AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF NOAA CORPS COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

SEC. 307. AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF NOAA CORPS COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. (a) Authorized Number.— Section 2 of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Commissioned Officers’ Act of 1948 (33 U.S.C. 853a) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (e) as subsections (b) through (f), respectively; and (2) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated, the following: “(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), there are authorized to be not less than 264 and not more than 299 commissioned officers on the active list of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for fiscal years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. “(2) The Administrator may reduce the number of commissioned officers on the active list below 264 if the Administrator determines that it is appropriate, taking into consideration— “(A) the number of billets on the fisheries, hydrographic, and oceanographic vessels owned and operated by the Administration; “(B) the need of the Administration to collect high-quality oceanographic, fisheries, and hydrographic data and information on a continuing basis; “(C) the need for effective and safe operation of the Administration’s fisheries, hydrographic and oceanographic vessels; “(D) the need for effective management of the commissioned Corps; and “(E) the protection of the interests of taxpayers. “(3) At least 90 days before beginning any reduction as described in paragraph (2), the Administrator shall provide notice 112 STAT. 3458of such reduction to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives.”. (b) Officer Responsible for Commissioned Officers and Vessel Fleet.— Section 24(a) of the Coast and Geodetic Survey Commissioned Officers’ Act of 1948 (33 U.S.C. 853u(a)) is amended by inserting “One such position shall be appointed from the officers on the active duty promotion list serving in or above the grade of captain, and who shall be responsible for administration of the commissioned officers, and for oversight of the operation of the vessel fleet, of the Administration.” before “An officer”. (c) Relief From Moratorium on New Appointments.— The Secretary of Commerce immediately shall terminate the moratorium on new appointments of commissioned officers to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps.