Marine National Facility 
Capability Prospectus

Operated by CSIRO, 
Australia’s national science agency, 
on behalf of the nation.

January 2025



Citation

Marine National Facility Capability Prospectus (2025). 
CSIRO, Australia.

Copyright

© Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research 
Organisation 2024. To the extent permitted by law, all 
rights are reserved and no part of this publication covered 
by copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or 
by any means except with the written permission of CSIRO.

Important disclaimer

CSIRO advises that the information contained in this 
publication comprises general statements based on 
scientific research. The reader is advised and needs to 
be aware that such information may be incomplete or 
unable to be used in any specific situation. No reliance 
or actions must therefore be made on that information 
without seeking prior expert professional, scientific 
and technical advice. To the extent permitted by law, 
CSIRO (including its employees and consultants) 
excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, 
including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, 
expenses and any other compensation, arising directly 
or indirectly from using this publication (in part or in 
whole) and any information or material contained in it. 

The information included in this Capability Prospectus 
is general in nature and researchers should therefore 
consult directly with the MNF to discuss availability 
of specific capabilities.

CSIRO is committed to providing web accessible content 
wherever possible. If you are having difficulties with 
accessing this document please contact csiro.au/contact

Acknowledgements

The Marine National Facility (MNF) is funded by 
the Australian Government through the National 
Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy 
(NCRIS), and is operated by CSIRO, Australia’s 
national science agency, on behalf of the nation. 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of 
the land, sea and waters of the area that we live 
and work across Australia. We acknowledge their 
continuing connection to their culture and we pay 
our respects to their Elders past and present.


This research is 
enabled by NCRIS.

This research is 
supported by the 
Science and Industry 
Endowment Fund.



Supporting, enabling and 
inspiring marine science 
for Australia

The Marine National Facility has an unrivalled record of 
delivering excellent marine research for national benefit.

We provide researchers with 
world‑class ocean research 
capabilities, high quality marine 
data and expertise built up over 
more than 40 years.

We are continuously looking to 
the future, enabling researchers 
to find solutions to our greatest 
challenges through innovative 
science and technology 
development.

Our goal

To enhance the long-term prosperity of Australia’s 
marine environment, industries and community by 
providing information that supports evidence‑based 
decision making by government, industry and 
our community.

Our objective

To deliver safe, efficient and excellent marine research 
that maximises the opportunities and benefits from our 
resources to ensure we provide the highest return on 
investment for the nation.

Image: Frederique Olivier



Image: Maren Preuss

About us

The Marine National Facility (MNF) was established in 1984 to provide Australia 
with a dedicated capability to conduct ocean research of national benefit across 
its vast marine estate. It is national research infrastructure funded by the Australian 
Government and operated by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, on behalf 
of the nation.

The MNF includes:

• the multidisciplinary ocean-class 
research vessel (RV) Investigator
• a suite of advanced scientific 
instrumentation and equipment
• a collection of 40 years of marine data made 
freely available for the benefit of all
• world-leading expertise in vessel and voyage 
management, and technology development.


We are overseen by an independent steering 
committee which reports to the CSIRO Board. 

Allocation of sea time on RV Investigator is managed 
through a competitive application process open to 
Australian researchers and their international collaborators. 
Project proposals are assessed for research excellence and 
national benefit by independent expert committees.

We strive to exceed our partner expectations in the 
delivery of excellent and efficient marine research.



Our research capabilities

Central to our capability is the 
advanced ocean-class research vessel 
(RV) Investigator. RV Investigator offers 
a capable and flexible platform for 
multidisciplinary marine research. 
It enables atmospheric, oceanographic, 
biological and geoscience research, 
as well as important education, 
outreach and training opportunities. 

The vessel is technically impressive and opens avenues 
of discovery both within and across scientific disciplines. 

Complementing RV Investigator capability, we provide 
researchers with access to a suite of advanced 
scientific equipment and instruments, as well as 
expert technical and voyage planning support.

The research we deliver improves the national marine 
knowledge and helps power our growing Blue Economy.

Useful links

RVI specifications: 
mnf.csiro.au/RV-Investigator 

MNF data portal: 
mnf.csiro.au/MNF-Data 



RV Investigator specifications

Commissioned on 
12 December 2014, 
RV Investigator is capable 
of delivering up to 
300 research days 
each year

Length 93.9 m

Beam (width) 18.5 m

Height (waterline to the top of the ship) 37 m

Draft (waterline to bottom of ship) 6.2 m

Gross tonnage 6082 t

10

internal 
storeys

12

on board 
laboratories

12

containerised 
laboratory spaces

20

ship 
crew

40

science and MNF 
technician berths 
60

days 
endurance

10,000

nautical miles range 
(at cruising speed of 8 knots)
Home port Hobart, Tasmania

NOTE: The MNF may reduce the achievable cruising speed, range and endurance of the vessel due to operational considerations.

Underway science

While underway, RV Investigator collects various 
atmospheric, oceanographic and geoscience data 
streams. Many of these data are accessible in near 
real-time via the Near Real-time Underway Data portal 
called NRUD: www.marine.csiro.au/data/underway/ 

Maximising capability

RV Investigator has been designed to an international 
maritime classification DNV-Silent-R. This classification 
ensures the vessel operates with low levels of radiated 
noise to maximise its acoustic system capabilities.

Laboratory spaces

RV Investigator has 12 dedicated laboratory and other 
workspaces that offer flexible configuration to support 
diverse research. The vessel can also accommodate 
12 containerised laboratories to support specific 
research needs.



Laboratory summary

WORKSPACE

DESCRIPTION

FLOOR 
SPACE m2

BENCH 
SPACE m2

Aerosol Laboratory 

A specialised laboratory equipped with various atmospheric research 
instrumentation and with a direct atmospheric air feed. Located on the foredeck 
at the base of the foremast.

15

3

Air Chemistry 
Laboratory

A specialised laboratory for underway atmospheric chemistry sampling taking 
atmospheric air from the aerosol sampling system after passing through the 
Aerosol Laboratory. Located at the forward end of the superstructure on 
the foredeck.

30

10

Constant 
Temperature 
Laboratory 

A specialised laboratory available for temperature dependant experiments 
and storage. Temperatures can be specified from 2°C to 35°C and the laboratory 
entrance has an air lock. Located adjacent to the General Purpose Wet 
Laboratory (Clean).

19

9

CTD Laboratory

A specialised laboratory for the deployment of the CTD (conductivity, temperature 
and depth instrument) and collecting of water samples. Located on starboard 
side of vessel with a vertically opening hatch to outside to deploy CTD boom. 
It is adjacent to the Hydrochemistry Laboratory.

48

3

Data Processing 
Laboratory

A multipurpose workspace used for data processing and administrative purposes. 
Located adjacent to the Operations Room and IT Office.

35

14

General Purpose Dry 
Laboratory (Clean)

A multipurpose laboratory that can be set up for a wide variety of purposes. 
Located next to the General Purpose Wet Laboratory (Clean).

65

22

General Purpose Wet 
Laboratory (Clean) 

A multipurpose laboratory where samples can be processed under clean 
conditions, and data recorded and analysed. Located between the General Purpose 
Dry Laboratory (Clean) and Constant Temperature Laboratory. 

52

23

General Purpose Wet 
Laboratory (Dirty) 

A multipurpose laboratory where samples, such as fish and plankton catches or 
sediment and geological samples, can be received from the working decks then 
sorted, subsampled and processed. Located next to the back deck with direct access 
to Sheltered Science Area and Preservation Laboratory.

68

24

Hydrochemistry 
Laboratory

A specialised laboratory for the analysis of nutrients, dissolved oxygen and salinity 
in seawater samples. Located adjacent to the CTD Laboratory and Underway 
Seawater Laboratory.

28

10

Observation Station

A multipurpose workspace used for marine mammal and seabird observation, as 
well as spotting research equipment on the sea surface. Located above the Bridge.

13

2.6

Operations Room

Control centre for all scientific operations and manned 24/7 while underway. 
Located on Main Deck adjacent to IT Office and Electronics Workshop.

50

13

Preservation 
Laboratory

A specialised laboratory equipped with an extra large fume hood, larger 
Hazchem lockers, and a camera stand for photography. Located adjacent 
to the Dirty Wet Laboratory.

15

5

Sheltered Science 
Area

A sheltered multipurpose workshop that extends over two decks with access to the 
aft main deck and starboard deck work areas.

40

4.5

Underway Seawater 
Laboratory 

A specialised laboratory to accommodate permanently fitted instruments to 
measure seawater properties while the vessel is underway. Located adjacent to the 
Hydrochemistry Laboratory (no direct access).

12

5







General equipment and capability

A-Frame (back deck)

RV Investigator is equipped with a Triplex 20 t 
A-Frame to deploy large equipment. It has a height 
of 9.4 m, a width of 5.3 m and a 170° swing range.

Circulating clean seawater

Clean seawater is supplied to all Main Deck laboratories.

Deck seawater supply

A constant supply of seawater is supplied to the 
back deck, container spaces, deck Level 02 and 
the General Purpose Wet (Dirty) Laboratory.

Container laboratories

Hazmat Locker

A specialised container for the bulk storage of toxic, 
corrosive and flammable chemicals. Substances that can 
be stored include concentrated acids, formaldehyde, 
formalin, ethanol and acetone.

Laboratory Clean Container

Specialised container for conducting trace metal work. 
It can be used for chemical and biological oceanography, 
atmospheric science and geoscience research.

Radiation Laboratory Container

Specialised container for use of low-level radioisotopes.

Trace Metal CTD Container

Specialised clean container for the storage of the trace 
metal CTD rosette.

Coring Facility Container

Container to store the long and short sediment 
core equipment.

Cranes

Main working crane

The main working crane can lift 25 t at a reach of 12 m 
and 5 t at 20 m. Note that the main crane cannot be 
operated at sea.

Stores crane

Located on the forward deck, the stores crane is used to 
resupply the ship and is capability of lifting 5 t at 10 m.

Utility crane

Two aft deck utility cranes on each side of the ship 
are used for moving and deploying equipment.

Drop keels

Two drop keels are located behind the gondola. 
The drops keels contain:

• 360° optical camera for monitoring 
scientific equipment and marine life
• Water intake to collect uncontaminated seawater samples
• Simrad EK80 scientific echosounder with 
transducers working at 18 kHz, 38 kHz, 
70 kHz, 120 kHz, 200 kHz, and 333 kHz
• Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) 
38 kHz, 75 kHz, and 150 kHz
• Hydrophones
• Spare mounting location for voyage-specific equipment.


Walk in cool rooms and freezers

The vessel has a walk-in cool room, walk-in freezer 
and two -80° C freezers located on Main Deck. It also 
has a saltwater ice making machine and blast freezer. 
Liquid nitrogen storage can be accommodated.

Dual axis Doppler log

A Skipper DL21 Doppler log is located in the 
gondola 1.2 m below the hull. It measures the 
speed of the ship through the water.

Electronic balances

Various motion compensated electronic 
balances are available including:

• Light duty – 3 kg
• Medium duty – 15 kg
• Heavy duty – 80 kg.


Fume cupboards and hazardous materials lockers

Fume cupboards and hazmat lockers are available for 
working with and storing hazardous materials. These are 
located in the General Purpose Wet Laboratory (Dirty), 
General Purpose Wet Laboratory (Clean), General Purpose 
Dry Laboratory (Clean), and Preservation Laboratory.

Gondola

Underneath the bow is a hydrodynamically designed 
structure called a gondola. This sits 1.2 m below the hull and 
contains the vessel’s advanced acoustic equipment including 
three multibeam echosounders and a sub-bottom profiler.



Laboratory freshwater

Hot and cold freshwater is supplied to all laboratories 
and working decks.

Laminar flow cabinets

Laminar flow cabinets provide a clean air environment 
for undertaking contamination sensitive analyses. 
Cabinets are present in clean laboratories and can also 
be installed in other laboratories for specific projects.

Milli-Q systems

An ultra-pure filter for water used in laboratories. 
Systems available in Hydrochemistry Laboratory, 
Preservation Laboratory, General Purpose Wet 
Laboratory (Clean) and General Purpose Dry Laboratory 
(Clean) where trace metal analysis can be done.

Portable capstan

A portable 1 t capstan is available for winding in ropes and 
wires. Used for the deployment and retrieval of equipment.

Side towing booms (two each side)

Used for deploying, towing and retrieving 
equipment, with two located on the bow and two 
on the stern of the ship. These can be used to deploy 
atmospheric equipment. The forward booms can 
deploy equipment clear of the vessel wake.

Stern gallows

These are used to deploy and retrieve nets and dredges. 
They are located either side of the A-Frame on the 
Back Deck.

12 kHz transducer

This transducer is a transmitting and listening device 
used to communicate with moorings and pingers to 
determine the distance that equipment is above the 
sea floor or from the ship.

Ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic 
positioning system

The USBL system determines the position of 
instruments deployed off the side or the stern of the 
ship, reporting their position relative to the ship.

Winches

Coring winch

Located in the winch room with 8400 m synthetic rope. 
It can be deployed through the A-Frame or the corer boom.

CTD winches x 2

Both CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth 
instrument) winches have 7000 m of wire and 
can deploy CTD equipment from the CTD boom 
in the CTD Laboratory or the corer boom on the 
starboard side. These have conducting wires.

HOTS – Heavy Ocean Towing System

Located in the winch room, this system provides a fibre 
optic cable to allow fully instrumented deployments 
of heavy towed equipment down to 6500 m.

Hydrographic winch

Located in the winch room, it has 5400 m of 
synthetic rope and is used for light sediment grabs, 
light grabs and as a general-purpose winch.

Net drum

Located above the back deck on Level 02, this is an 
open drum that can be used for the deployment and 
recovery of nets, and to deploy and recover moorings.

Towed body winch

Located in the winch room, it has 6000 m of fibre optic 
and conducting wire for towing the TRIAXUS, Multinet and 
towed camera systems. It is deployed through the A-Frame.

Trawl winches x 2

Located underneath the gallows below the Back Deck, 
these provide 8400 m of steel cable for trawling and 
dredging operations.

Utility winches – working decks

Utility winches are located underneath the net drum 
platform above the Back Deck.

Working air systems

A compressed air system is available in all laboratories.



Image: Andrew Martini

Atmospheric 
research

RV Investigator is the first Australian 
research vessel with laboratories 
dedicated to analysing the interaction 
between the ocean and atmosphere. 
Its dedicated atmospheric research 
capabilities include a new generation 
weather radar, Air Chemistry 
Laboratory and Aerosol Laboratory, 
and space for two dedicated container 
laboratories on the Foredeck.

The vessel’s 1.75 t C-band Doppler weather radar is mounted 
within a protective dome on top of the main mast. It sends 
and receives 800 microwave pulses per second, which 
collect information about the number, size, shape and 
movement of rain, hail, ice and snow. RV Investigator has 
an extensive suite of meteorological instruments on board 
to measure wind speed and direction, air temperature 
and humidity, rainfall, radiation and atmospheric pressure.

While at sea, a specially designed air sampling 
system on the foremast continuously draws air into 
the atmospheric research laboratories for analysis. 
From these laboratories, a suite of instrumentation is 
operated, and additional user-supplied instrumentation 
can be connected to the vessel’s scientific air supply.



Atmospheric equipment and capability

Air sampling system

This system starts with an air intake vent attached 
to the foremast, which collects clean air from the 
atmosphere, and pumps it to the Aerosol Laboratory 
and then onto the Air Chemistry Laboratory.

Atmospheric nephelometer

This uses reflected light to measure suspended particles 
in the air. It provides continuous measurement of aerosol 
light scattering coefficient. A pump located near the 
Air Chemistry Laboratory draws air through the system.

Black carbon aethalometer

This measures the ability of particles to absorb light 
at 7 wavelengths.

Cloud condensation nuclei counter

This analyses the ability of particles to nucleate 
cloud droplets by measuring the count and size of 
individual aerosol particles that can form droplets.

Condensation particle counters

A suite of condensation particle counters measure the 
total concentration of particles sized as small as 2.5 nm.

Greenhouse gas spectrometers

Used to measure and analyse the atmospheric trace gases: 
CO2, methane, carbon monoxide and water vapour.

Mobility Particle Size Spectrometer (MPSS)

The MPSS measures the size distribution (via electrical 
mobility) of particles in the range 10–800 nm. 

MRR-Pro micro rain radar

A stand-alone meteorological radar profiler for 
investigations of precipitation and cloud dynamics.

Meteorological instrument suite

A range of meteorological data are captured 
via the following systems:

• RM Young 05106 propeller anemometer 
(propeller and vane type wind sensors)
• Gill Ultrasonic Wind Observer II ultrasonic 
anemometer (ultrasonic wind sensor)
• Temp Sensors are Rotronic HC2A
• RM Young 50203 siphoning rain gauge
• Licor LI-190 PAR (photosynthetically 
active radiation) sensor 
• Eppley Precision Infrared Radiometer
• Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer 
(ultraviolet radiation)
• Vaisala PTB330 Digital Barometer (atmospheric pressure)
• Eigenbrodt OceanRAIN Disdrometer
• Campbell Scientific CSAT3 3D Sonic Anemometer.


Ozone monitor

Instrument to measure atmospheric ozone 
levels near the earth’s surface. 

Radon detector

Instrument to measure the presence and amount of radon 
gas, an invisible, tasteless and odourless radioactive gas.

Stabilised platform container

A motion compensated gimbal housed within a shipping 
container provides a platform for mounting a Cloud 
Radar or similar equipment. A fixed plinth provides 
a convenient mount for colocating a cloud lidar.

Weather research radar

RV Investigator continuously operates a 250 kW 
C-band (5 cm), simultaneous dual polarization 
Doppler weather surveillance and research radar. 
This gathers precipitation data from 20 km over 
the ocean and a 150 km radius from the vessel.



Image: Museums Victoria–Robert French

Biological 
research 

RV Investigator offers marine biologists 
and ecologists an impressive capability 
to study life in our oceans. The vessel 
possesses advanced systems for 
quantifying biomass and collecting 
biological samples from anywhere in 
the water column and from the seafloor. 
Using the vessel’s CTD (conductivity, 
temperature and depth) capabilities, 
researchers can collect water samples to 
depths of 6000 m to study phytoplankton 
and other biological parameters.

RV Investigator is fitted with the latest fish assessment 
sonar to measure biomass to depths of 3000 m. Towed 
camera systems are available to capture in real-time 
high-resolution imagery – both still images and video 
– of the seafloor to depths of 3900 m. Combined with 
the seafloor mapping technology, this offers researchers 
the ability to gather significant insights into marine 
biodiversity, seafloor habitats and ocean ecosystems. 

The vessel possesses a wide range of sampling equipment, 
from small fine gauge surface nets to large ocean trawling 
nets and benthic sleds. These can be used to collect 
specimens down to 5000 m. Grabs and multi-corers can be 
deployed to collect sediment samples to study seafloor life. 
RV Investigator possesses incubation facilities to keep alive 
species, such as krill, for further studies or transportation 
to land-based laboratories. Refrigeration facilities are 
available onboard to store seafloor sediment samples.



Biological equipment and capability

Bongo nets

The Bongo net system consists of two 600 mm 
diameter rings connected by a central axle. Nets are 
a very fine tubular mesh to sample plankton.

Brenke sled

Epibenthic sled used to collect fauna from 
two distinct heights above the seafloor on 
smooth and gently sloping terrain.

Corer boom

Located on the starboard side outside the Sheltered 
Science Area, this boom is used for deploying 
the sediment coring system, benthic grabs, 
bongo nets and other scientific equipment.

Deck incubators

The vessel offers 3 deck incubation units. Each unit 
has a 300 L tank and can maintain water temperatures 
between 2 and 34°C, depending on the ambient 
conditions. These can be used for conducting experiments 
and observations of phytoplankton activity.

Deep water camera systems

Two submersible camera platforms are available 
to capture high quality video and still images of 
seafloor species, habitats and features. The deep 
towed camera is a towed system that can be deployed 
to 3900 m. The drop camera is a vertically deployed 
system with a maximum depth of 5000 m.

Dissecting microscopes

Dissecting microscopes are available for general 
laboratory use.

Electronic fish measuring boards

High resolution device used for measuring fish samples.

HydroBios multinet

A system of multiple fine mesh nets and sensors that 
can be opened at different depths. System is towed 
behind the ship and used for sampling areas of the 
water column at various depths up to 6000 m.

Fish finding sonar

The Simrad SH90 is an omnidirectional echo sounder 
which allows the water column to be scanned for biomass 
in all directions. It can be used to detect fish and krill 
schools close to the surface and map their distribution. 
It can also be used to map rapid changes in depth while 
swath mapping.

Laboratory incubators

The vessel has two 300 L Steridium incubators 
that can be located in laboratories. These are 
controlled light and temperature incubators.

Multibeam scientific echo sounder system

The Kongsberg ME70 is a multibeam echo sounder located 
in the gondola and used for biomass estimation in the 
water column. It spreads a signal in a fan shape to 120°, 
collecting data to 500 m depth and 3000 m wide.

Multi-frequency scientific split-beam echo sounders

The Simrad EK80 echosounder is utilised for biomass 
estimation in the water column. The narrow‑band 
system can operate in 6 frequency bands: 18 kHz, 38 kHz, 
70 kHz, 120 kHz, 200 kHz and 333 kHz. This system 
is permanently mounted in the port drop keel.

Sherman sleds

An epibenthic sled used to sample benthic organisms 
over rough areas of seafloor such as seamounts.

Trawl mensuration and monitoring systems

A device to assist in the collection of data associated 
with the trawl net. Used to ascertain the height, 
width and depth of the mouth of the net.

Trawl nets

The MNF has access to benthic beam, pelagic, demersal, 
and rectangular midwater trawl nets. These can 
be deployed to sample habitats from the sea floor 
to near surface waters. A Midwater Open‑Close 
(MIDOC) system with six cod ends can be used with 
pelagic trawls to perform stratified sampling.



Geoscience 
research

Australia has the third largest ocean 
territory in the world but only 35 percent 
of the seafloor in our Exclusive Economic 
Zone has been mapped to modern 
standards. RV Investigator is working to 
change that and provides researchers 
with the capability to map, sample and 
investigate the seafloor anywhere in 
our region. This includes the capability 
to deploy seafloor sampling equipment, 
such as sleds, dredges and corers, to 
depths of over 6000 m. The vessel’s giant 
piston corer can collect sediment samples 
up to 24 m long at depths to 6500 m.

Our geoscience capabilities are built around a suite 
of 3 advanced multibeam echosounders that enable 
seafloor mapping to full ocean depth. These systems 
are permanently mounted in the vessel’s gondola 
along with a sub-bottom profiler, which can be 
operated simultaneously. This enables high resolution 
seafloor mapping from shallow coastal regions to the 
deep ocean, revealing seafloor features, structure 
and composition. This also provides maritime 
archaeologists the capability to locate and investigate 
shipwrecks and other submerged cultural heritage.

Paired with this equipment is the capability to 
probe the structure of the seabed below using the 
vessel’s sub-bottom profiler and small-scale seismic 
acquisition system. RV Investigator also possesses a 
gravity meter to study large geological features in the 
earth below our oceans. Equipment can be towed behind 
the vessel, such as magnetometers and side scan sonars, 
to collect additional geophysical data. Deep towed 
and drop camera systems can also be deployed to 
capture still and video imagery of the seafloor.



Geoscience equipment and capability

Box corers

KC and BX700 box corers are available for sampling soft 
to medium consistency sediments to investigate benthic 
fauna, geochemical processes and sedimentology.

Corer boom

A starboard boom for the deployment of equipment 
from the side of the vessel. It can be used for 
deploying equipment including long and short 
sediment corers and benthic grabs.

Full ocean depth multibeam echosounder

The Kongsberg EM124 is a deep‑water 3D seafloor 
mapping system capable of working from 
100 m to full ocean depth of 11,000 m.

Gravity meter

The Micro-g LaCoste Air-Sea System II is a 
gyroscopically stabilised instrument used to 
measure variations in the Earth’s gravitational field.

Kasten corer 

The Kasten corer provides core sample for sampling 
(up to 4 m) on board and as a site selection aid for 
the Piston Corer.

Magnetometer

The Marine Magnetics SeaSPY2 marine magnetometer 
measures the Earth’s total magnetic field and detects 
variations in the field caused by geological and man-made 
(ferrous metal) influences.

Mid-water multibeam echosounder

The Kongsberg EM712 is a high-resolution seafloor 
mapping system with a flexible configuration for acquiring 
bathymetry and back scatter data down to 2000 m.

Multicorer

The multicorer takes multiple sediment samples in a 
single deployment to a depth of 600 mm capturing 
sediment and bottom water below seafloor. 

RapidCast system

The Teledyne rapidCAST system is utilised primarily 
to provide sound velocity corrections to the 
vessel’s seafloor mapping echosounders.

Rock dredges

A robust sampling tool designed to collect rocks from 
the seafloor. Two rock saws are available to support rock 
dredging operations.

Sediment coring system

A complete sediment coring and winch system 
that collects cores up to 24 m in length. The corer 
is deployed by winches and a dedicated handler 
on the starboard side of the main deck. It can 
be deployed as a piston or gravity corer.

Seismic acquisition system 

The seismic acquisition system is used to acquire 
seismic reflection information of the seafloor. 
The system has a 600 m long, 48-channel, GeoEel 
streamer with 12.5 m group spacing typically towed 
at 4 kts. Note that seismic acquisition operations 
can only be undertaken during daylight hours.

Shallow water multibeam echosounder

The Kongsberg EM2040 MKII is a wideband ultra‑high 
resolution system used to capture bathymetry and 
backscatter in shallow water down to 200 m.

Smith McIntyre grab

A sediment sampling device that uses bucket-like 
jaws to collect soft to medium density sediment.

Sub-bottom profiler

The Kongsberg SBP29 is a narrow beam sub-bottom 
profiler used to investigate composition below the seafloor 
with penetration down to 200 m. It can be operated in 
conjunction with the vessel’s multibeam echosounders.

XBT system 

XBT (expendable bathythermographs) launch and 
data retrieval system using Deep Blue XBT. XBT can be 
launched by hand (singly) or using the XBT launcher. 
Deployed to collect water temperature profiles 
to allow calculation of sound velocity data.



Image: Thomas Moore

Oceanographic 
research

We offer a wide range of physical, 
biological and biogeochemical 
oceanographic research capability. 
RV Investigator has a suite of advanced 
oceanographic instrumentation as well 
as the capacity to deploy a range of ocean 
monitoring equipment, such as TRIAXUS 
instrument and autonomous underwater 
vehicles. The vessel’s deck capacity means 
it can recover and deploy multiple large 
ocean moorings on a single voyage.

RV Investigator’s oceanographic capabilities include 
a CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) rosette 
in 24 and 36 water sampling bottle configurations 
(12 L per bottle). The CTD can be fitted with a variety of 
instruments measure ocean properties and can collect 
water samples to depths of 6000 m. The vessel’s drop 
keels are fitted with acoustic Doppler current profilers 
(ACDP) – high (150 kHz) and low (38 and 75 kHz) frequency 
– to measure water current velocities. One drop keel 
can also be fitted with voyage-specific equipment.

The vessel provides researchers with the capability 
to accurately study trace elements in seawater. 
Facilities to support these studies include containerised 
cleanroom laboratories, a separate trace-metal‑clean 
CTD system for collecting water samples, and a 
trace‑metal-clean pump to bring surface seawater 
onto the vessel with the least possible contamination. 
We also have MilliQ water suitable for trace metal 
analysis. There are several dedicated oceanographic 
laboratory spaces including the Hydrochemistry 
Laboratory and Underway Seawater Laboratory.



Oceanographic equipment and capability

Hydrochemistry Laboratory

A dedicated hydrochemistry laboratory which 
specialises in measurement of macro‑nutrients, 
dissolved oxygen and salinity. 

CTD

An instrument used to profile the conductivity, 
temperature and depth of the water column, to a 
maximum depth of 6000 m. Extra sensors can be added 
to measure other variables such as phytoplankton, 
oxygen fluorescence and turbidity. 

24 bottle carousel and frame

A cluster of 24 water sample bottles (12 L per bottle) 
and sensors that is attached to a Seabird 911 CTD.

36 bottle carousel and frame

A cluster of 36 water sample bottles (12 L per bottle) 
and sensors that is attached to a Seabird 911 CTD.

CTD Laboratory

The CTD Laboratory is a complete system for CTD deployment 
and recovery. It includes a boom that extends from the 
starboard side of the vessel via a vertically opening door.

TRIAXUS

Triaxus is a remotely pilotable towed vehicle capable of 
carrying a variety of instrumentation. Constant depth 
towing or undulating profiles are possible. Typically, 
undulations from the surface to 200 m are possible at 
8 kts, with slower speeds for deeper profiles and faster 
for constant-depth towing. Maximum achievable depth 
is typically 350 m at vessel speed 6kts.

Trace Metal Systems

Trace metal CTD system

A specialised clean system that includes a trace metal clean 
winch and 12 bottle trace metal CTD. The Hydrographic 
winch provides for deployment to 6000 m depth. Two Trace 
Metal Clean Containerised Laboratories are available for 
sampling and analysis.

Trace metal in-situ pumps (ISP)

These are specialised water sampling instruments deployed 
using the Hydrographic Winch. It filters large volumes of sea 
water (1000 L over 1–2 hours) to capture particles. Filters are 
then analysed for trace elements, as well as other marine 
particles such as organic carbon and phytoplankton.

Underway seawater supplies

RV Investigator has four science seawater pumps and associated 
pipework to suit a variety of requirements. Water is drawn from 
a single titanium intake for the Underway Instrument Clean, 
Circulating Clean and Trace Metal Clean systems on the 
Port Drop Keel, from which dedicated pumps and pipework 
deliver seawater to the instrumentation.

Underway instrument clean seawater

120 litres per minute is provided to the Underway Seawater 
Laboratory and CTD Laboratory, primarily for the MNF’s 
dedicated underway seawater instrumentation suite.

Circulating clean seawater

120 litres per minute is supplied to the majority of 
labs and workspaces on the Main Deck for use by 
voyage specific and guest instrumentation.

Trace metal clean seawater

An air driven Teflon piston pump supplies up to 100 litres 
per minute of seawater via metal-free pipework to 
the labs and workspaces on the Main Deck for use 
by voyage specific and guest instrumentation.

Raw seawater

This is not part of the clean seawater systems. Seawater is 
drawn from machinery cooling sea chests and supplied to the 
majority of labs on main deck and incubation tanks on 02 level.

Underway seawater analysis Instrumentation

Sea surface temperature radiometer

The infrared sea surface temperature autonomous 
radiometer (ISAR) provides accurate and reliable 
measurements of the radiative sea surface temperature.

Sound velocity probe

The sound velocity probe is an integral part of the seafloor 
mapping sonar systems. It is mounted in the Drop Keel and 
used to measure the speed of sound in water. 

Sea surface temperature probe

This is mounted in the Drop Keel to take accurate 
measurements of the sea temperature (mix layer) just 
below the vessel hull.

Thermosalinograph

Continually measures surface temperature and salinity 
along the track of the ship using the underway seawater 
system originating in the drop keel. This is located 
in the Underway Seawater Lab on Main Deck.

Fluorometers

Used to measure fluorescence from which an estimate 
of the chlorophyll concentration can be inferred. This is 
located in the Underway Seawater Lab on Main Deck.

Oxygen optode

This measures the oxygen concentration in the water. This is 
located in the Underway Seawater Lab on Main Deck.

pCO2 system

The concentration of dissolved CO2 is continually measured, 
with regular calibration provided by a suite of reference gases. 
This is located in the Underway Seawater Lab on Main Deck.



Information technology 
and data capabilities

VSAT system

Data communications is via VSAT. Our base level 
VSAT bandwidth is 6 Mbps down/4.5 Mbps up. 
Internet access is provided to all voyage participants 
via vessel Wi-Fi network, and prioritised access can 
be arranged for critical activities. VSAT, Iridium and 
4G (near shore) options are available for voice calls.

Video broadcasts

The vessel can support high quality video broadcasts for 
live media, education and outreach activities. These can 
be delivered via a variety of platforms. A dedicated 
video conference room is available on board.

Video streaming

RV Investigator has a continuous live stream 
(broadcast to MNF website) from the vessel’s deck Level 05 
external camera. Additional live streams can be broadcast 
simultaneously from other cameras, including feed from 
deployed camera systems such as the deep towed camera. 

Data accessibility

The vessel offers a centralised voyage archive, 
500 Tb of onboard storage, and live dashboards of 
all core underway data feeds (available to participant 
smart devices). Large data transfers to shore can 
be facilitated via CSIRO’s public FTP site.



Image: Maren Preuss

Image: Huw Morgan

Promoting innovation 
in marine research

With the increasingly rapid rate of technological 
change and growth in partner demands, focusing 
on developing technology and stimulating 
innovation has never been more critical. 

We seek to match the pace of emerging technologies 
and research needs. Our Streams of access provide a 
pathway for collaborative research aimed at value‑adding 
capability to enhance our ability to manage our 
marine environment and grow the Blue Economy.

Our goal is to play an active role in promoting 
and adopting innovation in marine technology. 
Our capability enhancement is informed by 
consultation with the research community including 
engaging with subject matter experts through our 
Technology and Innovation Advisory Group (TIAG).

Fostering 
education 
and training

We are committed to developing the next generation 
of marine scientists and experts. We seek to actively 
foster education and training opportunities through 
targeted programs, such as the unique CAPSTAN 
tertiary at-sea training program, as well as by 
encouraging student participation on every voyage.

We acknowledge and respect the Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander people, our nation’s first 
scientists and the Traditional Owners of the land 
and sea country of Australia. Our objective is to 
actively partner with Indigenous peoples to embed 
their participation in the research, management and 
prosperity of Australia’s marine environment.



Applying for sea time

Researchers can access fully funded grants of sea time to conduct research on 
RV Investigator through the Granted Voyage program. This program is funded 
by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research 
Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

Indicative value of grants of 
sea time (2024–25): $130K/day

Applications for grants of sea time can be made 
by Australian researchers and their international 
collaborators via three pathways: 

Primary Applications

A Primary Application call is used to build the 
primary voyage schedule for each financial 
year. This is an annual call made two years in 
advance of the start of the available period. 

Successful applicants are generally announced 
at least 18 months prior to delivery of voyages. 

Supplementary Applications

A Supplementary Application call is used to fill 
unused capacity in the Primary Voyage Schedule 
built from the Primary Application process. This is 
an annual call made approximately one year in 
advance of the start of the available period.

Supplementary Applications are generally invited at 
the time the Primary Voyage Schedule is announced.

Piggyback Applications

A Piggyback Application call is used to fill any 
remaining capacity in the Voyage Schedule or where 
projects of national benefit, that require little or 
no additional resourcing, can be incorporated. 

Piggyback Applications can be discussed with 
the Marine National Facility at any time.

Apply here

To apply for sea time, you must first register 
for an account in our online application portal, 
MFP – Marine Facilities Planning system. 
Applications can then be made through one of 
five access Streams.

For more information visit mfp.csiro.au



Image: Cass Erbs

Streams of access

There are five Streams of access to sea time on 
RV Investigator. These support the selection of 
research to meet national priorities and the 
diverse needs of our research community.

Stream 1: Policy‑driven research, for proposals that directly 
inform and influence critical public policies and programs, 
where the identified policy driver and appropriate 
end‑user co-design the project and pathways to impact.

Stream 2: Discipline-driven research, for proposals 
with the primary purpose of advancing scientific 
knowledge that do not directly address policy‑driven 
priorities while still delivering national benefits.

Stream 3: Strategic partnerships with national 
publicly funded programs or institutions that rely on 
regular access to MNF capabilities to support data 
and sample collection in the national interest.

Stream 4: Technology and innovation projects, 
for proposals to develop and test innovative technology.

Stream 5: User-funded research, for proposals 
that are in the national interest and rely on 
RV Investigator’s specific capabilities.

Awarding sea time

The Marine National Facility seeks to maximise 
the utility and benefit from all its resources.

Primary and Supplementary Applications are 
competitively assessed by independent committees 
who consider the research quality and national 
benefit of the proposed project. Collaboration, 
student training, Indigenous participation and public 
outreach are highly regarded in proposals.

Piggyback proposals (prior to an application 
being made) are considered directly by the Marine 
National Facility in consultation with the relevant 
Chief Scientist and other voyage partners.



Image: Museums Victoria–Robert French

Our return on investment

Achieving our mission

Our research is driven by national research priorities 
and seeks to solve the greatest challenges through 
innovative science and technology. We strive to 
deliver science with impact and connect our end‑users 
– government, industry and community – with the 
knowledge to inform evidence-based decision making 
about our marine environment and industries.

At the forefront of all our work is an unwavering 
commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing 
of our people and the environment. 

We seek to go the extra nautical mile to enable, 
deliver and ensure the success of your research.

Delivering national benefit

RV Investigator is a valuable element of research 
infrastructure for Australia’s people and economy. 
The research we deliver provides significant 
insights about our oceans, weather and climate, 
marine geology and marine ecosystems. 

Our research partners are expected to help promote 
and raise public awareness of their research and 
Australia’s incredible marine environment. This is in 
addition to their obligations for reporting research 
outputs and outcomes to the Marine National Facility.

The uptake of this new knowledge has matured 
the nation’s situational awareness and furnished 
evidence‑based data for improved resource 
and ecosystem management, as well as policy 
development and planning that affects the 
marine environment. Furthermore, RV Investigator 
provides both important capability development 
opportunities for students and a platform for the 
development of innovative marine technologies. 

Independent economic impact analysis conservatively 
estimates the Benefit-to-Cost Ratio (BCR) of the 
Marine National Facility at 3.3–7.3. That is, for every $1.00 
invested in the Marine National Facility, benefits worth 
at least $3.30–$7.30 are returned to the nation.



Contact us

1300 363 400
csiro.au/contact
csiro.au

Mailing list

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the 
Marine National Facility, including when calls are 
made for applications for sea time on RV Investigator.

mnf.csiro.au

CSIRO Marine National Facility
+61 3 6232 5222
mnf@csiro.au
mnf.csiro.au

As Australia’s national science agency, 
CSIRO is solving the greatest 
challenges through innovative 
science and technology.

CSIRO. Creating a better future 
for everyone.