• 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 16 research vessels operated by 14 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.  

  • Supporting Science in the Polar Regions

    The UNOLS Community is actively supporting science in the Arctic.

    AICC –The Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee provides scientists with planning assistance and serves to liaise and facilitate communications between Arctic scientists, funding agencies, and facility providers.  The AICC is focused on the support provided by USCGC HEALY and R/V Sikuliaq.
    AMRCC –The Arctic Marine Research Capabilities Committee is currently developing Science Mission Scenarios and Science Mission Requirements for newly acquired Arctic Surface Capability including the U.S. Coast Guard’s recently purchased USCGC STORIS and the anticipated future Arctic Security Cutter. 

  • Leading in Mapping Our Economic Exclusive Zone

    In 2019, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum directing Federal agencies to develop a national strategy for mapping, exploring, and characterizing the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). To date, 54% of the U.S. EEZ has been mapped and the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF) has mapped approximately 46% of that 54% total. This means that when you look at the mapping data from the U.S. EEZ stored in the National Archives (specifically the National Center for Environmental Information), an astounding 86% of it comes directly from the dedicated work of the ARF.

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, early-career researchers and technicians with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in oceanographic research, research vessel operations and instrumentation. Through workshops, networking events, and at-sea experiences, participants develop skills essential for successful careers in ocean science.

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 2025 Data

We can rely on this data as a reliable estimate.
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1663
Students
sailed on U.S. ARF Vessels. Including; Undergraduate, Graduate, Postdocs, and K-12
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304
Affiliated Institutions
represented by cruise participants
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313
Research Cruises
conducted on the U.S. ARF vessels.
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642
Funded Projects
supported
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3118
Science Days at Sea

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