33 U.S.C. § 891a

Operation and maintenance of NOAA fleet

The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator of NOAA for Marine and Aviation Operations, shall operate and maintain a fleet of vessels to meet the requirements of NOAA in carrying out the mission and functions of NOAA, subject to the requirements of this subchapter.

( Pub. L. 102–567, title VI, § 603 , Oct. 29, 1992 , 106 Stat. 4300 ; Pub. L. 119–60, div. H, title LXXXIV, § 8402(a)(1) , Dec. 18, 2025 , 139 Stat. 1908 .)