Marine Research & Survey vacancies

Research vessel: laboratory moving across the seas

Research vessels - this is a special category of marine craft intended for scientific, environmental, hydrographic, meteorological and oceanological research. These vessels act as mobile scientific laboratories capable of working in the most remote and inaccessible areas of the World Ocean.The main purpose of research vessels is to collect and analyze data about the marine environment: water, bottom, biological and climatic features, geophysical anomalies. Such missions are indispensable for climate forecasting, studying underwater seismic, preparing the construction of drilling platforms or laying cables.

Technical equipment of watercraft

On board are located: acoustic systems, bathymetric complexes, sonars, drilling rigs for geological samples, ROVs and AUVs (underwater drones), laboratories (chemical, biological, climate), communication modules, weather stations and dynamic positioning systems (DP2/DP3).Some research vessels are additionally equipped with:

• helipads;

• boats for landing on the shore;

• gateways for launching deep-sea vehicles.

But, as you understand, everything is quite individual and depends on the specific model of the vehicle. 

Who works on board?

Research vessel crew is divided into two groups: marine and scientific. The maritime crew is responsible for the safety, navigation and technical condition of the vessel (captains, mechanics, navigators, mechanics). The scientific team consists of specialists in oceanology, hydrobiology, geophysics, IT analytics, equipment operators, cartographers and engineers.Working on a research vessel requires:

• maritime diplomas and STCW certificates;

• knowledge of English;

• readiness for long flights;

• skills in working with scientific and technical equipment;

• the ability to live and work in a team isolated from the shore.

We can even give a few examples of such projects: 

• study of the Arctic shelf to forecast ice conditions;

• surveying the seabed off the coast of South Korea in preparation for the construction of an offshore wind turbine;

• monitoring Indonesian coral reefs under climate change;

• search for underwater archaeological sites in the Mediterranean Sea.

How to get to the research vessel from Marine MAN?

The Marine MAN company provides vacancies on research vessels, involved in missions around the world - from Antarctica to the Arctic Ocean. We work directly with scientific institutions, government agencies and private research foundations.We provide:

• digital platform for filing applications and document flow;

• visa, medical, organizational support;

• training in the direction (including IMO courses and equipment);

• career support for sailors and scientific specialists.

If you are using the services of our company for the first time and have not yet managed to understand all the nuances, do not worry, since our managers are always in touch, they are always ready to advise and provide up-to-date information. 

Working on such ships is not just a contract, but an opportunity to make a contribution to science and the development of humanity. Many specialists eventually move to international scientific organizations, becoming project managers, teachers, consultants on oceanography and environmental projects.