The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) operates a wide variety of specialized ships to complete NOAA's environmental and scientific missions. OMAO's research and survey ships compose the largest fleet of federal research ships in the nation. The fleet ranges from large oceanographic research vessels capable of exploring the world's deepest ocean, to smaller ships responsible for charting the shallow bays and inlets of the United States. A wide range of marine activities including fisheries research, nautical charting, and ocean and climate studies are supported by these vessels. In order to support these vessels OMAO requires the support of contract professional licensed and unlicensed mariners. These mariners will support filling gaps in our existing workforce.