New NOAA Corps officers participate in a very demanding and fast-paced program with three principal objectives:

• Introduction and orientation to the NOAA organization and its missions;
• Introduction to the customs, duties, responsibilities, and the way of life as a commissioned officer in a uniformed service;
• Development of maritime and nautical skills, with emphasis on shipboard operations, organization and management, small boat handling, marine navigation, shiphandling, seamanship, and related subjects.

Approximately 50 percent of the training curriculum is provided during formal classroom instruction and the remainder takes place during field activities, labs, and underway training. Comprehensive exams and practical demonstrations of leadership, management and seagoing skills are important aspects of the program.

In order to reinforce an understanding of shipboard organization and operations, the BOTC is organized and operated similar to a shipboard environment. Officers are considered to be on call 24 hours per day, seven days a week; the normal workday will begin at 0800 (8:00 am) and will end at 1700 (5:00 pm). Organized weekend and evening training activities are considerable. Off-duty study time is required.

Additional evening, weekend, and special duties will be assigned on a rotating basis.

Leave (days off) will not be granted during the program except on those days indicated as "liberty" in the schedule, and for exceptional emergency situations.

Schedule

BOTC is in session for approximately 3 months at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York. The course outline of the Basic Officer Training Class gives a glimpse of the breadth and demands of the program. Upon completion of the training, officers are assigned to a NOAA ship for approximately two years of sea duty.