Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How can I test my compressor relief valves and pressure gauges?
Considering the need for extra equipment to do this and the potential complications, the NOAA Diving Program recommends having a service technician for your particular brand of compressor test the relief valves and calibrate the gauges during routine compressor servicing. Some pressure relief valves, most likely very high pressure ones, may need to be sent to the manufacturer for testing.
Interestingly, not all valves can be tested. Some spring activated valves will reset upon release; these valves may be tested. Other valves are one-use only and when activated will not reset; these valves cannot be tested. The manufacturer will know which valves are installed on the compressor.
Question
What should I send to the SEP for service?
The following equipment must be sent back to the Standardized Equipment Program (SEP) office for annual service:
- Primary regulator first stage and second stages with pressure gauge, UWATEC, and LP inflator hose
- Reserve Air Supply System (RASS) regulator first and second stages with pressure gauge
- Alternate Air Source with Buoyancy Compensator connector (remove from BCD at shoulder)
The most convenient way to safely pack the items for shipping is to put them in your regulator bag.
The shipping address is:
Standardized Equipment Program
NOAA Diving Center
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 8
Seattle, WA 98115
If you have any questions, please send an e-mail message to SEP.ndc@noaa.gov.
Question
What should be inside a NOAA Divemaster Kit?
The NOAA Diving Program requires that Diving Units keep the following items in their Divemaster Kits: (Divers should also complement these with items that are useful to the type of diving they do.)
- O-rings
- Extra fin straps and mask straps
- Mouth pieces
- Zip ties
- Port plugs (high pressure and low pressure)
- Scuba tools (things like allen wrenches for the port plugs, small adjustable wrenches to tighten hoses, screwdriver set, side cutters for zip ties, etc…)
- Snorkel keepers
- HP spool (a cylindrical object that creates a seal between the HP gauge and the HP hose that allows the gauge to swivel around without leaking)
Question
Who may attend NOAA Diving Center courses?
NOAA employees, NOAA contractors, NOAA volunteers and other federal, state, and local government employees may apply to attend NOAA Diving courses. Classes are not open to the general public.
Question
What is the NOAA Diving Manual and where can I get it?
The NOAA Diving Manual is a comprehensive reference specifically designed for the diving professional. It was originally written for use by NOAA divers to assist them in conducting various operations and significant contributions to the manual are still provided by experienced NOAA personnel. The NOAA Diving Manual should not be confused with the NOAA Diving Standards and Safety Manuals which contain NOAA's diving regulations.
The NOAA Diving Manual is published by Best Publishing Company and can be purchased through them or through many other commercial book retailers.
Question
Can I apply for NOAA Corps if I am not a US citizen?
As a uniformed service of the United States, NOAA Corps only accepts applicants who are US citizens. All applicants must speak, read and write English fluently.
For more information click on eligibility requirements
Question
What is the age limit to join NOAA Corps?
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps no longer has a maximum age requirement.
For more information click on eligibility requirements
Question
What are NOAA Corps vision requirements?
An applicant must have normal color vision, an uncorrected visual acuity no worse than 20/400 in each eye, and their vision must be correctable to 20/20.
NOAA Corps medical standards are based on the requirements for officer candidates set forth in the United States Coast Guard medical manual for commissioned officers. Any potential disqualifying conditions will be addressed using an Individualized Assessment process.
For more information click on eligibility requirements
Question
What is the salary of a NOAA Corps Officer?
NOAA Corps Officers are paid on a military pay scale. The pay amount is based on rank, time in service, marital status, and where you live.
For more information click on Pay and Benefits
Question
I have a private pilot's license; can I be commissioned as an aviator?
NOAA Corps has multiple venues for recruiting pilots:
- Personnel brought in as an Inter-Service Transfer from the U.S. Navy for the distinct purpose of P-3 support.
- Active aviators with a commercial airplane multiengine land certificate with instrument rating (or military equivalent) brought in as Inter-Service Transfer from another US Active Duty Service for the purpose of flying NOAA's light aircraft platforms.
- Non-Aviators or those with less than a commercial airplane multiengine certificate with instrument rating may be considered for flight training following the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) and an initial sea assignment. The NOAA Corps may select aviators from (BOTC) to report directly to aviation training contingent on the needs of the service.
Note: An officer is not guaranteed aviation training upon commissioning. Pilots and Navigators have strict vision and other physical requirements.
