What is UNOLS?

R/V Bluefin
R/V Bluefin

University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is an organization of 58 academic institutions and National Laboratories involved in oceanographic research and joined for the purpose of coordinating oceanographic ships' schedules and research facilities. 

The original UNOLS Charter was written in 1972 and most recently revised in 2021. As of May 1, 2019, the office for UNOLS is located at the University of Washington School of Oceanography in Seattle, WA. 

One of the primary functions of UNOLS is to ensure the efficient scheduling of scientific cruises aboard the 18 research vessels located at 14 operating institutions in the UNOLS organization. Both current and future schedules for these ships are available through the UNOLS scheduling link.