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Chain of Command Reference Key:  Refer to Section 2 in the Procedures Manual for a more detailed description 

Director OMAO: RADM responsible for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and NOAA Commissioned Officers. Appoints the Small Boat Safety Manager and is the final authority regarding approval of the Procedures Manual and policy waivers submitted by the SBSB.

Small Boat Safety Board (SBSB):  Members are appointed by the Assistant Administrators (AA) from each Line Office (L.O.) to serve on the board.  Line Offices may choose more than one member to serve on the board, but will be represented by only one vote.  The primary role of the SBSB is to develop and improve policy, provide technical oversite, standardized procedures and promote overall safe boat operations within NOAA.

NOAA  Small Boat Manager “Manager”:  Currently a NOAA Corp billet and appointed by the Director of OMAO. This person coordinates the NOAA Small Boat Program (NSBP) and chairs the SBSB.  Primary duties include oversight of the NSBP, training development, web page updates, and small boat inventory and compliance.

Line Office Safety Boating Officer (LOSBO): This is the go to person for information regarding boats within the lines.  In many case the L.O. will identify regional officers to reduce the work load and effectively monitor boat operations.  The LOSBO provides reports for vessels and operators within their region to the “Manager” and to the Safety and Environmental Office (SECO). The LOSBO can issue “No Sail” orders for any boat or operator out of compliance. VOC-LOSBO list

Program Manager:   A Laboratory, Center or Sanctuary Director, but can also be a supervisor who directs field operations. This is normally the person directly responsible for the facility and all associated operations.

Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC)   The on-site person, appointed by the Program Manager, who oversees and is responsible for all small boat operations. This is the first person the LOSBO would contact for information on operators or boats.  This person is directly involved with boat maintenance/upkeep, operator qualifications and day-to day operations.

Operator in Charge (OIC)  The person who is ultimately responsible for the safety of the boat, crew, mission personnel and overall operations.  During missions that require more than one operator or if another SBO is assisting, the OIC is the final authority and responsible person for all operations. This person should be designated prior to departure.

Small Boat Operator (SBO) A operator who has completed all the requirements required to operate a particular boat. This person may also be the OIC on any vessel he/she is qualified to operate.

Crew Any individual designated to assist with the underway operation and safety of the boat.  On more complex or overnight cruises the crew will have specialized training on the vessel’s equipment and safe operational procedures.    

Mission Personnel:  Persons other than crew that may include scientists, educators, students or any person not directly involved in the actual boat operations.