(a) The Secretary shall determine the number of appointments of officer candidates annually.

(b) Applicants for an appointment as an officer candidate shall meet all qualifications described in § 998.11.

(c) Selection and appointment of officer candidates shall be made according to the procedures described in § 998.12.

(d) The Secretary may dismiss any officer candidate from the NOAA Corps Basic Officer Training Class who, during the candidate's term as an officer candidate, the Secretary considers unsatisfactory in either academics or conduct, or not adapted for a career in the NOAA Corps. Officer candidates shall be subject to all rules governing discipline prescribed by the Director.

(e) Each officer candidate shall sign an agreement with the Secretary regarding the officer candidate's term of service in the NOAA Corps, which shall provide that the candidate agrees to:

(1) Complete the course of instruction of the NOAA Corps Basic Officer Training Class;

(2) Upon graduation from the Basic Officer Training Class program, accept an appointment, if tendered, to the grade of ensign; and

(3) Serve on active duty in the NOAA Corps for at least four years immediately after such appointment.

(f) An officer candidate or former officer candidate who is on active duty but who has not yet met their initial service obligation under paragraph (e)(3) of this section shall be considered to be in breach of their written agreement if they do not fulfill the terms of their service.

(g) An individual found to be in breach of their written agreement shall be subject to the repayment provisions of § 998.30.

(a) Original appointments to the NOAA Corps are made based on the qualifications of individual applicants and the needs of the NOAA Corps. Each applicant must:

(1) Be a citizen of the United States of good moral character;

(2) Be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance level of Secret;

(3) Meet physical and mental qualifications as the Secretary may direct, such as physical fitness, medical, dental, and mental examinations;

(4) Hold a baccalaureate degree, preferably in a major course of study related to NOAA's scientific or technical activities, awarded from an accredited postsecondary institution. All applicants, regardless of degree(s) awarded, must have completed at least 48 semester (72 quarter) hours in math, science, or engineering coursework pertaining to NOAA's mission unless waived by the Director based on the needs of the NOAA Corps; and

(5) Have not twice failed selection for promotion in another uniformed service.

(b) [Reserved]

(a) The Secretary shall prescribe the number of applicants to be selected for officer candidates and the basic qualifications necessary to fulfill the needs of the NOAA Corps.

(b) A personnel board convened pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 3022 shall review all qualified applicants and make recommendations for appointment to the Secretary and the President. Applicants shall be rated on collegiate record, work experience, references, the report of the interviewing officer, and all other available information.

(c) Upon review of the recommendations of the personnel board, the Secretary shall make those temporary appointments in the grade of officer candidate as deemed appropriate. An original appointment of an officer candidate, upon graduation from the Basic Officer Training Class program of the NOAA Corps, may not be made in any other grade than ensign.

(d) Officer candidates receiving appointments as ensigns upon graduation from the Basic Officer Training Class program shall take rank according to their proficiency as shown by the order of their merit at date of graduation.