NAO 201-114A: NOAA Commissioned Corps Emblem

Issued 04/06/2026; Effective 04/06/2026; Reviewed Last: 04/06/2026

SECTION 1. PURPOSE.

This Order describes the official NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) emblem and the approved manner of use of the emblem in identifying the NOAA Corps.

SECTION 2. GENERAL.

The current NOAA Corps Emblem received a Federal trademark registration on September 18, 2018. The Emblem consists of a bordered circle, and within the top portion of the border is positioned the words “NOAA COMMISSIONED CORPS” in stylized font. The year “1917” is positioned in the lower portion of the border, with a star on each side, separating it from the words above. Inside the bordered circle is a globe superimposed on crossed fouled anchors, topped by a spread eagle. The eagle is facing to its right, and the breast of the eagle is carrying a shield depicting the American flag.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS.

  1. NOAA Corps Emblem. The primary identifying symbol of the NOAA Corps (see also Department Administrative Order (DAO) 201-1).
  2. Trademark. Any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof: 1) used by a person; or 2) that a person has a bona fide intention to use in commerce and applies to register on the principal register to identify and distinguish their goods, including a unique product, from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate the source of the goods – even if that source is unknown.

SECTION 4. POLICY

  1. .01 The appropriate use of the NOAA Corps Emblem is critical to maintain the reputation of the NOAA Corps. This policy is necessary to ensure that the NOAA Corps Emblem is used in a manner that is consistent with the values and mission of the NOAA Corps. The NOAA Corps Emblem may be used in the following manner:
    1. On printed materials, namely, directives in the nature of guides, newsletters,
      pamphlets, fact sheets in the nature of handouts, brochures, paper stationery,
      posters, paper banners, cloth or plastic banners, official documents, reports,
      magazines, booklets, business cards, charts, and maps featuring employment criteria
      and opportunities in the field of marine and atmospheric sciences;
    2. In connection with providing educational services, namely, pre-employment and
      scientific training, outreach and exhibit material, employment- and career-related
      recruiting materials, workshops, open houses in the nature of instructional courses
      and lessons to groups and individuals and in-person public awareness forums
      providing instruction in the field of marine and atmospheric sciences;
    3. On uniforms and uniform accessories of the NOAA Corps;
    4. On official flags of the NOAA Corps, to be displayed in accordance with the customs and traditions of the flags of the Uniformed Services and DAO 201-6 – Official Flags of the Department;
    5. On official NOAA Corps coins, stickers, and patches;
    6. On the Common Access Card to identify a member of the NOAA Corps;
    7. On official NOAA Corps commemorative materials such as dinnerware; and
    8. On electronic resources, namely official websites and official social media accounts.
  2. Use of the NOAA Corps Emblem by an outside organization must comply with DAO 201-1 and the NOAA Emblem/Logo and NOAA Corps Licensing Policy.
  3. The full agency and department name should accompany the NOAA Corps Emblem whenever possible, either by presenting it alongside the NOAA emblem or by writing out the agency and department name in text.
  4. The Director, NOAA Corps is the approval authority for all uses.

SECTION 5. RESPONSIBILITIES.

  1. Director, NOAA Corps and Assistant Administrator, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). Oversees the proper use of the NOAA Corps Emblem within OMAO and NOAA Corps. As appropriate, approves the use of the NOAA Corps Emblem by outside organizations.
  2. NOAA Corps Officers. Responsible for proper wear and display of the NOAA Corps Emblem in appropriate settings.

SECTION 6. REFERENCES.

.01 Patent and Trademark Office – Class 16 Registration No. 5,563,949 (Sept. 18, 2018).
.02 Patent and Trademark Office – Class 41 Registration No. 5,563,950 (Sept. 18, 2018).
.03 Department Administrative Order 201-1, Symbols of the Department of Commerce (Aug. 5, 2021).
.04 Department Administrative Order 201-6, Official Flags of the Department (Jan. 26, 2022).
.05 NOAA Emblem/Logo and NOAA Corps Licensing Policy (Attachment 1).
.06 Trademark Act of 1946, As Amended, 15 U.S.C. §§ 1051 et seq.
.07 Institute of Heraldry Color Reference Guide.

SECTION 7. EFFECT ON OTHER ISSUANCES.

This Order supersedes NOAA Administrative Order 201-114, issued on July 25, 1991, in its entirety. An electronic copy of this Order will be posted on the NOAA Office of the Chief Administrative Officer website under the NOAA Administrative Issuances Section, in place of the superseded Order.
 

 

 

 

Under Secretary of Commerce
for Oceans and Atmosphere
Offices of Primary Interest:
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations