NOAA ship means a research or survey vessel owned or operated by NOAA as part of the NOAA fleet defined at 33 U.S.C. 891(2), but does not mean a vessel owned or operated by NOAA under the jurisdiction of the NOAA Small Boat Program.

Professional mariner means an individual employed by the Administration on a NOAA ship who has the necessary expertise to serve in the engineering, deck, steward, electronic technician, or survey departments.

Shore leave means a leave of absence, in addition to earned annual leave, that is earned by professional mariners serving aboard NOAA ships, as authorized by section 3079b of title 33, United States Code, and this subpart.