For the first time, CAPSTAN is taking its sea-training program overseas, with 20 university students from across Australia travelling into international waters aboard CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator to gain invaluable marine research experience and help shape the next generation of marine experts.
Sea-training program CAPSTAN is heading into international waters for the first time, with 20 university students from across Australia set to gain hands-on research experience aboard CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator.
The 14-day voyage will depart from Brisbane and travel to Fiji, with students gaining practical experience across a range of marine research disciplines, including geology, biology, chemistry, physical oceanography and atmospheric science.
The voyage is part of CAPSTAN – the Collaborative Australian Postgraduate Sea-Training Alliance Network – a national tertiary sea-training initiative of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), and the Australian and New Zealand International Scientific Drilling Consortium (ANZIC).
CAPSTAN Director, Dr Pier van der Merwe from IMAS said the voyage is an incredible opportunity for students to gain experience working with advanced equipment and systems aboard Australia’s dedicated ocean research vessel.
“This voyage is special because students will have the opportunity to learn and conduct research in Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and then on to international waters on our way to Fiji,” he said.
“For some of these students, it will be their first experience out at sea. CAPSTAN gives them the toolbox they need to build confidence in conducting research at sea.”
Following its relaunch in 2024, CAPSTAN is now in its third year, bringing together postgraduate university students and trainers from 18 Australian universities to experience life and work aboard RV Investigator.
Dr van der Merwe said students will be involved in a diverse program of marine research during the voyage.
“We will be collecting geological samples, measuring biogeochemical and physical properties of a seamount in the Western Coral Sea, mapping the seafloor and surveying shipwrecks, investigating microplastics in ocean waters and conducting environmental DNA research,” he said.
“Much of the training that students are involved in will also feed into real-world research programs, with every voyage of RV Investigator contributing a wide range of data to both national and international scientific programs.”
CAPSTAN Voyage Manager, Dr Ben Arthur from the CSIRO Marine National Facility, said the voyage would provide students with a unique perspective on Australia’s role in scientific collaboration with its Pacific neighbours.
“This is an opportunity for students to consider the contribution they can make as ocean stewards in our region, collaborating to share knowledge and science with our Pacific neighbours,” Dr Arthur said.
“On top of that, CAPSTAN offers an exciting experience for students to gain broad exposure in a diverse range of operations at sea and in multidisciplinary research.”
“The voyage literally demonstrates to students how far and to what incredible places a career in marine science can take you!”
The CAPSTAN voyage departs Brisbane on Thursday 10 September, and will complete a 14-day transit through the Coral Sea and Western Pacific Ocean, before arriving in Fiji on Wednesday 23 September.
The CAPSTAN program is a maritime education and training initiative of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the Australian and New Zealand International Scientific Drilling Consortium (ANZIC).
RV Investigator is part of the Marine National Facility, national collaborative research infrastructure funded by the Australian Government and operated by CSIRO on behalf of the nation.
CAPSTAN partners CSIRO and the Australian and New Zealand International Scientific Drilling Consortium (ANZIC) receive funding for this activity from the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
Cover image: CAPSTAN voyage departs Fremantle WA in April 2026. Photo: John Hooper CSIRO