Cruise Opportunities

Science and Education Opportunities Aboard UNOLS Vessels

UNOLS has 23 research vessels that operate in the coastal waters of the United States, the Great Lakes, and the World’s oceans. These vessels range from 66 to 279 feet. Each year a portion of our cruises have available space for science and education opportunities. A list of available cruises aboard these vessels will be maintained on the UNOLS website. Opportunities are based on the amount of space available on individual vessels and the willingness of the Chief Scientist to have extra personnel participate in the cruise. The Chief Scientist might also require that individuals serve as “Watchstanders” (see next paragraph).

Chief Scientists will occasionally recruit "Watchstanders" to assist in their research cruise. Watchstanders are members of the science party and are expected to participate in the daily routine as required by the scientific schedule. To see the general criteria for watchstanders and available Education and Outreach Opportunities on UNOLS Vessels please view the listing below.

List of Education and Outreach Opportunities Aboard UNOLS Vessels

Principal Investigators and/or Chief Scientists interested in acquiring help for your cruise can use the following form to list your cruise on our site:
Posting a "Call for Watchstanders" or Cruise Opportunity (for Principal Investigators and Chief Scientists)

Individuals interested in participating on a cruise and would like to have us give your information to the Scientists with openings should use this form. Your information will be password protected:
Seeking Opportunities on UNOLS Cruises (for students and educators, etc.)

A list of individuals interested in one or more of the science and education opportunities has been compiled by the UNOLS Office. This web page is password protected for privacy. Please contact the UNOLS Office to obtain access to this list:
List of Individuals interested in Ship Opportunities

A Listing of Education and Outreach Cruise Opportunities

Interested in participating in an oceanographic cruise? Individuals are often recruited to help stand watch and collect data. Additionally, berths are sometimes available and can accommodate ancillary science, education, and outreach activities. The Chief Scientist might sometimes ask the individual(s) associated with these ancillary activities, to assist in the cruise by also standing watch. Any cruise responsibilities and expectations should be clearly articulated and agree upon between the Chief Scientist and individual(s) occupying the available berth(s) prior to the cruise.

General criteria are:

sea-worthiness (some experience at sea or seasickness awareness);
good health and evidence of medical insurance;
scientific interest or background;
ability to follow detailed instructions carefully;
ability to work safely on an oceanographic cruise.
A valid passport is required.

A list of cruise opportunities is provided below. If you are interested in participating in any of these cruises, arrangements should be made with the Point of Contact listed for the cruise.

*Cruise Dates*	*Ship*	*Geographic Area*	*Watchstander Responsibility* (click on link for additional details)	Berths Available (for Education or Outreach Programs)	*Point of Contact*

Names of Individuals Available for UNOLS Cruises

Contact the UNOLS Office for the names and contact information for individuals interested in opportunities aboard UNOLS vessels <office (at) unols dot org>

Page updated: July 18, 2007