• Collaborating for the Future of Ocean Science

    The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is a consortium of 58 academic oceanographic institutions collaborating with U.S. Federal Government agencies to ensure widespread access to advanced research vessels, submersibles, and related facilities crucial for robust research and educational programs in ocean sciences.

  • Facilitating the US Academic Research Fleet & Facilities

    The U.S. Academic Research Fleet consists of 17 research vessels operated by 13 different institutions.  These ships are scheduled through the UNOLS Ship Scheduling Committee and are consistently available to all federally funded users and maintained to meet the needs of academic oceanographic programs. Vessels are operated in compliance with the UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards and undergo regular inspections, such as NSF Ship Inspections or INSURV. All ships are equipped with state of the art observational instrumentation and are crewed with highly qualified marine technicians to operate it.

  • Advancing the Blue Workforce

    Through programs sponsored by the federal funding agencies, UNOLS facilitates programs to provide much needed training opportunities to future scientists, technicians, and ship crew.   

  • Taking U.S. Oceanography into the future

    UNOLS coordinates 10 different standing committees to serve the U.S. Oceanographic Community.  Committees are scientific, technical and operational in nature. These committees discuss the current and future capabilities and think of requirements for the future. Participants are all volunteers and are made up of scientists, technicians, and operators.  

  • Making Oceanography Accessible to All

    UNOLS coordinates 10 different standing committees to serve the U.S. Oceanographic Community.  Committees are scientific, technical and operational in nature. These committees review current capabilities, changing demands, emerging needs, and challenges while also identifying requirements for the future. Participants are all volunteers and consist of scientists, technicians, and operators.

UNOLS was founded in September of 1971

Working Together to Support our Nation’s Oceanographic Research

REQUEST SHIP TIME / PLAN CRUISE

The Marine Facilities Planner (MFP) (mfp.us) is the central platform for requesting ship time and coordinating research cruises. It streamlines the planning process by allowing scientists to submit ship time requests, manage cruise logistics, and access essential resources for expedition planning.
 

Jobs

Do you want to work aboard research vessels and support marine science? The USARF is looking for crew. Find out about available jobs.

Early Career

Early Career Program provides graduate students and early-career researchers with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in oceanographic research and research vessel operations. Through workshops, networking events, and at-sea experiences, participants develop skills essential for successful careers in ocean science. The program aims to support the next generation of oceanographers by fostering collaboration, professional development, and access to research infrastructure.

Ships/Facilities

In addition to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, a wide range of specialized equipment, instrumentation, and technical expertise is available to support sea-going scientists. Learn more about the available ships, facilities, and resources designed to support scientific missions at sea.

Become a Committee Member

The U.S. oceanographic community is fueled by volunteers from all sectors, including experienced and early-career scientists, technicians, operators, and other experts. United by a shared commitment to advancing U.S. seagoing science, these dedicated individuals collaborate to drive progress and innovation in the field.

Civility at Sea

The UNOLS community is committed to fostering a civil and respectful working environment. To support this, a three-module program was developed to ensure that everyone involved in research at sea aboard the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF) is treated with respect and professionalism.

Knowledge of the oceans is more than a matter of curiosity. Our very survival may hinge upon it.

President John F. Kennedy, Jr.

March 1961 message to Congress

UNOLS 2024 Data

We can rely on this data as a reliable estimate.
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1408
Students
sailed on U.S. ARF Vessels. Including; Undergraduate, Graduate, Postdocs, and K-12
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398
Affiliated Institutions
represented by cruise participants
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264
Research Cruises
conducted on the U.S. ARF vessels.
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328
Funded Projects
supported
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2062
Science Days at Sea

Stay connected with the latest oceanographic research and ship schedules—follow UNOLS on social media for updates and insights!