National Ocean Exploration Program Act

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

National Ocean Exploration Program Act - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a coordinated national ocean exploration program.

(Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator of NOAA, in carrying out the program, to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages; (2) give priority attention to deep ocean regions, with a focus on surveying deep water marine systems; (3) promote development of oceanographic research, communication, and data collections systems; (4) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve public understanding of ocean science; and (5) establish an ocean exploration forum.

(Sec. 5) Requires NOAA to convene an ocean technology and infrastructure task force to develop and implement a strategy to: (1) facilitate the transfer of new exploration technology to the program; (2) improve the availability of communications infrastructure (including satellite) to the program; (3) develop a data management information processing system for information obtained under the program; and (4) encourage cost-sharing partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities to assist in transferring exploration technology and technical expertise to the program.

(Sec. 6) Authorizes NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and other Federal agencies involved in the program to participate in interagency financing in carrying out program activities.

(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations from FY 2005 through 2016.