TRANSPORTATION OF NONGOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AS PASSENGERS ON NOAA VESSELS, AIRCRAFT, AND MOTOR VEHICLES

Issued 07/30/92; Effective 07/12/92

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

This Order prescribes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) policy and procedures for transporting nongovernment passengers and privately owned property on NOAA vessels, aircraft, and motor vehicles.

SECTION 2. APPLICABILITY.

This Order shall apply to all NOAA elements.

SECTION 3. POLICY.

.01 Transportation of nongovernment personnel on NOAA vessels, aircraft, and motor vehicles is considered in the best interests of the Government if the transportation heightens the continuing public awareness of the NOAA mission and its programs.

.02 NOAA elements shall provide transportation for accredited scientific observers, students, guests scientists, foreign government officials, special groups, and representatives when arrangements and approval are given in advance.

.03 Approvals shall be granted only in those instances where it is in the Government interest, when conveyances are used to conduct Government business, and when the transportation of nongovernment passengers does not interfere with NOAA operations.

.04 The Commanding Officer, Aircraft Commander, and Motor Vehicle Operator may authorize passage in emergencies involving the protection of life and property.

.05 Privately owned property transported in NOAA conveyances shall be limited to small items authorized by the Commanding Officer, Aircraft Commander, Motor Vehicle Operator, and the chief of a field party.

SECTION 4. RESPONSIBILITIES.

.01 NOAA Officials at or above the Financial Management Center (FMC) level shall:

a. authorize the presence of nongovernment passengers on NOAA vessels and NOAA aircraft; and

b. ensure that NOAA policies and procedures regarding nongovernment personnel are followed.

.02 Section Chiefs shall authorize the transportation of nongovernment passengers for NOAA motor vehicles.

.03 The Commanding Officer of a Vessel, Aircraft Commander, or Motor Vehicle Operator shall:

a. verify that any nongovernment passenger has been approved by prior arrangement; and

b. refuse passage/travel when NOAA plans or schedules are adversely affected or when accommodation poses a hardship on NOAA personnel.

.04 Authorizing Officials shall ensure that the privilege of NOAA personnel to have accompanying relatives or guests is not abused.

SECTION 5. PROCEDURES.

.01 Requirements for NOAA Ships and Aircraft. Relatives and guests of sponsoring NOAA personnel may be authorized to embark on NOAA ships and aircraft departing on cruises/missions of a short duration as long as:

a. the relative or guest is accompanied by the sponsoring NOAA personnel;

b. the relative or guest is at least eight (8) years old;

c. the cruise/mission is a day cruise/mission only; (The overnight accommodation of relatives and guests aboard ship is not authorized.)

d. the ship or aircraft departs from and returns to the same or originating port or aircraft facility; (An exception is made in those cases when the ship or aircraft cannot return to the originating facility within that day and an intermediate facility is unavailable. If the return cruise/mission to the originating facility must be made on a subsequent day, all accommodations and other personal expenses at the intermediate facility shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring NOAA personnel and their relatives or guests. If a return cruise/mission is not scheduled, travel of relatives and guests back to the originating facility shall be paid for by the sponsoring NOAA personnel and their relatives and guests.) and

e. the sponsoring NOAA personnel and their relatives and guests are responsible for the reimbursement for meals consumed by those relatives or guests aboard NOAA ships and aircraft.

.02 Requirements for NOAA Motor Vehicles. Relatives and guests of sponsoring NOAA personnel may be authorized to travel in NOAA motor vehicles as long as:

a. the relative or guest is accompanied by the sponsoring NOAA personnel;

b. all accommodations and other personal expenses of the relatives and guests are the responsibility of the sponsoring NOAA personnel and their relatives and guests; and

c. the transportation of relatives and guests of sponsoring NOAA personnel shall not:

1. cause the Government to incur any additional expense;

2. delay Government business; and

3. involve private profit-seeking activities or commercial dealings other than consumer purchases.

SECTION 5. EFFECT ON OTHER ISSUANCES.

None.

SIGNED,
Director, Office of Administration

Office of Primary Interest:
   Office of NOAA Corps Operations (NC)
   Office of Administration
   Procurement, Grants and Administrative Services Office
   Administrative Services Division
   Support Services Branch (OA333)