Key points
- CAPSTAN offers participants hands-on training in using the scientific equipment and systems on board an ocean research vessel.
- Former CAPSTAN student Elise Tuuri talked to us about her unforgettable experience in the program.
- Applications to be involved in the upcoming voyage are now open, before closing on Tuesday 15 October.
Are you a university marine science or STEM student keen to immerse yourself in work and life at sea? The Collaborative Australian Postgraduate Sea Training Alliance Network (CAPSTAN) is for you. Participants receive hands-on training in using the scientific equipment and systems on board research vessel (RV) Investigator, Australia’s dedicated ocean research vessel.
We sat down with former CAPSTAN student Elise Tuuri, who shared some of the unforgettable moments that she experienced on board RV Investigator.
First steps onto the gangway
Elise found CAPSTAN an unbelievable experience from the first moment she stepped on the gangway.
“The chance to work aboard the RV Investigator was particularly compelling, as it promised practical insights into real-world applications beyond just what I’d learn in the classroom,” Elise said.
"I knew CAPSTAN would be a huge help in both my studies and career but there was so much more the experience gave me."
Elise said the experience boosted her confidence and prepared her to take on the role of principal investigator for the PhD project she was studying.
“The skills and knowledge I gained, the practical exposure, and the professional networks I developed on board RV Investigator have been invaluable and really solidified my passion for marine science.”
Diversity in research and people
The mixture of interests and backgrounds of all those on-board RV Investigator left a lasting impression on Elise.
“Interacting with such a diverse group of people helped expand my perspective on marine science and grow my understanding of all the various scientific disciplines,” Elise said.
“It was truly eye-opening to explore fields I hadn’t previously encountered, like geology and geophysics. I was also discovering more about the fields I knew, oceanography and plankton ecology.
“Learning from the experts and my peers about their specialised research topics was truly inspiring. It really boosted my enthusiasm for marine research.”
Wildlife encounters at sea
Elise couldn’t help but get excited whenever RV Investigator crossed paths with any of the various creatures that call the ocean home.
“In our isolated, floating community, every sighting of a new animal was a thrill,” Elise said.
“Observing species that I had never seen before was a highlight on the voyage, like witnessing a pod of long-finned pilot whales feeding. The vast expanse of the ocean made each wildlife encounter a special experience worthy of celebration.”
One encounter in particular left Elise mesmerised.
“Witnessing a group of squid glowing in the water during a night shift and the glimmering trails they left behind was absolutely magical.
“It felt surreal to witness such a unique phenomenon. Knowing that not many people ever have the chance to see this incredible display of nature made my appreciation of it so much greater.”
CAPSTAN offers new horizons
Embarking on her first ever voyage, Elise couldn’t wait to start her CAPSTAN adventure.
“Our departure from Fremantle was so exciting,” Elise said.
The calm sea and bright sunshine as they were boarding was made even more amazing by a flurry of butterflies around the boat. These perfect conditions made Elise even more keen for the journey ahead. The return to Hobart was just as amazing for Elise and gave her the perfect chance to reflect on everything she had achieved on the voyage.
“As we neared the coastline for the first time in over a week, the beautiful scenery of the area left a lasting impression on me.
“The sunset over the Mewstone, a rocky island off the coast of Tasmania, a pod of dolphins riding the waves and a flock of albatross following the vessel made for a truly unforgettable finale to my time on the RV Investigator.”
CAPSTAN is a maritime education and training initiative of CSIRO, the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the Australian and New Zealand International Scientific Drilling Consortium (ANZIC).
The program also offers opportunities for trainers to get valuable experience at sea while helping shape the next generation of marine experts for Australia.
Applications for the upcoming CAPSTAN voyage in March 2025 close on Tuesday 15 October.