incidents and Close Calls 

SBSB requests minor incidents of equipment damage or other non-reportable accidents 

and close calls be reported for the purposes of lessons learned and safety metrics. This is 

a common procedure at other organizations to enhance safety, reduce mishaps, and 

identify problems with equipment, procedures and training. Minor incidents and close 

calls may be reported using the reporting forms available on the SBP web site 

(www.sbp.noaa.gov). 

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.03 Investigation Assistance 

The NOAA Small Boat Program and SECO will collaborate to ensure investigators are 

familiar with both the NOAA safety policy and small-boat policy and operations. 

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SECTION 11. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/WASTE MANAGEMENT AND 

POLLUTION PREVENTION CONTROL 

.01 Environmental Compliance 

All NOAA small boats shall operate in full environmental compliance with Federal, 

State, local and NOAA requirements. NAO 216-17 NOAA ENVIRONMENTAL 

COMPLIANCE PROGRAM Policy provides guidance on responsibilities to ensure 

regulations are followed to protect the environment and promote environmental 

stewardship of our natural resources. Each Program’s Vessel Operations Coordinator will 

assist with all environmental-compliance requirements and work with the Chief 

Scientist(s) to ensure that this management policy is properly executed and that any 

problems are promptly brought to the attention of the Program’s Director. 

.02 Hazardous Materials 

All hazardous materials/substances required to carry out the objectives of an embarked 

scientific party, including ancillary tasks, are the direct responsibility of the embarked 

designated Chief Scientist, whether or not that Chief Scientist is using the materials 

directly. 

An inventory of all hazardous materials and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall 

be available for all hazardous materials carried aboard. Updated MSDS sheets shall be 

forwarded to the Vessel Operations Coordinator at least two weeks prior to getting 

underway, if not already on file. Copies of each MSDS will be available when the 

hazardous materials are loaded aboard. 

The embarked scientific party, under the supervision of the Chief Scientist, shall explain 

the spill-response procedures during the pre-departure briefing. This includes providing 

properly-trained and equipped personnel for response, as well as the necessary 

neutralizing chemicals and clean-up materials. A spill response will be a collaborative 

effort between the Chief Scientist and the boat crew 

The Chief Scientist or scientific party shall ensure that neutralizing agents, buffers, and/or 

absorbents in amounts adequate to address spills of a size equal to the amount of 

chemicals brought aboard. This spill-response material must accompany the chemicals 

when they come aboard. 

Upon departure, visiting scientific parties will provide an inventory of hazardous 

materials to the VOC showing that all hazardous materials brought aboard have been 

depleted or removed as an unused but usable product. The visiting scientific party is 

responsible for the off loading and disposal/transportation of all hazardous waste or 

unused but usable product 

Hazardous materials shall be off loaded by visiting scientists in compliance with DOT 

regulations for transporting. http://hazmat.dot.gov/

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.03 Pollution Prevention Control 

a. Oil or oily water shall never be intentionally discharged into the environment. 

b. If bilges are contaminated with oil NOAA small boats shall: 

1. Have appropriately approved OWS equipment or use oil absorbents if 

overboard discharge is necessary to ensure safe vessel operation; 

2. Or retain all oily wastes on board for discharge to a shore-side disposal 

facility. This will require that the automatic bilge pump serving the 

small-boat engine compartment be secured during normal operations. 

c. Oil absorbent materials may be used in the bilge to absorb oils. Ensure the oil 

absorbents are secured in the bilge to avoid clogging the bilge pump or its sensor. 

d. Boat crews are to be trained with respect to small-boat environmentalprotection requirements. Exception to these procedures is permitted for the 

purpose of securing the safety of the small boat and those on board or of saving 

life. 

e. Small boats operators should develop refueling procedures to prevent 

accidental spills during refueling or maintenance of the small boat. Small Boats 

shall keep a supply of oil absorbent materials onboard to respond to a spill of 

petroleum product. 

f. All hazardous waste generated shall be managed in accordance to Federal, State 

and local regulations. The transportation of hazardous waste shall be in 

accordance with DOT regulations. http://hazmat.dot.gov/

.04 Marine Sanitation Devices 

All recreational boats with installed toilet facilities must have an operable marine 

sanitation device (MSD) on board. Vessels 65 feet and under may use a Type I, II or III 

MSD. Vessels over 65 feet must install a Type II or III MSD. All installed MSDs must be 

Coast Guard certified. Coast Guard certified devices are so labeled except for some 

holding tanks, which are certified by definition under the regulations. 

When operating a vessel on a body of water where the discharge of treated or untreated 

sewage is prohibited, the operator must secure the device in a manner which prevents any 

discharge. Some acceptable methods are: padlocking overboard discharge valves in the 

closed position; using non-releasable wire tie to hold overboard discharge valves in the 

closed position; closing overboard discharge valves and removing the handle; locking the 

door, with padlock or keylock, to the space enclosing the toilets (for Type I and Type II 

only). 

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SECTION 12. SMALL BOAT INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS 

.01 General 

NOAA’s Small Boat Inspection Program is designed to ensure that standards of safety 

are maintained at an acceptable level in order to minimize risk. 

The items of safety, survival, and communication/navigation equipment specified in 

Appendix J and Appendix K of this Manual are the minimum required for safe 

operations. All survival equipment shall be maintained, inspected or tested monthly, at a 

minimum, in accordance with best management practices and guidance in Appendix M. 

Additions and changes to these requirements may be necessitated by such considerations 

as small boat configuration, type and duration of missions, area of operations, and 

proximity to search and rescue assets. Individual survival gear shall be placed in areas 

accessible to all Small Boat Operators, Crewmembers, and embarked personnel to be 

readily available in an emergency. 

.02 Responsibility 

a. The OMAO Fleet Inspection Office is responsible for managing an annual 

inspection program for all Class III and SRV vessels. 

b. The Small Boat Safety Board (with input from the OMAO Fleet Inspection 

Office) is responsible for managing an inspection program for Class A, Class I 

and Class II boats and all boat trailers. 

c. Program Directors or their designee(s), in cooperation with the NOAA Small 

Boat Program, are responsible for ensuring that all small boats not covered in 

Section 12.02.a are inspected in accordance with the provisions of this Manual. 

d. Vessel Operations Coordinators shall ensure appropriate routine inspections 

are conducted by OICs. VOCs will also ensure that all annual inspections are 

reported to their LOSBO and the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager in a 

timely manner. 

.03 Inspection Procedures for Class A, Class I and Class II boats and all boat trailers 

a. NOAA Inspection policy is Appendix N to this document. 

b. Annual Small Boat Evaluation (ASBE) checklists are available on the web 

site http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/resources/insphome.html . 

c. List of Qualified people to conduct Small Boat Examinations (SBEX) is 

available on the web site 

http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/resources/resources/sbex.html

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.04 OMAO Inspection Procedures for Class III small boats and SRVs 

The NOAA Small Boat Inspection Program was developed in response to the 

requirements and direction of NAO 209-1, the NOAA Safety Policy. The purpose of the 

NOAA Small Boat Inspection Program is not limited to merely checking for the presence 

of safety equipment. It is also to assure that all boats are managed, maintained, operated, 

equipped, modified, and/or upgraded in accordance with accepted standards, practices, 

and regulations in order to minimize the risks and hazards inherent with taking a craft to 

sea. Additional benefits of the inspection program include (a) providing a second set of 

eyes that are on the lookout for hazards, (b) promoting a cross-pollination of safety 

related ideas, techniques, and equipment to keep all NOAA boats at the same high level 

of readiness, and (c) staying abreast of current statutory rules to assist the operator with 

this responsibility. It is not the purpose of the NOAA Small Boat Inspection Program to 

critique the operating unit. 

The inspection criteria for NOAA Class III and SRV Small Boats are: a) 46 CFR 

Subchapter C, b) 46 CFR Subchapter T, c) 46 CFR Subchapter S, d) 33 CFR 

Subchapters D, E, F, O, and S, e) USCG Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars 

(NVICs), f) the Technical Standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), 

g) the National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA) 302, h) any promulgated 

NOAA HQ and line office-specific rules and regulations, etc., and i) “Good Marine 

Practice.” 

a. Scheduling Inspections 

The Vessel Operations Coordinator for any Class III or SRV shall contact the 

OMAO Fleet Inspection Office in order to schedule a mutually acceptable date 

and time for an inspection. Written notification of the upcoming inspection shall 

be provided to the Vessel Operations Coordinator approximately one month 

before the agreed-upon date. Annual inspections shall be performed within a +/- 

45-day window of the 1-year anniversary of the previous year’s inspection. 

b. Pre-Inspection and Records 

When the inspector arrives on site, a pre-inspection meeting will be held to 

discuss logistics and other inspection-related matters. The previous years’ 

inspection reports will be reviewed at that time to determine the current status of 

earlier deficiencies. In addition, the operator will be given a list of materials to 

collect to be reviewed by the inspector at the pre-inspection meeting. 

c. Inspection 

A typical inspection takes up to 8 hours (sometimes more if there are underway 

inspection requirements). Except for the pre-inspection meeting and 

starting/operating any machinery, the operator may not be required to be present 

for a dockside inspection. The operator may be asked to demonstrate that all 

navigation and communication equipment functions properly and specific 

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required equipment functions properly on (any installed) emergency power. The 

operators may also be asked to perform dockside engine and generator tests. Any 

deficiencies found will be identified as either Category 1 (address immediately), 

Category 2 (address within a reasonable amount of time), or Category 3 (an item 

for consideration). 

d. Drills 

The inspector may or may not request that the vessel get underway for a trial. 

Whether dockside or underway, the operator should be prepared to perform safety 

drills or otherwise demonstrate emergency preparedness. 

e. Post-Inspection Exit Briefing 

A debriefing shall be held at the end of the inspection (usually on Day 2) so the 

inspector can present hand-written or typed raw inspection notes and discuss the 

findings. Please note that additional research into the regulations, which may not 

be reflected in these raw notes, is often required. Also be aware that the 

inspector’s draft report is sometimes edited and revised by the NOAA OMAO 

Safety and Environmental Compliance Division. Occasionally, deficiency 

classifications and/or recommendations may change from what was discussed at 

the debriefing. In either case, additional items will not be added to the final report 

without first discussing the matter with the operating unit. 

f. “Do Not Operate” Order 

An OMAO Fleet Inspection Officer has the authority to prevent any small boat 

from operating if the Inspector determines that the small boat possesses 

deficiencies that represent a significant or unacceptable risk to life, property, or 

the marine environment. These are generally designated as Category 1 

deficiencies. 

g. Inspection Report 

Final approved inspection reports will be e-mailed from OMAO directly to the 

appropriate Deputy Assistant Administrator or Program Director, the NOAA 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and other 

people listed on the CC list to assure timely distribution. The hard-copy original 

will be sent through the chain of command. The report will detail the deficiencies 

observed, as well as noting any perceived risks that the personnel, the boat, the 

environment, the mission, etc. may be subject to. 

h. Response to the Inspection Report 

The Program Director shall submit a written response to this report indicating 

corrective action taken, or anticipated to be taken, with respect to the deficiencies 

listed in the inspection report. The response shall identify the corrective action 

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and a due date for completion of the corrective action. It shall further indicate 

whether (technical) assistance is required to correct any reported deficiency. The 

response shall be provided to the Director, OMAO, and the OMAO Fleet 

Inspection Office in a timely fashion (i.e. less than 45 days) after receipt of the 

inspection report. 

.05 Canoes, Kayaks and Rowboats 

Non-motorized canoes, kayaks and rowboats shall be exempt from Small Boat 

Examinations (SBEX), but still must conduct Annual Small Boat Evaluations in 

accordance with this Manual. 

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SECTION 13. SMALL BOAT ACQUISITIONS, ALTERATIONS, AND REPAIRS. 

.01 Small Boat Acquisition 

a. Program Directors, or their designees, shall assess the suitability of a new or 

used small boat, or a small boat design, in relation to cost, mission requirements, 

operational risk, safety, and environmental compliance prior to initiating a small 

boat purchase. The cost assessment and any required marine survey shall be 

forwarded to the respective senior management and budget official prior to any 

commitment. 

b. Program Directors, or their designees, shall notify the NOAA Small Boat 

Program Manager: 

1. Prior to a planned small boat acquisition that would require significant 

alteration or modification to the small boat after its delivery in order to meet 

mission requirements; or 

2. Prior to any commitment to build a small boat to Government-furnished 

technical specifications. 

c. When a small boat meets the criteria of Section 13.01.b. above, Program 

Directors, or their designees, shall ensure that contract specifications are written 

or reviewed by a professional marine engineer, a naval architect, or OMAO 

Small Boat Engineer (if available). The review shall ensure that the resultant 

small boat will be properly configured with respect to safety systems, stability, 

mission capabilities, sound marine engineering practices, environmental 

compliance, and Section14 of this Manual, “NOAA Small Boat Visual 

Identification and Registration.” 

d. Program Directors may exempt Class A, Class I, or Class II small boats from 

the requirement for assessing the suitability of a small boat prior to acquisition 

(see Section 13.01.a.) when the suitability and cost factors for the small boat to be 

acquired are already addressed or known from previous experience with similar 

craft engaged in similar missions. 

.02 Marine Surveys 

A survey conducted by an accredited marine surveyor may be prudent prior to any 

commitment that will result in acquisition (regardless of cost considerations) of a Class 

III small boat or SRV. The marine survey shall examine the condition and value of the 

small boat as well as the structural integrity and safety for its intended use. A marine 

survey is not required for a new boat or design. 

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.03 Alteration and Repair of Small Boats 

a. All proposed alterations to NOAA small boats shall be reviewed by the 

Program Director or Vessel Operations Coordinator to assess their potential 

impact on safety and mission of the boat. Program Directors or Vessel Operations 

Coordinators shall seek advice or guidance from a NOAA Small Boat Engineer, 

the Fleet Inspection Office and SBPM to ensure that the work will be done in 

accordance with the rules and regulations applicable to the particular class of 

small boat. 

b. Alterations and repairs shall be performed in accordance with applicable 

marine-engineering standards, rules, instructions, and regulations. A listing of 

current and potentially applicable standards, rules, instructions, and regulations is 

provided on the NOAA Small Boat Program web site. 

c. For all significant alterations, Program Directors or Vessel Operations 

Coordinators shall seek marine engineering services through OMAO or a 

professional marine engineer. Significant Alteration or Modification is a change 

to the configuration of a boat with regard to structural, mechanical, or electrical 

systems. Examples of significant alterations include the addition of structures or 

winches, the addition of any weight handling gear (e.g., A-frame, crane, and 

articulated boom), replacement of inboard propulsion engines, installation of 

electric generators, lengthening of a vessel, or addition of a bow pulpit. 

d. Records, such as drawings or weight and moment reports, resulting from the 

alteration of boats shall be maintained at the appropriate program office. 

.04 Stability Standard 

The field test described in Appendix P shall be conducted for all boats having had 

alterations that may affect stability, without a professional stability test conducted 

or the consultation of a professional marine engineer or a naval architect. 

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SECTION 14. NOAA SMALL BOAT VISUAL IDENTIFICATION AND 

REGISTRATION 

.01 General 

A uniform identification scheme is necessary to develop and promote public recognition 

of NOAA small boat activities in the coastal environment. A uniform numbering system 

is required by U.S. Code for the purpose of identification. 

.02 Requirements 

All NOAA small boats must comply with the visual identification and registration 

requirements specified in this Manual. 

.03 Responsibility 

NOAA Programs that own small boats are responsible for: 

a. Complying as closely as practicable with the visual identification guidelines 

listed in this Manual; and 

b. Registering any new small boat or existing small boat not already registered 

with the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager. 

The NOAA Small Boat Program Manager shall be responsible for issuing hullregistration numbers. 

.04 Visual Identification 

a. NOAA Emblem 

Display of the NOAA emblem is intended to promote public awareness of NOAA 

programs. Questions relating to the placement of the NOAA emblem shall be 

directed to the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager. 

1. Broadside Position 

(a) On boats that have a cabin, deck house, or a steering console, NOAA 

emblems shall be placed on both the port and starboard side of the cabin, 

deck house, or console at a location that is least obstructed from a clear 

broadside view. Emblems shall be sized to be as large as possible for the 

available surface area. 

(b) On boats without a cabin, deck house, or steering console, NOAA 

emblems shall be placed on the forward portion of both the port and 

starboard bow. 

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2. Transom Position. 

(a) Boats with a full and un-obscured transom shall display the NOAA 

emblem centered on the transom. The emblem shall be sized to be as 

large as possible for the available surface area and must account for the 

area required for the hull-registration number placement below the 

emblem. 

(b) Catamarans, canoes, and other boats with either insufficient transom 

area to adequately display the NOAA emblem in a centered position, or 

boats with a transom obscured by a centerline notch, bracket, ramp or 

other device, shall display the NOAA emblem on the port side of the 

transom outboard of the hull-registration number. Emblems placed on the 

transom in this position shall be sized as closely as possible to match the 

font size of the NOAA hull-registration number. 

3. Optional Position 

An additional NOAA emblem may be displayed on the port and starboard 

bow of any class motorboat or SRV when the size of the bow provides 

adequate surface area and it is determined that the additional NOAA emblems 

enhance the boat marking scheme. 

4. NOAA Emblem Ordering 

Current and additional information pertaining to ordering NOAA emblems 

can be found on the NOAA Small Boat Program web site. 

http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/resources/identification/flagsemblems.html

b. Line and Staff Office Specific Boat Marking 

1. NOAA Line and Staff Offices may develop specific boat-marking schemes. 

Specific boat-marking schemes shall be applied consistently to all boats 

owned by the Line or Staff Office. Specific boat-marking schemes shall not 

infringe upon, be similar to, or be able to be construed as being similar to, any 

existing vessel-marking schemes in use by any vessel, or fleet of vessels, 

either public or private. 

2. NOAA Line and Staff Offices may display the program name on their 

boats. Program name lettering shall follow the guidelines for boat name and 

hull-registration numbers as closely as practicable. 

c. Boat Name and Hull Registration Number 

Boat name and hull-registration numbers shall be: 

1. Block-shaped capital letters in sans-serif (Arial) type font; 

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2. Of a color providing contrast with the background hull color, usually black; 

and, 

3. Sized as follows: 

Small Boat Category Letter Size

Class A 3 inches 

Class I 3 inches 

Class II 6 inches 

Class III 6 inches 

Small Research Vessel 

(SRV) 9 inches 

NOTE: Drawings 1 through 4 of Appendix O provide example markings for common 

boat configurations to assist in complying with the intent of Section 14.04.a through 

Section 14.04.c of this Manual. 

d. Hulls 

The hull of boats shall comply with the following visual guidelines: 

1. Fiberglass. Color shall be that of pigment used in the original fiberglass lay 

up. Programs acquiring new boats should specify a white hull when available. 

2. Wood or Steel. Color shall be white. Exemptions for existing boats painted 

colors other than white shall be considered by the NOAA Small Boat Safety 

Board on a case-by-case basis. 

3. Aluminum Structures. Marine-grade aluminum hulls or structures are not 

required to be painted. 

e. Structures 

The house, or any structure used to house cargo, personnel, or laboratory space 

that extends above the main working deck, shall be white. 

f. Weight-Handling Equipment 

Cranes, winches, or other weight-handling gear shall be black. 

g. Exterior Decks and Ladder Treads 

To the extent possible, exterior decks and ladder treads shall be gray. Boats of 

fiberglass construction are exempt from this requirement. 

h. Masts and Rigging 

Masts and rigging shall be black or buff. 

i. Boot Top 

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Boot topping, if applied, shall be black. 

.05 Exemptions 

Requests to exempt a small boat, or to deviate from the standards described in items 

Section 14.04.a through Section 14.04.i of this Manual, for reasons other than those listed 

in items Section 14.05.a through Section 14.05.e, shall be transmitted to the NOAA Small 

Boat Program Manager for review and action by the Small Boat Safety Board. 

a. Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats 

Existing rigid-hull inflatable boats are exempt from the visual identification 

requirements. Although exempt from these items, existing rigid-hull inflatable 

boats should attempt to comply with the identification requirements where 

practicable. New rigid-hull inflatable boats should comply with the visual 

identification requirements where practicable and to the extent that it will not 

place unreasonable demands on program resources. 

b. Established Recognition 

Existing boats with established public recognition may be granted an exemption 

from the visual identification requirements when this established recognition is 

critical to mission success or necessary to prevent harassment by marine 

authorities or other mariners. 

c. Imminent Danger 

Exemption from the visual identification requirements may be granted by the 

Program Director, on a temporary basis, for boats when a significant hazard to the 

boat or its complement is probable or perceived due to unpopular public opinion 

caused by NOAA regulation or policy. Restoration of the boat to the visual 

identification requirements of this Manual shall be at the earliest possible time 

after the passage of the perceived or possible threat. 

d. Unique or Extreme Operating Hazards 

Exemption from the visual identification requirements may be granted by the 

Program Director if it is determined that another marking scheme greatly 

enhances the visibility, and therefore safety, of a small boat (e.g., marking the 

house or hull of a boat with high contrast highlights to provide better visual 

detection when the small boat is frequently navigated in fog or heavy weather). 

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.06 Flags 

a. All Flags 

When practical, all small boats shall follow the policy and procedures regarding 

the flying of flags contained in NAO 201-6, Official Flags of NOAA. 

b. Sizes 

The flag of the United States shall be the highest and largest flag flown aboard a 

small boat when other flags are flown in conjunction with the flag of the United 

States. Flags of the United States should comply with minimum size 

requirements for each class of small boat as follows: 

Small Boat Category Flag Size

Class A determined by the Program Director 

Class I 12 inches by 18 inches 

Class II 16 inches by 24 inches 

Class III 20 inches by 30 inches 

Small Research Vessel 

(SRV) 24 inches by 36 inches 

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.07 NOAA Hull-Registration Numbers. 

a. NOAA registration numbers shall be issued by the NOAA Small Boat 

Program Manager. Registration numbers shall be composed of up to six (6) 

characters. 

1. The first character shall be a letter and assigned as follows: 

First Character Description

F any boat assigned to NOAA Fisheries 

S 

any boat assigned to NOAA’s National Ocean 

Service and primarily engaged in hydrographic 

survey, charting, or activities related to the 

testing and evaluation of hydrographic survey 

gear 

R 

any boat assigned to NOAA Research or 

NOAA’s National Ocean Service and primarily 

engaged in research other than hydrographic 

survey or charting, or any boat assigned to 

NOAA’s National Weather Service or to 

NOAA Satellites and Information 

None any boat assigned to a NOAA Staff Office, such 

as Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. 

2. The second and third characters shall be a number corresponding to the 

length overall (LOA) of the small boat measured in feet and rounded down to 

the nearest whole foot length, or LOA as provided by the boat manufacturer. 

3. The fourth, fifth, and optional sixth characters shall be a number 

determined by the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager and assigned in 

sequential order. The optional sixth digit may be utilized when inventory in a 

specific length category exceeds 99 total boats. 

b. Program Directors, or Vessel Operations Coordinators, shall submit the 

following information to the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager when 

requesting a hull-registration number: 

1. Length overall (LOA); 

2. Hull construction material(s); 

3. Builder/Brand; 

4. Mission; 

5. Propulsion plant type, configuration, and horsepower; 

6. Vessel Operations Coordinator; 

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7. Ownership (Line or Staff Office/program); 

8. Home port or usual storage location; and 

9. Any other requirements listed on the form available on the website at 

http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/resources/identification/hullid.html

c. NOAA Hull-Registration Number Display. 

NOAA small boats shall display a specific NOAA registration number in the 

following manner. 

1. Bow. The number shall be displayed on the forward section of the port and 

starboard bow. If the small boat name is displayed on the port and starboard 

bow, the number shall appear beneath the name, left justified on the port bow, 

right justified on the starboard bow, and of similar size font as the small boat 

name. The NOAA emblem, if displayed on the bow, shall be positioned 

forward of the small boat name and NOAA registration number. 

2. Transom. The NOAA registration number shall be applied to the transom 

of all small boats as follows: 

(a). Full transom - centered below the NOAA emblem, and sized in 

accordance with the guidance in Section 14.04.a.2.(a) of this Manual; and 

(b). Small boats with transoms described in Section 14.04.a.2.(b) - on the 

port side, left justified to the NOAA emblem and sized in accordance with 

Section 14.04.c.3 of this Manual. (Note: Where application of Section 

14.04.c.3 is not practical, the NOAA emblem and NOAA registration 

number shall be sized to be as large as possible within the given area.) 

d. Variation. Variations to the display requirements for NOAA registration 

numbers shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for variations shall 

be submitted by the Program Director, or designee, to the Small Boat Program 

Manager. 

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SECTION 15. CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT 

 

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SECTION 16. MAINTENANCE 

.01 General 

This Manual requires the establishment of maintenance requirements and procedures for 

all NOAA small boats in an effort to maximize operational readiness. The objectives of 

these procedures are to help prevent hull damage and mechanical or electrical-system 

casualties, any of which could compromise the safety of small boat operations. 

Compliance will help to avoid the rendering of a small boat unsafe or inoperable due to 

lack of proper maintenance. 

.02 Financial Support for Small Boat Maintenance 

Each Program must provide adequate financial support for all maintenance requirements 

for all the small boats in that Program’s possession. Sufficient funds should be in place 

for all annual repairs, dry-dock periods, and mid-season upkeep and repairs. 

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APPENDICES 

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Appendix A. NAO 209-125: NOAA Small Boat Program

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

.01 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a responsibility to 

provide a safe working environment for its workforce and for partners who are exposed to the 

risks associated with using small boats owned and/or operated by NOAA. This is consistent with 

NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 209-1, NOAA Safety Policy. The purpose of this Order is: 

a. to make small boat safety the number one priority for all small boating operations; 

b. to ensure small boats meet NOAA's seaworthiness and operational safety standards; 

c. to establish a comprehensive NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (hereafter, 

"the Manual"); 

d. to establish a NOAA Small Boat Safety Board (SBSB); 

e. to establish a Small Boat Program (SBP); 

f. to foster and facilitate collaboration within NOAA and with outside partners having a 

common interest in safe, efficient, and environmentally sound small-boat operations; and 

g. to encourage a corporate culture that values the skilled small-boat operator, encourages the 

distribution of information, seeks a quality approach, shares commitment, and seeks to manage 

operational risk. 

.02 This is a complete revision and update to NAO 217-103, Management of NOAA Small 

Boats. Significant changes in this Order include: re-titling and renumbering of the Order to 

place it in the NAO Series' chapter on safety; revising and updating the policies for small boat 

safety; and introducing and authorizing issuance of the NOAA Small Boat Standards and 

Procedures Manual and prescribing that its contents will expand upon safety issues covered in 

this Order and will cover the non-safety matters previously addressed in NAO 217-103. 

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SECTION 2. SCOPE.

This Order applies: 

a. to all NOAA small boats as defined in Section 6.01 of this Order; 

b. to all NOAA personnel who operate any small boat in the performance of their official duties; 

and 

c. to all individuals who operate NOAA small boats.

SECTION 3. POLICY.

.01 The NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (the Manual) will consist of a 

broad programmatic core manual having NOAA-wide application and by Supplemental Small 

Boat Policy (SSBP) and Small Boat Operating Manuals (SBOMs) developed by NOAA 

Programs (defined herein) to address their peculiar program and/or mission requirements. 

a. Issuance of the Manual is in compliance with NAO 200-3, The NOAA Administrative Order 

Series. 

b. The Manual augments and supplements the policies, procedures, and guidelines in this Order 

and is intended to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of NOAA's SBP by providing for 

the timely development and issuance of programmatic materials to the small boat community. 

c. The core elements of the Manual apply to all individuals and Programs involved with 

NOAA's small boats and has the same force, effect, and authority as this Order. These core 

elements shall be developed and maintained by the SBSB. An electronic edition of these 

elements will be available for viewing at the link to the Small Boat Program found on the Office 

of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) webpage at http://www.omao.noaa.gov/. 

d. The Supplemental Small Boat Policy (SSBP) and Small Boat Operating Manuals (SBOMs) 

also have the same force, effect, and authority as the core Manual; however, they are developed 

by NOAA Programs and are applicable only to their specified Program and/or mission. 

.02 At a minimum, all small boats and their required inventories shall be inspected annually and, 

additionally, in accordance with individual requirements developed under the Manual and/or by 

NOAA Programs under the SSBP and/or SBOM. 

.03 All operators of NOAA small boats shall be trained and certified based on small boat size, 

engineering complexity, nature of operations, and operating area. NOAA-wide training 

requirements are defined in the core of the Manual; Program- and mission-related requirements 

are defined in the SSBP and/or the SBOM. 

.04 NOAA small boats shall be operated in a safe and environmentally conscious manner. 

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.05 NOAA small boats shall be maintained in a seaworthy condition and be fit for the mission 

intended. 

.06 Appropriate safety training and life-saving equipment resources shall be provided to 

personnel operating or embarked on NOAA small boats. 

.07 NOAA small boats shall be used only for official government purposes. 

.08 Any incident or near-miss concerning a NOAA small boat must be reported in accordance 

with NAO 209-1, NOAA Safety Policy, and any additional requirements in the Manual. 

.09 NOAA small boats shall conform to the visual identification and registration requirements 

provided in the Manual. 

.10 A waiver is a written authorization that permits temporary deviation from provisions of this 

Order for strategic or compelling operational requirements. Any Request for Waiver to 

provisions of this Order shall be presented in writing to the SBSB. The SBSB will provide 

guidance to the Director, OMAO, who is the approval authority for all waivers to provisions of 

this Order. See the Manual for additional coverage of Requests for Waiver. 

SECTION 4. BACKGROUND.

.01 Operating small boats in support of NOAA missions involves unique associated risks. 

NOAA relies on small boats to achieve mission requirements. There are numerous regulatory 

standards that address small boat safety, but little guidance or few regulations tailored 

specifically to the special mission of small boats or research vessels less than 300 gross tons. 

Current marine standards are derived from international conventions, lessons learned from 

casualties, and advances in technology. As such, the body of regulatory information continues to 

grow and change. Toward this end, this Order seeks to establish a NOAA Small Boat Program 

that is sufficiently fluid to meet varying small-boat requirements on a national, regional, and 

local level. 

.02 As steward of the Nation's oceans and atmosphere, it is NOAA's intent to comply with, or 

exceed, all applicable regulatory and industry standards and to foster a management culture 

committed to safe and environmentally sound small boat operations based upon the principles of 

risk management. 

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SECTION 5. RESPONSIBILITY.

.01 The Director, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), shall broadly administer 

NOAA's Small Boat Program and shall provide support and resources, and shall recommend 

additional funding sources for its operations. The Director, OMAO, is the final administrative 

authority for all matters pertaining to the NOAA Small Boat Safety Program and its policies, 

procedures, and standards and shall review the contents of the Manual and any subsequent 

updates prior to their issuance. Concurrence will be indicated by signature of the Director on the 

sequentially numbered Transmittal Sheets that will accompany each issuance or update to the 

Manual. The Director may request prior review and concurrence by the Deputy Under Secretary 

for Oceans and Atmosphere prior to authorizing potentially controversial updates. 

.02 The Small Boat Safety Board (SBSB).

a. The composition of the SBSB is as follows. 

1. Board Members: 

(a) Small Boat Program Manager (SBPM) - SBSB Coordinator; 

(b) National Marine Fisheries Service representative(s); 

(c) National Ocean Service representative(s); 

(d) Oceanic and Atmospheric Research representative(s) (also representing National Weather 

Service); 

(e) Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) representative(s); 

(f) NOAA Safety and Environmental Compliance Office (SECO) representative(s); and 

(g) NOAA Law Enforcement (from various Line Offices) representative(s). 

2. Each organization identified in Section 5.02a.1.(b) through (g) of this Order may designate 

one additional board member to the SBSB; however, for voting purposes, each of these 

organizations is entitled to cast a single vote (Oceanic and Atmospheric Research/National 

Weather Service also is entitled to one vote). 

b. The SBSB serves in an advisory capacity to the Director, OMAO, and is the technical 

authority for matters pertaining to small boats. The SBSB shall: 

1. develop, maintain, review, and approve this Order; 

2. prepare, clear, issue, maintain, and distribute the NOAA Small Boat Standards and 

Procedures Manual (the Manual). The SBSB shall review and revise the Manual, as necessary, 

in order to keep it current with applicable policies and regulations and to maintain the ability to 

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adapt to changes involving technology and/or safety within the marine community. The Manual, 

and its future updates, will be issued via sequentially numbered Transmittal Sheets; 

3. develop, evaluate, and maintain a set of basic qualifications standards for small-boat operators 

and crew; 

4. approve basic small-boat training requirements and approve all policies, standards, and 

operating procedures developed under the Manual (including all SSBP and SBOMs); 

5. establish criteria and tools for small-boat operational risk assessments; 

6. identify and promote “best in class” safety practices for boat operations; 

7. establish minimum criteria for SSBPs and SBOMs; 

8. determine reciprocity or substitution of small-boat operator and crew qualifications with 

similar qualifications of other agencies, organizations, or training programs; 

9. serve as a policy and implementation advisor to the Small Boat Program; 

10. evaluate data and trends gathered from operational, inspection, and incident reporting 

statistics and initiate appropriate actions; 

11. address other boating-related matters as requested by NOAA management and/or as deemed 

appropriate by the SBSB; 

12. inform NOAA management of significant small-boat management issues; 

13. maintain a compilation of small-boat inventory and compliance records; 

14. provide subject matter expertise for issues relating to the small-boat community; 

15. provide guidance to the Director, OMAO, regarding Requests for Waivers to the provisions 

of this Order and of the Manual; 

16. respond to questions and concerns raised by the small boat community; and 

17. review boating incident/accident reports and initiate appropriate actions. 

.03 NOAA Programs. NOAA Programs that own, operate, and/or maintain small boats shall 

comply with this Order and the Manual and are responsible for the following: 

a. the safe operation, inspection compliance, life cycle management, and material condition of 

their small boats; 

b. developing and maintaining SSBP and SBOMs which are directly related to their unique 

program and mission requirements in order to augment the Manual; 

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c. conducting and recording Operational Risk Assessments; and 

d. designating SBSB representatives and providing adequate time and resources for their 

participation on the SBSB. 

SECTION 6. DEFINITIONS.

.01 NOAA Small Boat. A small boat, as defined in Section 6.06 of this Order, owned, operated, 

or maintained by NOAA. The term includes boats leased, loaned, bare boat chartered (also 

referred to as demise chartered), or operated under any cooperative agreement with other 

government agencies, universities, or scientific organizations by or from NOAA, but does not 

include boats time chartered by NOAA. 

.02 NOAA Program. As used in this Order, the term refers to and is synonymous with NOAA 

Line Offices, Staff Offices, and any of their subordinate entities. 

.03 NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual. A compilation of instructions, 

procedures, regulations, and guidelines derived from operational risk assessments and best 

management practices applicable to NOAA Small Boats. 

.04 Operational Risk Management. A process approach to understanding and dealing with the 

elements of risk associated with operations. Implementing Operational Risk Management 

involves performing risk assessments and implementing corresponding risk controls. Risk 

management is a decision making process that enhances operational capability. The process 

helps the decision maker in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls to 

reduce the risk associated with any operation. 

.05 Operational Risk Assessment. A process involving identification of risks associated with a 

NOAA small boat's operations and consideration of actions to reduce those risks. Supervision, 

communication, and overall support, operating area, operator experience level, personnel 

physical and mental fitness, weather, and complexity of mission may be factors in the 

assessment. 

.06 Small Boat (or Vessel). As used in this Order, includes every description of watercraft less 

than 300 gross tons capable of being used as a means of transportation of persons on water. The 

SBSB will classify vessels by size, nature of operations, and engineering complexity. 

.07 Small Boat Inspections. Documented, formal evaluations of a small boat’s material 

condition, inventory, and compliance for which inspection criteria, frequency, and format are 

defined in the Manual. 

.08 Small Boat Operating Manual (SBOM). A compilation of instructions, procedures, and 

guidelines specific to each small boat, its mission, and its operating area. 

.09 Small Boat Operator (Operator or Coxswain). As used in this Order, any person who 

operates a NOAA small boat as defined in Section 6.01 of this Order. 

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.10 Supplemental Small Boat Policy (SSBP). A compilation of instructions, procedures, 

regulations, and guidelines derived from operational risk management and best management 

practices conducted by a NOAA Program for specific small boat operations. 

SECTION 7. REFERENCES.

The following reference sources are listed in descending order of hierarchy. 

a. NAO 209-125, NOAA Small Boat Program. 

b. NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual. 

c. Supplemental Small Boat Policy (SSBP). 

d. Small Boat Operating Manual (SBOM). 

SECTION 8. EFFECT ON OTHER ISSUANCES.

This Order supersedes and revokes NAO 217-103, Management of NOAA Small Boats, dated 

January 21, 2003, as amended. 

_____________________________ 

Under Secretary of Commerce 

 for Oceans and Atmosphere 

Office of Primary Interest: 

 Office of Marine and Aviation Operations 

 Safety and Environmental Compliance Division 

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Appendix B. Procedures Of Risk Analysis And Management

This guidance is provided and intended to assist field personnel in developing Annual Risk

Management plans by detailing the philosophy and discrete steps necessary to conduct a selfevaluation of inherent risks pertaining to small boat operations. 

RISK MANAGEMENT

.01 Principles of Risk Management. 

a. Accept risk when benefits outweigh costs. Risk is inherent in boat operations. 

Risk is also related to gain; normally, greater potential gain requires greater risk. 

The goal of operational risk management (ORM) is not to eliminate risk, but to 

manage it so that missions can be fulfilled with the minimum amount of exposure 

to potential harm or loss. 

b. Accept no unnecessary risk. Only take risks which are necessary to accomplish 

a mission. Taking unnecessary risks not related to successful mission completion 

is equivalent to gambling. Gambling is an imprudent activity that does not belong 

in ORM. 

c. Anticipate and manage risk by planning. Risks are more easily controlled when 

they are identified early. 

d. Make risk decisions at the appropriate level. Risk-based decisions are made 

directly by the person in charge of a specific operation, boat, or activity at a given 

time. Prudence, experience, judgment, intuition, and situational awareness of the 

person in charge of a specific operation, boat, or activity at a given time are 

critical elements in making effective risk-management decisions. When the 

person in charge of a specific operation, boat, or activity at a given time 

determines that the risk associated with his decision cannot be controlled at that 

level, or is not in accordance with the relevant Program Director’s operational 

intent, the decision must be elevated to the next level of supervision. 

.02 Risk Management Process. Risk Management entails a process of identification, 

ranking, abatement, communication, and supervision of risks and associated controls. 

a. Identification. 

1. Potential hazards are first identified and must include potential dangers to: 

(a) Personnel; 

(b) Small boat; 

(c) Environment; and 

(d) Mission Success. 

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Identified hazards are later ranked according to the severity and probability of 

occurrence. 

2. Typical Causes. The following are common causes of injury or accident for 

boats. Causes must be considered in the risk-identification phase in order to 

develop and implement logical and cost-effective risk-control measures. 

(a) Human Systems Failure; 

(b) Structural Failure; 

(c) Mechanical/Systems Failure; 

(d) Collision; 

(e) Allision; 

(f) Fire; 

(g) Inadequate Stability; 

(h) Grounding; and 

(i) Hazardous Material Reactions; 

3. Contributing Factors. The following is a list of contributing programspecific or small boat-specific factors which must be considered when 

determining risk-hierarchy rankings for identified hazards: 

(a) Small boat Design Limits; 

(b) Repair Standards; 

(c) Stability Tests/Reports; 

(d) Emergency Drills; 

(e) Safety Systems; 

(f) Operator Qualifications; 

(g) Night Operations; 

(h) Proximity or Probability of Emergency Assistance; 

(i) Embarked Personnel; 

(j) Staffing Levels; 

(k) Management and Funding; 

(l) Inspection Suitability; 

(m) Material Condition; 

(n) Nature of Operations; 

(o) Operating Environment; and 

(p) Safety Record. 

.03 Annual Risk Assessment Templates (Will be available on the web at 

 www.sbp.noaa.gov. Interim guidance is available until templates 

 are complete) 

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Appendix C. Small Boat Operations Manual 

Table Of Contents Template

Operations Manual 

For 

“Small Boat Name, NOAA Number” 

Table of Contents 

SECTION 1. SMALL BOAT’S GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND NATURE OF 

OPERATIONS 

.01 Small Boat Classification (A, I, II, III, or SRV). 

.02 Mission. 

.03 Operating Area. 

.04 Small Boat Capabilities. 

SECTION 2. SMALL BOAT CHARACTERISTICS 

.01 Manufacturer. 

.02 Official Numbers: NOAA No., Documentation No., and Hull ID No. 

.03 Visual Identification and Painting Scheme: Logos, Name and ID Numbers Locations, 

Flag(s), Plaques. 

.04 Year Built. 

.05 Gross Tonnage, Net Tonnage, Displacement. 

.06 Hull and Cabin Material. 

.07 Length Over All, Beam and Draft. 

.08 Speed and Endurance. 

.09 Hull, Machinery, Electrical and Scientific Equipment. 

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SECTION 3. OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES AND LIMITATIONS 

.01 Annual Risk Assessment 

.02 General Policies and Procedures. 

.03 Material Condition. 

.04 Weather and Sea-State Limitations and Monitoring. 

.05 Stability and Load Limitations. 

.06 Distance from Shore Restrictions. 

.07 Night and Overnight Operations. 

.08 Position Reporting Requirements. 

.09 Check-Off Lists: Departure and Arrival. 

.10 Float Plan/Trip Report (Appendix I). 

.11 Embarked Personnel: Crew, Scientists and Passengers. 

.12 Diving from Small Boats: NOAA Diving Regulations Apply, Oxygen Kit Required 

Aboard. 

.13 Use of Permanent and Temporary (Science) Installed Equipment. 

SECTION 4. REPAIR AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 

.01 ABYC, NFPA and USCG Regulations Apply. 

.02 Critical vs. Non-Critical Repairs. 

.03 PMS Scheduling (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually, Annually and 

Based on Hours of Operation). 

 

.04 Maintenance Logs (Hardcopy and Database). 

.05 Monitoring Systems: LO Analysis, Vibration, Gages, Alarms. 

.06 Crew and Shore/Depot Level Repair and Maintenance. 

SECTION 5. SAFETY SYSTEMS 

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.01 Required Safety/Firefighting/Life Saving Equipment, Table 1. 

.02 Testing/Examination of Safety/Firefighting/Life Saving Equipment. 

.03 Required Navigation and Communication Equipment, Table 2. 

SECTION 6. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 

.01 Proximity and Probability of Emergency Assistance. 

.02 Drills: Fire, Flooding, Collision, Man Overboard, Oil Spill, etc. 

.03 Emergency Check-Off Lists (46CFR 185.25-5). 

SECTION 7. OPERATOR QUALIFICATIONS AND STAFFING LEVELS 

 

.01 Certification and License Requirements as Applicable to Small Boat Class. 

.02 Training: Seamanship, CPR and First Aid. 

.03 Vessel Operations Coordinator. 

.04 Operator and Crew Staffing Levels. 

SECTION 8. INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS 

.01 Required OMAO Fleet Inspection for Class III and Larger Small Boats. 

.02 Annual Small Boat Evaluation (ASBE) for Class A, I and II. 

.03 Small Boat Examination (SBEX) for Class A, I and II. 

SECTION 9. CONFIGURATION CONTROL 

.01 Boat Alterations, Submittal Procedures, and Record Keeping. 

.02 Marine Engineering Consultation. 

.03 Weight and Moment Control. 

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SECTION 10. DOCUMENTATION, REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING 

.01 Drawing and Diagrams showing: 

a. Major Systems. 

b. Location of Emergency and Safety Gear (Damage Control). 

c. General Arrangements Including Galley, Messing and Berthing. 

.02 Pollution Control and Discharge Plaque. 

.03 List of Drills and Frequencies (Appendix M)

.04 Stability Information. 

.05 MSDS. 

.06 OEM Technical Manuals for Installed Equipments. 

.07 NOAA Small Boat Program Web Site: http//www.sbp.noaa.gov/. 

.08 Spares Inventory 

.09 Accident Reporting and Investigation. 

.10 Boat Alteration Records. 

.11 Operator Certifications, Licensing, and Training Records. 

.12 Inspection Records. 

SECTION 11. REFERENCES 

46CFR, ABYC and USCG Regulations, Annual Risk Assessment, Supplemental Small Boat 

Policy, NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual, and NOAA Administrative 

Orders as Applicable. 

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Appendix D Small Boat Safety Board Charter

NOAA Small Boat Safety Board Charter

Purpose: 

The NOAA Small Boat Safety Board (SBSB) shall: 

1. Develop, maintain, review, and approve NAO 209-125 and the Manual; 

2. Develop, evaluate, and maintain a set of basic qualifications standards for small boat 

operators and crew; 

3. Approve basic small boat training requirements and approve all policies, standards, and 

operating procedures developed under the Manual (including all SSBPs and SBOMs); 

4. Establish criteria and tools for small boat operational risk assessments; 

5. Identify and promote “best in class” safety practices for boat operations; 

6. Establish minimum criteria for SSBPs and SBOMs; 

7. Determine reciprocity or substitution of small boat operator and crew qualifications with 

similar qualifications of other agencies, organizations, or training programs; 

8. Serve as a policy and implementation advisor to the Small Boat Program; 

9. Evaluate data and trends gathered from operational, inspection, and incident reporting 

statistics and initiate appropriate actions; 

10. Address other boating-related matters as requested by NOAA management and/or as deemed 

appropriate by the SBSB; 

11. Inform NOAA management of significant small boat management issues; 

12. Maintain a compilation of small boat inventory and compliance records; 

13. Provide subject matter expertise for issues relating to the small boat community; 

14. Provide guidance to the Director, OMAO, regarding Requests for Waivers to the provisions 

of this Order and of the Manual; 

15. Respond to questions and concerns raised by the small boat community; and 

16. Review boating incident/accident reports and initiate appropriate actions. 

Organization of the Board:

The SBSB consists of the following members or Line Office representatives: 

Small Boat Program Manager (SBPM) – SBSB Coordinator, 

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), 

National Ocean Service (NOS), 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), (also representing National Weather Service 

(NWS)), 

Office of Marine and Aviation Office (OMAO), 

NOAA Safety and Environmental Compliance Office (SECO), and 

NOAA Law Enforcement. 

Line Offices may designate one additional board member to the SBSB, however their votes will 

be combined into one for decision-making purposes. 

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The position of Chairperson may alternate, as appointed by the Director, OMAO. 

Appointment and Recommendation of Board Members

Board members shall be appointed by the appropriate NOAA Assistant Administrator or 

Program Director. Selection criteria should be based on each candidate’s diversity of 

experience, currency of experience, and scope of professional qualifications in small-boat 

operations, safety and operator training. The Small Boat Safety Board or NOAA Small Boat 

Program Manager may provide recommendations to the Line Offices. 

Term of Voting Members

There is no term limit for participation in the SBSB. Should a Line or Staff Office wish to 

change its representatives on the Board, the recommendation and appointment procedures cited 

above would be applied. 

 

Subject-Matter Experts and Working Groups

The SBSB shall consult with appropriate subject-matter experts, or may establish working 

groups of subject-matter experts, to obtain reliable advice on any matter that may exceed the 

scope of knowledge and expertise of the Members. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Final Authority

The SBSB is the final technical authority within NOAA on matters relating to interpretation and 

application of NOAA Administrative Order 217-103 “Management of Small Boats,” the 

superseding NAO 209-125, the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual and all 

small-boat matters raised to the SBSB for an opinion or interpretation. Specific subject matter 

experts may be called for consultation and opinion at the Committee's discretion for any 

particular policy matter including, but not limited to: 

• Operational procedures and policy, 

• Small boat operator training and certification, 

• Small boat inspection, 

• Small boat outfitting and systems configuration. 

Requests for interpretation (RFI) shall be submitted via the Line Office Board Members to the 

Chairperson for action. 

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Meetings

Meetings of the Members in Person

Meetings of the SBSB will be held at least biennially and when additional meetings are required. 

The NOAA Small Boat Program Manager will coordinate the agenda and arrangements for the 

Board meetings. Meeting agendas will be distributed to the Board Members and will be 

distributed as well to interested parties on request. The SBSB meetings will have official 

minutes and actions recorded. Meeting records will be maintained in the office of the Small 

Boat Program and distributed to NOAA management and Small Boat community. 

Virtual Meetings

To ensure flexibility and timely response to matters where time is of the essence, or when inperson meetings are not warranted or feasible, the Chairperson may call a virtual meeting of the 

SBSB. A virtual meeting may utilize individual phone calls, conference phone calls, electronic 

forums, electronic messaging, video conferencing, or email to distribute matters before the 

Committee and collect the opinions of Board Members on such matters. Notice, agenda and 

records will be maintained in the same way as meetings in person. 

Quorum

Request for Interpretation, Opinion or Review

When the SBSB receives a Request for Interpretation (RFI), a Request for Opinion (RFO), or a 

Request for Review (RFR) the Board shall act as a decision-making body. Decisions will be 

accomplished by consensus (i.e., no one votes “thumbs down” on an issue). At least two-thirds 

of the Board Members must be in attendance to constitute a quorum. When time is of the 

essence or in emergency matters and in the absence of a quorum, the matter shall be referred 

directly to the Chairperson for a decision. 

When the SBSB is tasked with the review of an Annual Risk Assessment, Supplemental Small 

Boat Policy, Small Boat Operations Manual or small boat operations incident, the Board shall act 

as a quality-assurance body. 

The SBSB is the final technical authority within NOAA on matters pertaining to small boat 

safety policy, standards, and procedures. 

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Appendix E – NOAA Boat Operator Qualifications Letter 

Note: Clean, modifiable versions available at http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/

 

 

 NOAA Boat Operator Qualifications Letter 

 

Operator Name: 

Facility/Laboratory: 

Phone: Email: 

Operator Training/Certificates and Expiration Date if Applicable:

NOAA Component Course Date: ______________________ 

CPR Certification Expiration Date:_________________________________________________ 

First Aid Certification Expiration Date:______________________________________________ 

Other Medical Certificates and Expiration Dates: 

The person named above possesses the appropriate certificates/licenses, and has demonstrated the 

skills necessary to operate or serve on NOAA small boats as following: 

 

Boat Registration/Name Operations (all or specific) Approved by (VOC or PD) Date 

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Appendix F. Personnel Qualifications Standards (PQS) – Minimum Requirements

Note: Clean, modifiable versions available at http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/

 

NAME: ______________________________________ DATE: _______________ 

Task: (PQS) “Minimum” requirements for Class A and I Boats

 Specific standards must be adapted to region and boat 

Conditions Performed shore side or underway. Operator must accomplish all 

tasks without prompting or use of a reference. 

Completed Performance Criteria

_________ 1. Describe the boat specifications/characteristics: hull, length, hp, 

fuel capacity, battery setup, steering, etc. 

_________ 2. Identify and describe the usage and stowage of the following 

equipment: fire ext., PFD’s, EPIRB, first aid kit, anchor flares, etc. 

_________ 3. Limitations of the vessel: max. safe speed, economical cruising 

speed, fuel consumption, range, maximum number of people/load, 

stability considerations, etc. 

_________ 4. Pre-departure check: Float Plan, PFD’s, fire extinguishers, visual 

distress signals, searchlight, navigation lights, boat hook, charts, 

tools, first aid kit, horn, etc. 

_________ 5. Mechanical checks: (if applicable) oil level, water level, fuel level 

and system, batteries, generator, etc. 

_________ 6. Departure: crew briefed on duties, completed pre-departure 

checklist, engines started, cooling water and electronics checked. 

_________ 7. Cast Off: area clear, note wind, current, controlled departure. 

_________ 8. Seamanship: useful knots, use of cleats, line-under-strain safety 

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_________ 9. Anchoring: bottom characteristics, effects of wind/current, scope 

required, approach, lower anchor, ensure not dragging, etc. 

_________ 10. Applicable Rules of the Road. 

_________ 11. Troubleshooting. Possible cause of engine’s failure to start, high 

engine temperature alarm, etc. Procedure to follow for steering 

casualty.

_________ 12. Demonstrate proficiency navigating using compass, charts, and 

GPS 

_________ 13. Demonstrate proper operation of the following electronics: GPS 

plotter, VHF radio and DSC, loud hailer, RADAR if equipped 

_________ 14. Boat Handling: notify crew of speed change, increase (smoothly) 

engine rpm’s to planning speed, trim engines and tabs if equipped, 

demonstrate turns. 

_________ 15. Mooring: engines tested in reverse, approach dock slowly at an 

angle. 

_________ 16. Post Cruise Duties: log book entry, close float plan, garbage 

disposal, necessary boat and trailer cleanup/maintenance. 

Evaluator:______________________________________________________

Vessel Operations Coordinator:_____________________________________

Class II PQS checklists: 

Located on the Small Boat Program website: 

http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/

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Appendix G. Safety Orientation Briefing

Vessel : ______________________ 

Date : ___________________________ 

OIC: ____________________________ 

Topics presented in orientation session: 

1. PFD’s 

a. PFD policy 

b. Location of PFD’s 

c. Use of immersion suits 

2. General alarm 

a. Muster area 

b. Secure work station 

c. Bring PFD and immersion suit 

3. Man overboard 

a. Maintain lookout 

b. Sound alarm 

c. Throw rings & floating gear 

4. Fire 

a. Alarms 

b. Muster area 

c. Portable extinguishers 

5. Abandon ship 

a. Life raft location and operation 

b. EPIRB location and operation 

6. Personal safety gear 

a. PFD – on deck, underway 

b. Hard hats – when working with crane 

c. Shoes 

7. Medical situations 

a. Inform crew 

b. First aid kit location 

8. Roles and responsibilities 

a. Captain and crew 

b. Chief scientist 

c. Science crew 

11. Additional information 

a. Bunk cards 

b. Postings 

c. Ask if unsure! 

12. Verbally confirm 

a. All understand the safety briefing 

b. All understand the mission 

c. All are well rested and fit for the mission 

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Appendix H. Operational Risk Assessment Form (GAR) 

(Full size version available on the web site www.sbp.noaa.gov ) 

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NOAA Risk Assessment Considerations 

1. RESOURCES: Boat and Equipment, Supervision, Communications, and Support. 

Is the boat adequate for the mission? Is it properly equipped with operational and safety 

equipment? Are the boat and equipment functional and up-to-date? Is there adequate oversight 

and supervision for this kind of boat, mission, and mission equipment? Is there sufficient 

administrative and practical support (like fuel and food) for the mission? Is a communications 

plan in place? Is back-up or rescue available?

2. ENVIRONMENT: Is the mission environment inherently hazardous (i.e., a surf zone, 

ice, rocks, uncharted or shallow water, etc.)? Is it remote or inaccessible to the USCG or EMS? 

Is it a new environment for this kind of mission, or for the crew? Will boat traffic, debris, or 

current impact operations? 

3. TEAM SELECTION: Experience, Training, and Familiarity. Have the crew and 

mission personnel performed this kind of operation before with this kind of boat and equipment, 

and with each other? Have they operated in this environment before? Is the mission or mission 

equipment new or un-tested? Is everyone properly trained for this mission? 

4. FITNESS: Physical and Mental. Is the team well rested and ready to work? Does 

everyone understand the mission, and are they capable of performing it? For multiple-day 

missions, are there enough crewmembers to allow adequate rest periods and safe manning? Will 

weather, stress, or living conditions pose mission, safety, or crew exposure/fatigue problems? 

5. WEATHER: Are current and expected weather conditions acceptable? What are the 

likely affects of the expected weather on the mission and safety? Does it pose a problem to the 

gear that will be used? Is there a plan to mitigate hazards or mission failure, or safely cancel, if 

the weather is worse than expected? 

6. MISSION COMPLEXITY: Is the mission or mission equipment complicated, difficult, 

new or experimental? Is it a multi-unit operation or dependent on other agencies? Is it high 

profile, stressful, or time sensitive? Will mission equipment restrict the boat’s maneuverability, 

affect stability, or pose a hazard to other traffic? Does the operation carry inherent risks (like 

towing divers or going into the surf)? 

(These are only guidelines. Actual considerations under each category should be adapted 

to meet the operational requirements of each region or line office.) 

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Appendix I. Float Plan/Trip Report Form Example. 

Examples located on the Small Boat Program website: 

http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/

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Appendix J. Minimum Small Boat Safety Equipment 

MOTORBOAT CLASSIFICATION EQUIPMENT 

CLASS A CLASS I CLASS II CLASS III SRV 

Anchor1

Optional, 

depends on 

nature of 

operations 

Optional, 

depends on 

nature of 

operations 

One One, as required by design 

calculations 

Portable Fire 

Extinguishers2 1 Type B-I (when boat has enclosed 

compartment) 

2 Type B-I or 1 

Type B-II. A 

Fixed System 

equals one B-I 

As required by application of 

appropriate regulation 

Backfire Flame 

Arrester and Drip 

Pan 

One approved device on each carburetor of all installed gasoline engines, not applicable to 

outboard engines or diesel engines 

Navigation Lights As described in Navigation Rules, COMDTINST M16672.2D3

 

Oars/Paddles One Set One Set None None None 

Magnetic Compass None One handheld 

bearing compass One mounted One, adjusted with current 

deviation card posted4

Ventilation Per applicable regulations for occupied spaces and tanks 5 

Personal Flotation 

Devices See NOAA PFD Policy (Appendix L of this Manual) 

Ring Life Buoys or 

Buoyant Cushions None One ring life buoy or buoyant cushion. As required by application of appropriate regulation. 

Lifeboat, Raft, or 

Buoyant Apparatus None None None As required by application of appropriate regulation. 

Emergency Tiller 

or Steering System None None As required by application of appropriate regulation. 

First Aid Kit6 One One One One One 

Whistle/Horn Some means of making an efficient sound signal audible for 

1⁄2 mile for at least 4 to 6 seconds. 

As required by application of 

appropriate regulation. 

Bell None None None One, ≥ 200mm 

Diameter 7 One, ≥ 300mm 

Diameter 

Visual Distress 

Signals 

One electric 

distress light or 3 

combination 

day/night red 

flares 8

One orange distress flag, or one electric 

distress light, or three hand-held or 

floating orange smoke signals, and 

One electric distress light, or three 

combination (day/night) red flares: 

handheld, meteor, or parachute type 

As required by application of 

appropriate regulation. 

Navigation Rules None One copy of current edition 

Nautical Charts None One waterproof chart or chartlet 

covering the operations area 

One of each chart covering the 

vessel’s normal operations area9

 

Oil Placard None One One 

Garbage Placard None One One 

Waste Management 

Plan None All boats that have both a galley and berthing spaces 

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Footnotes for Small Boat Safety Equipment Table:

NOTE: This Table is adapted from USCG equipment-carriage requirements and is intended to 

provide minimum acceptable levels of outfitting for research small boats and small research 

vessels. Exemptions to these requirements may be granted by the Director of OMAO on a caseby-case basis following examination of an operational risk assessment. 

1 The book Chapman Piloting and Seamanship is a good source of information for determining appropriate anchor 

and rode size and type. 

2 B-I type approved hand portable extinguishers contain: 1.25 to 2.33 gallons Foam, 4 to 15 pounds Carbon 

Dioxide, or 2 to 10 pounds Dry Chemical; B-II type approved hand portable extinguishers contain: 2.5 gallons 

Foam, 15 pounds Carbon Dioxide, or 10 to 20 pound Dry Chemical. All portable extinguishers must be mounted to 

be USCG approved. 

3 Direct questions regarding application of the Rules to OMAO Fleet Inspection Office. 

4

 Recommend every three years unless there have been equipment/wiring changes in the vicinity of the compass in 

which case it needs to be done following the completion of the work. 

5 In addition to required ventilation systems, boats carrying a gasoline appliance in a confined space shall be 

outfitted with a powered bilge-exhaust blower that has an arc resistant motor and is wired independently of the 

ignition starting system. 

6 First-aid kit contents should be adequate for type of operation and skill level of personnel expected to administer 

first aid. 

7 A bell is not required for a vessel principally operated in waters governed by the International Navigation Rules. 

However, if a bell is not carried, the vessel shall be capable of making some other efficient sound signal at intervals 

of not more than 2 minutes. See International Rule 35. 

8

 When operating between sunset and sunrise. 

9 CORRECTED THROUGH THE MOST CURRENT NOTICE TO MARINERS 

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Appendix K. Minimum Small Boat Communication and Navigation Equipment 

DISTANCE FROM SHORE, SUPPORT VESSEL OR INHABITED LAND 

EQUIPMENT 

Within protected 

Bays, 

Sounds or Rivers or 

close conjunction 

with a support vessel 

0 - 2 Miles 2 – 20 Miles > 20 Miles 

VHF Radio1 2 One One Two Two 

HF Radio2 3 or 

Satellite Phone None None None One 

GPS None One One One 

EPIRB4 None One One One 

SART None None None One 

Cellular Phone5 One One One Recommended 

It is NOAA’s intention that all NOAA small boats will have a reliable method of 

direct verbal communication with a shore facility or support vessel at all times.

1 If two radios are required, at least one shall be of the fixed-mount type. All fixed-mount DSC 

radios will be integrated with a GPS unit. Handheld units are recommended to be of the yellow 

floating type. 

2

 All marine radios must have DSC capability and VHF radios must be able to receive NOAA 

National Weather Service SAME (Special Area Message Encoded) Marine Weather Alerts when 

available in the boat’s operational area. Boats equipped with DSC radios require issuance of a 

MMSI number. (Available through your Line Office. Contact list: http://www.sbp.noaa.gov/) 

The MMSI number shall be entered into the radio. 

3

 Appropriate radio operator’s license or permit is required. 

4

 EPIRBs equipped with an integral GPS receiver to transmit position of distress are highly 

recommended. 

5 Cell phones are not required if there is no coverage in the area. In the spirit of intent, another 

form of reliable communication must be aboard in this situation (i.e. VHF radio with a regular 

communication schedule, HF radio or Satellite phone). 

NOTE: RADAR and depth sounders may be recommended or required minimum equipment 

after evaluation of operational risks. 

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Appendix L. Personal Flotation Devices Policy 

CARRIAGE AND USE OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES AND IMMERSION 

SUITS ABOARD NOAA SMALL BOATS

SECTION A. – PURPOSE.

 

This document establishes NOAA policy for all NOAA small boats regarding the carriage and 

use of personal flotation devices (PFD) and immersion suits. The purpose of this policy is to 

reduce the risk of drowning and to increase survivability. These criteria were developed after a 

review of the 2003 NOAA personal flotation device policy. Cold-water thermal-protection 

requirements are addressed in more detail and are structured to exceed minimum risk controls 

provided for by the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 

SECTION B. – RESPONSIBILITY

This Policy is promulgated by OMAO and shall be maintained and reviewed by the Small Boat 

Safety Board as technology and safety standards and procedures improve. 

NOAA Small Boat Operators who fall under the scope of NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 

217-103 or a superseding NAO shall be responsible to: 

.01 meet or exceed the requirements of this Personal Flotation Device Policy; 

.02 assure that all persons on board have access to and are trained in the use of personal flotation 

devices; and 

.03 employ risk-management processes to identify the need to carry additional flotation devices 

for their respective small boat operations. 

SECTION C. – PFD and IMMERSION SUIT CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS.

.01 Carriage Requirements for ALL NOAA Small Boats and all persons, as described under the 

scope of NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 217-103 or a superseding NAO. 

 

a. PERSONAL USE PFDs – All persons shall wear an approved Personal Use PFD 

(detail in Section D of this policy) at all times and in all waters (except as stated in 

Section D.05). 

b. COLD WATER PROTECTION - If the operating waters qualify as "cold waters" as 

defined below, or there is an increased risk of hypothermia, then: 

1. An approved PFD of a type that offers both thermal protection and flotation shall 

be readily available for all personnel working on weather decks if not already used as 

a Personal Use PFD. This includes anti-exposure suits and float coats; and 

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2. At least one Immersion Suit for each person aboard shall be carried on Class II, III 

and SRV NOAA small boats. 

(a) If immersion suits are intended to be worn by passengers or untrained NOAA 

employees in an emergency, adequate training and familiarization drills which 

include the actual donning of an immersion suit shall be carried out prior to 

departing the dock. 

(b) If NOAA-approved survival craft of sufficient capacity are onboard, the 

requirement for immersion suits for passengers may be waived. 

c. TYPE I PFDs - Class II, III and SRV NOAA boats shall carry at least one Type I 

PFD, in addition to Personal Use PFDs, for every person aboard at all times and in all 

waters. On Class II boats only, immersion suits may substitute for type I PFDs. 

d. RISK MANAGEMENT - Risk-management processes must be employed to identify 

if there is a need for additional PFD carriage and usage requirements for all small boat 

operations. 

.02 Carriage requirements for Law Enforcement Vessels. 

 

In lieu of C.01, NOAA Small Boats, when performing Law Enforcement missions, shall adhere 

to the National Enforcement Operations Manual (NEOM), Procedure 5.6 "Vessel Operations" 

PFD Policy. 

 

.03 Other Carriage Requirements 

Class I, II, III, and SRV boats, regardless of their operating area or water temperature, shall carry 

one or more throwable lifesaving devices such as Type IV buoyant cushions and/or Ring Life 

Buoys. 

.04 Type I PFD and Immersion Suit Requirements carried onboard NOAA small boats should 

meet all the minimum requirements described in D.01.d-g 

.05 Type I PFD and Immersion Suit Stowage 

 PFDs and immersion suits shall: 

a. be readily accessible (meaning available for donning in a reasonable amount of time in 

an emergency); 

b. be clearly visible. When stowed in a locker, the locker shall be clearly labeled with the 

number, type, and size of device within (e.g., 5 Immersion Suits – 3L / 2M); 

c. not be stowed with work vests or other Personal Use PFDs; and 

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d. shall not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked and closed compartments, or have other 

gear stowed on top of them. 

SECTION D. – PERSONAL USE PFD REQUIREMENTS.

 

.01 Personal Use PFDs. Personal Use PFDs, as defined by Section E.13, shall be worn by all 

personnel at all times while a NOAA small boat is operating except in the specific situations and 

circumstances detailed in Section D.05 below. They shall be: 

a. capable of providing inherent buoyancy, or inflated buoyancy by manual inflation, and 

by manual or automatic activation of a compressed gas cylinder, or a combination of 

inherent and inflatable buoyancy as follows: 

1. an inherently buoyant type PFDs shall be USCG and/or SOLAS approved or a 

NOAA approved variant; 

2. an inflatable type PFD shall be USCG and/or SOLAS, or a NOAA approved 

variant; or 

3. a hybrid as approved by NOAA. 

b. certified as USCG and/or SOLAS approved Type V and/or Type III, or a NOAA 

approved variant; 

c. Personal Use PFDs that are personal property of individuals onboard the small boat 

shall meet the requirements of this section and be permanently marked with the name of 

the person to which the PFD belongs; 

d. designed and properly sized for the wearer and for operational and environmental 

conditions; 

e. used and maintained in a serviceable condition in accordance with the manufacturer or 

USCG instructions; 

f. equipped with USCG approved personal marker light and whistle that are mounted to 

resist snagging; and 

g. permanently marked with at least one of the following: the vessel’s name, NOAA hull 

registration number (e.g., R6201), the word “NOAA”, the NOAA emblem, or the 

operating organization (e.g., FKNMS, NRT 1, etc.). 

.02 Personal Use PFD Assignment. Any person who engages in operations on a NOAA small 

boat, and who is not in possession of a personally owned PFD equivalent to the USCG approved 

Personal Use PFDs above, shall be provided a Personal Use PFD for use while onboard. 

.03 Fanny Pack PFD. Although their routine usage is discouraged, inflatable PFDs that require 

removal from a storage pouch, donning and inflation (commonly referred to as a “fanny pack” 

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PFD) may be used on Class III and SRVs only when an increased risk of being rendered 

unconscious in the water or an increased risk of capsizing does not exist. The intent is to allow 

fanny pack PFDs only during very low-risk operations. This will be considered during the predeparture risk assessment. 

.04 Outreach Events. Passengers and guests will be required to wear a USCG approved, properly 

fitted flotation device in accordance with this policy. 

.05 Exceptions to the Wearing of Personal Use PFDs. 

a. Diving – Personal Use PFDs are not required to be worn by divers when at least 70 

Newton (15.5 pounds) of inherent buoyancy is provided when dressed in either (or a 

combination of) a neoprene wet suit, a dry suit, or a buoyancy compensator. 

b. Enclosed Spaces on Larger Small Boats – Personal Use PFDs are not required to be 

worn by persons aboard Class II or Class III small boats and Small Research Vessels 

when an increased risk of capsizing or an increased risk of being rendered unconscious in 

the water does not exist and the person is inside an enclosed space. 

c. Sufficient Bulwarks and Rails – Personal Use PFDs are not required to be worn by 

persons on deck when all of the following conditions are met: 

1. the OIC grants permission not to wear a PFD on deck; and 

2. the person will not engage in the small boat’s mission in a scientific or crew 

capacity; and 

3. the person will not be in close proximity to areas where operations are being 

conducted onboard or over the side of the small boat; and 

4. the small boat deck is configured with exterior rails or bulwarks that are at least 

one meter (39 inches) high; and 

5. in the case of rails, the courses of rails (or equivalents, such as chains or wire) are 

installed such that no open vertical space exists that is more than 15 inches. The 

opening below the lowest course to the deck must not be more than 12 inches. 

SECTION E. – DEFINITIONS.

 

.01 Cold Water. Water where the monthly mean low water temperature is normally 15° C (59° 

F) or colder. 

.02 Increased Risk of Hypothermia. Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature less than 

35° C (95° F). A risk of hypothermia exists for persons immersed in cold water as defined in 

Section C.01. However, an increased risk of hypothermia also exists when immersed in water at 

higher temperatures (above cold water) for longer periods of time because water transfers heat 

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away from the human body 25 times faster than air does. An increased risk of hypothermia also 

exists in wet and/or wind chill air conditions. 

.03 Increased Risk of Being Rendered Unconscious. An increased risk of being rendered 

unconscious can be due to many factors, which may include but are not limited to: 

a. handling gear onboard or over the side of a small boat; or 

 

b. assisting with the launch or recovery of small boats; or 

c. heavy seas or a capsizing events. 

 

.04 Increased Risk of Capsizing and/or Falling Overboard. An increased risk of capsizing and/or 

falling overboard can be attributed to many factors, which may include but are not limited to: 

a. navigating in the vicinity of a beach, sand bar, breakwater, shoal, reef, sea mount, tide 

rip, or other oceanographic or physical feature where waves are regularly breaking or 

have created surf; or 

 

b. towing, trawling, or lifting; or 

 

c. heavy weather or icing conditions; or 

d. operating in rivers during high current or flood stages; or 

 

e. crossing river bars or shallow inlets; or 

f. ship and boat wakes. 

 

.05 Inherently Buoyant. A device which relies on buoyant material for flotation. Buoyant 

materials used in Personal Flotation Devices include kapok (a natural silky fiber), flexible plastic 

foams (such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), and Neoprene), and rigid foams 

used in Ring Life Buoys (often polyurethane). An inherently buoyant PFD does not rely on any 

chemical mechanism or operator action to provide buoyancy. 

.06 Small Boat Operator (Operator or Coxswain). As used in this Policy, a Small Boat Operator 

is any person who is in charge of operating a NOAA Small boat as defined in NAO 217-103 or a 

superseding NAO. For detailed description see the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures 

Manual. 

.07 Operator-in-Charge (OIC). In any case where more than one qualified Small Boat Operator 

is aboard a small boat, one single individual shall be designated Operator-In-Charge. For detailed 

description see the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual. 

.08 Passenger. As used in this Policy, a passenger is defined as an individual on board who is 

not considered to be a member of the crew, who is not engaged in the mission of the vessel, who 

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has not contributed consideration for carriage, and who is not compensated for onboard services. 

This is intended to represent outreach groups, VIPs, and members of the media. 

.09 PFD. An acronym for Personal Flotation Device. Personal Flotation Device is a generic 

term that includes items such as work vests, marine buoyant devices intended to be worn, life 

preservers, life jackets, hybrid PFDs, and inflatable life jackets. Approved PFDs must contain a 

label stating USCG approval number and type. PFDs are defined by type in 46 CFR §160.077-

27. 

.10 Inflatable PFD. A PFD designed to become buoyant either manually, automatically, or both, 

by inflation of a sealed chamber. Inflatable PFDs are not inherently buoyant; however they pose 

a lower risk of personnel becoming entrapped in an enclosed compartment during a flooding or 

capsizing emergency because of their reduced bulk. 

 

.11 Immersion Suit. An immersion suit is a protective suit that when worn reduces loss of body 

heat of a person in cold water. Immersion suits are also known as “survival suits.” All 

immersion suits used on NOAA boats shall be USCG and/or SOLAS approved in accordance 

with 46 CFR §160.171. 

.12 Anti-exposure Suit. An anti-exposure suit (including float-coveralls) is a protective suit 

(which is an approved Type III or Type V PFD when worn) designed for use in general coldweather operations. 

.13 Personal Use PFDs. Personal Use PFDs are PFDs that are intended to be regularly worn on a 

continuous basis onboard a small boat such as work vests, float coats/coveralls, anti-exposure 

suits, fanny pack, dry suit-style, and inflatable PFDs. All Personal Use PFDs must be of a 

USCG and/or SOLAS approved or a NOAA approved variant.

SECTION F. – WAIVERS. 

Requests for waivers or for clarifications to this PFD Policy shall be made to the Small Boat 

Safety Board through the Small Boat Program Manager, who will address each issue on a case 

by case basis. Director of OMAO is the final authority for all decisions. For more detailed 

description see the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual. 

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Appendix M. Example List Of Drills And Frequencies 

EMERGENCY 

DRILLS/INSTRUCTIONS MONTHLY QUARTERLY 6 MONTH 1 YR 

Fire Drill (In Different Locations) X 

Abandon Boat Drill X 

Man Overboard Recovery Drill X 

Flooding Control Drill X 

Distress Radio Call Drill X 

Use of Visual Distress Signals X 

Immersion Suit and PFD Donning X 

Launching Survival Craft/Rescue Boat X 

Activating the General Alarm X 

Reporting Inoperative Alarm Systems X 

Loss of Steering Drill X 

Diver Accident Drill X 

 

EQUIPMENT 

INSPECTIONS/SERVICE MONTHLY QUARTERLY 6 MONTH 1 YR 

Annual Small Boat Examination (ASBE) X 

Portable Fire Extinguishers X X 

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems X X 

Fire Detection Systems X X 

Dewatering Pump X 

EPIRB Battery & Release Expiration X 

SART Battery Expiration X 

Life Raft Hydrostatic Release Expiration X 

Inflatable Life Raft X X 

PFD, Immersion Suit, Work Vest Lights X X 

Ring Life Buoy Condition & Waterlights X X 

Automatic Defibrillator X 

 

EQUIPMENT TESTS MONTHLY QUARTERLY 6 MONTH 1 YR 

EPIRB X 

Search & Rescue Transponder (SART) X 

Launch and Run Rescue Boat/Tender X 

Run Dewatering Pump X 

High Water Alarms X 

Automatic Bilge Pump Switches X 

Updated, modifiable, and more detailed tables available on the Small Boat Program Home 

Page

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Appendix N. NOAA Inspection Policy

NOAA Small Boat Inspection Policy

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August 25, 2006 

Consistent with the recommendations of the NOAA Small Boat Safety Board, the following 

implementation guidance is provided for annual motorboat inspections required by NOAA 

Administrative Order 217-103, Section 8 and Appendix A, Section C.01 (App A, C.01). 

App A, C.02.b. requires a qualified inspector assigned or approved by the NOAA Small Boat 

Program. Until qualification procedures are further developed for small boat inspectors, 

implementation of class A, I and II annual motorboat inspections shall be based on: 

 

1. Class II

NOAA Class II motorboat Annual Small Boat Evaluations (ASBE) shall be performed by the 

Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC), or their designee (who may be a certified marine 

surveyor as stated in App A, B.02), on an annual basis, using inspection criteria attached here 

and titled “Class II Checklist and Outline.” 

Additionally, every second year (biennially), a Small Boat Examination (SBEX) shall be 

performed by a certified marine surveyor with guidance from the VOC regarding the type of 

operations and operating area. Annual inspections (ASBE and SBEX) shall incorporate guidance 

provided in NAO 217-103, Appendix A. 

Completed inspection checklists, reports and records of findings and recommendations shall be 

signed by the inspector or surveyor, and; signed and retained by the VOC with a copy forwarded 

to, and signed by the Line Office Small Boat Officer (LOSBO). Notification of completed 

inspections will be reported to the NOAA Small Boat Program Manager (SBPC). Reports shall 

be generated when numerous or significant deficiencies are noted then forwarded to the NMAO 

Fleet Inspection Office (as stated in C.04b) via the SBPM. 

2. Class I 

NOAA Class I motorboat Annual Small Boat Evaluations (ASBE) shall be performed by the 

Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC), or their designee (who may be a certified marine 

surveyor as stated in App A, B.02), on an annual basis, using inspection criteria attached and 

titled “Class I Checklist and Outline.” 

In addition, every third year (triennially) a Small Boat Examination (SBEX) shall be performed 

by a certified marine surveyor with guidance from the VOC regarding the type of operations and 

operating area. Annual inspections shall incorporate guidance provided in NAO 217-103, 

Appendix A. 

Completed inspection checklists, reports and records of findings and recommendations shall be 

signed by the inspector or surveyor, and; signed and retained by the VOC with a copy forwarded to 

and signed by the LOSBO. Notification of the inspection will be reported to the NOAA SBPM. 

Reports shall be generated when numerous or significant deficiencies are noted, and then 

forwarded to the NMAO Fleet Inspection Office (as stated in C.04b) via the SBPM. 

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3. Class A

NOAA Class A motorboat Annual Small Boat Evaluations (ASBE) shall be performed by the 

Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC), or their designee (as stated in App A, B.02). The 

designee may be a certified marine surveyor. Annual inspections shall incorporate guidance 

provided in NAO 217-103, Appendix A and inspection criteria attached here and titled “Class A 

Checklist and Outline.” 

Completed inspection checklists, reports and records of findings and recommendations shall be 

signed by the inspector or surveyor, and; signed and retained by the VOC with a copy forwarded 

to and signed by the LOSBO. Notification of the inspection will be reported to the NOAA 

SBPM. Reports shall be generated when numerous or significant deficiencies are noted. Reports 

are then forwarded to the NMAO Fleet Inspection Office (as stated in C.04b) via the SBPM. 

4. Trailers

NOAA small boat Annual Trailer Evaluations (ATE) shall be performed by the Vessel 

Operations Coordinator (VOC), or their designee (as stated in App A, B.02). The designee may 

be a professional trailer service company. Annual inspections shall incorporate guidance 

provided in inspection criteria attached here and titled “Annual Trailer Evaluation Checklist.” 

Completed inspection checklists, reports and records of findings and recommendations shall be 

signed by the inspector, and; signed and retained by the VOC with a copy forwarded to and 

signed by the LOSBO. Notification of the inspection will be reported to the NOAA SBPM. 

5. SRVs, Class III, Class IIQ and all small boats based aboard NOAA Ships

The NMAO Fleet Inspection Office is responsible for managing an annual inspection system 

for all SRVs, Class III and Class IIQ motorboats. 

All Motorboats based aboard NOAA Ships shall have an Annual Small Boat Evaluation 

(ASBE) completed independent of the annual Fleet Inspection. 

Any questions regarding these changes can be directed to the NOAA Small Boat Safety Board 

through the Small Boat Program Manager, Lieutenant G. Mark Miller using the e-mail address 

sbp.coordinator@noaa.gov. 

Available on the Small Boat Program web site www.sbp.noaa.gov/resources/insphome.html: 

Class A Checklist 

Class A Outline 

Class I Checklist 

Class I Outline 

Class II Checklist 

Class II Outline 

Trailer Checklist 

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Appendix O. Examples Of NOAA Small Boat Hull Markings 

Drawing 1 - Typical Class A and Class I NOAA Visual Identification and Numbering, Starboard Profile

and Obscured Transom. 

NOTE: Additional NOAA Emblem may be placed forward of the name and hull identification number on bow. 

Drawing 2 - Typical Class II Small Boat Visual Identification and Numbering, Starboard Profile and

Obscured Transom. 

NOTE: NOAA Emblem on bow is required due to the lack of a console or deck house. 

 

Drawing 3 - Typical Class III Motorboat Visual Identification and Numbering, Starboard Profile and Full

Transom. 

NOTE: Additional NOAA Emblem may be placed forward of name and hull identification number on bow. 

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Drawing 4 - Typical Small Research Vessel Visual Identification and Numbering, Starboard Profile and Full 

Transom. 

NOTE: NOAA Emblem on bow optional. 

 

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Appendix P. Small Boat Stability Standard

1. SCOPE: 

This specification provides a standard for intact transverse stability of monohull 

NOAA boats, including RHIBs. It applies to static loading and operations performed 

while anchored or free floating, but not underway, in relatively calm inshore water. It 

includes a simple procedure for field determination of stability. 

2. REFERENCES: 

a) USCG Regulations for Simplified Stability Proof Test, 46CFR178.330. 

b) USCG Form CG-4006, Small Passenger Vessels: Simplified Stability Test 

Procedure. 

c) USCG Form CG-4006, worked example for a NOAA boat. 

d) 33CFR183, Subpart C, Safe Loading. 

e) 33CFR183, Subpart D, Safe Powering. 

3. REQUIREMENTS: 

3.1 General: 

3.1.1 In the interest of safety, NOAA personnel shall evaluate the stability of 

boats using Appendix 1, Guidance for Simplified Stability Proof Test, consisting of 

References a), b), and c) as described below. Written records and reports of these 

evaluations shall be maintained on site and copies shall be forwarded to the Line Office 

Small Boat Officer (LOSBO). 

3.1.2 If safe loading or safe powering information is not available for a boat, 

NOAA personnel may evaluate loading and powering using Appendices 2 and 3, 

consisting of References d) and e), as described below. 

3.1.3 Proposed alterations to boats which affect loading, powering, or stability 

shall be conducted in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures 

Manual, and shall also be evaluated prior to their implementation using Appendices 1, 2, 

and 3 as appropriate. Written records and reports of these evaluations shall be 

maintained on site and copies shall be forwarded to the Line Office Small Boat Officer 

(LOSBO). 

3.2 Simplified Stability Proof Test:

3.2.1 The simplified stability proof test shall be conducted in accordance with 

46CFR178.330 using USCG Form CG-4006 (the Form) and the worked example (both 

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NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

attached as Appendix 1), using additional guidance provided below. A blank copy of 

CG-4006, copy of 46CFR178.330, a pencil and eraser, measuring tape, calculator, 

inclinometer (or other means of measuring heel angle such as a calibrated digital level), 

and masking tape or a grease pencil will be required. 

3.2.2 Load the boat in accordance with 46CFR178.330 (a). Normal crew 

averaging 185 lb each should be aboard and all tanks should be 3⁄4 full. Enter general 

information into the tables on page 6 of the Form. Do not exceed the total weight on the 

boat’s loading placard (reduce number of crew if required). Cockpit bailer plugs, if 

fitted, should be in and there should be no water in the cockpit or bilges. Measure the 

boat and enter the data on page 1 of the Form. 

3.2.3 Calculate the total test weight required on page 2 of the Form using the 

number of crew members at 185 lb each. If crew members are normally stationed on a 

deck above the main deck, complete (2), Distribution of Test Weight on page 2. 

Calculate the passenger heeling moment (Mp) at the bottom of page 3 of the Form. Note 

that the formula is W x Bp / 6. 

3.2.4 Sketch the boat’s profile to scale (one square = one foot) and complete the 

wind heel calculation for A x H as shown on pages 2 and 3 of the Form. Include open 

coxswain station enclosures (metal angle or tubes, etc. with no windows or vinyl curtains, 

etc.) in these calculations as the cumulative surface area of such enclosures can be 

significant. Calculate the wind heeling moment (Mw) at the bottom of page 3 using 7.5 

psf for the wind pressure for protected waters, (P). 

3.2.5 If a davit or other lifting device is fitted, calculate the lifting moment by 

multiplying its maximum load in pounds by the maximum distance of the load from the 

centerline of the boat. Enter as item (c), Ml, in the margin on page 3 of the Form. 

3.2.6 If the boat is used for diving operations, multiply the beam (B) from page 

1 by 100 lb to simulate the moment caused by lifting a diver over the side, and enter as 

item (d), Md in the margin on page 3 of the Form. 

3.2.7 The required heeling moment for the test will be the greater of passenger 

(Mp), passenger plus lifting (Mp + Ml), passenger plus diver (Mp + Md), or wind heeling 

(Mw) moments. 

3.2.8 Calculate the location of the immersion mark on page 4 of the Form, 

appropriate for the type of boat being tested. Place the mark on the hull at the reference 

station per the instructions on page 4, using masking tape or a grease pencil. 

3.2.9 Apply the required heeling moment using crew members standing at a 

distance off the centerline which will result in that moment. (Example: if 3000 ft-lb is 

required, then three (3) 185 lb crew members will be 5.41 feet off the centerline (3 x 185 

x 5.41 = 3000)). If a davit is fitted, apply the rated load to the davit at maximum outreach 

to obtain the total. If necessary, use an additional person to achieve the required total 

moment. Tabulate the moments on page 5 of the Form. Note that hull ventilation 

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openings and outboard motor cutouts in the transom should be included in the checks 

under item (6) f) on page 5. 

3.2.10 Observe the location of the immersion mark while the boat is heeled and 

enter the results at the top of page 6 of the Form. 

3.2.11 If stability is believed to be marginal, perform the Twenty-Five Percent 

Test described in the Form prior to conducting the Simplified Stability Proof Test. If the 

boat carries cargo, use the procedure described on page 8 of the Form. 

3.2.12 If the boat passes the Simplified Stability Proof Test (angle of heel less 

than 14 degrees, heeled immersion less than mark calculated on page 4) no additional 

stability assessments are required. If the boat fails the Simplified Stability Proof Test, 

additional stability assessment is required by a licensed naval architect or marine 

engineer. 

3.3 Safe Loading

3.3.1 33CFR183, Subpart C, attached as Appendix 2, may be used to determine 

the maximum safe loading for a boat if this information or placard data is not available. 

Note that, per section 183.31, this Subpart applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in 

length except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats. 

3.3.2 Use section 183.33 for inboard and inboard-outboard boats, and 183.35 for 

outboard boats. Note that the maximum displacement, boat weight, and inboard 

machinery weight of the boat must be determined. This information may be difficult to 

obtain by field test, so the boat manufacturer should always be contacted first for safe 

loading data. 

3.4 Safe Powering

3.4.1 33CFR183, Subpart D, attached as Appendix 3, may be used to determine 

the maximum horsepower capacity for a boat if this information or placard data is not 

available. Note that, per section 183.51, this Subpart applies to monohull boats less than 

20 feet in length except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats, that are designed 

or intended to use one or more outboard motors. 

3.4.2 Use section 183.53 (a) and Table 183.53 to determine the horsepower 

capacity of the boat. 

Appendices of the NOAA Small Boat Stability Standard are available on the NOAA 

Small Boat Program web site www.sbp.noaa.gov

1st Edition – 19 March 2008 Page 94 of 95 
NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual 

1st Edition – 19 March 2008 Page 95 of 95 

Appendix 1 

Guidance for Simplified Stability Proof Tests on NOAA Boats

(a) USCG Regulations for Simplified Stability Proof Test, 46CFR178.330. 

(b) USCG Form CG-4006, Small Passenger Vessels: Simplified Stability Test 

Procedure. 

(c) Worked Example 

Appendix 2 

Guidance for Safe Loading of NOAA Boats

(a) USCG Regulations for Safe Loading, Subpart C, 33CFR183.31, 183.33, & 

183.35. 

Appendix 3 

Guidance for Safe Powering of NOAA Boats

(a) USCG Regulations for Safe Powering, Subpart D, 33CFR183.51 and 

183.53