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33 U.S.C. 3023: Separation of ensigns found not fully qualifiedText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 33-NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERSCHAPTER 43-NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS
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§3023. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified

If an officer in the grade of ensign is at any time found not fully qualified, the officer shall be separated from the commissioned service.

( Pub. L. 107–372, title II, § 223 , Dec. 19, 2002 , 116 Stat. 3085 ; Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXVII, § 11703(a) , Dec. 23, 2022 , 136 Stat. 4156 ; Pub. L. 119–60, div. H, title LXXXIV, § 8407 , Dec. 18, 2025 , 139 Stat. 1913 .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 853e of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–372.

Amendments

2025⁠—Pub. L. 119–60 struck out “permanent” before “grade of ensign” and “the officer’s commission shall be revoked and” before “the officer shall be separated”.

2022⁠—Pub. L. 117–263 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) and (b) relating, respectively, to promotion of ensigns to grade of lieutenant (junior grade) and separation of ensigns found not fully qualified.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

As amended by Pub. L. 117–263, text of section is identical to that of former subsec. (b) of this section. For delegation of functions of President under former subsec. (b) of this section to Secretary of Commerce, see section 1(a) of Ex. Ord. No. 11023, May 28, 1962, 27 F.R. 5131, as amended, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.