Unlock your at-sea scientist
As a CAPSTAN student, you will actively participate in all aspects of pre-voyage and at-sea training under the guidance of CAPSTAN trainers, CSIRO staff and the ship's crew. This includes workshops and seminars, sample and data collection at sea, shift work, and assessment tasks. You are required to positively engage with staff to complete the on-boarding tasks required of all voyage participants in preparation for the voyage.
This position is not paid. If you are from a subscribing university, the CAPSTAN program will cover the cost of your travel to and from the city of departure and arrival, as well as your accommodation for the period of the program.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a relevant degree at an Australian University at the time of the voyage.
- Ability to pass a sea-going medical.
- Placements will be prioritised for postgraduate students but undergraduate student placements will also be offered, at the discretion of the CAPSTAN Steering Committee.
Current voyage opportunities - Apply now!
CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06 APPLICATION CALL
OPEN: Tuesday 1 July 2025 at 12:01 AM AEST
CLOSE: Monday 1 September 2025 at 11:59 PM AEST
Applications are now invited for 2026 CAPSTAN voyage opportunities. This is a combined application round and offers two voyage opportunities in 2026: CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06. Details for each voyage are provided below.
Applications are invited from interested university students and trainers, including a voyage Chief Scientist.
The application period will close on Monday 1 September at 11:59 PM AEST.
CAPSTAN 05
- Fremantle to Hobart - 12 days
- Departs: 23 April 2026 (Fremantle)*
- Arrives: 4 May 2026 (Hobart)
* Participants will be required to be in Fremantle by 19 April 2026.
CAPSTAN 06
- Brisbane to Fiji - 10 days
- Departs: 17 September 2026 (Brisbane)*
- Arrives: 26 September 2026 (Fiji)
* Participants will be required to be in Brisbane by 13 September 2026.
Apply for CAPSTAN
- Create your account in the Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) portal, and
- Select the CAPSTAN section and complete your application.
Submit an application to be a CAPSTAN student [via MFP Portal]
Unlock your at-sea scientist
As a CAPSTAN student, you will actively participate in all aspects of pre-voyage and at-sea training under the guidance of CAPSTAN trainers, CSIRO staff and the ship's crew. This includes workshops and seminars, sample and data collection at sea, shift work, and assessment tasks. You are required to positively engage with staff to complete the on-boarding tasks required of all voyage participants in preparation for the voyage.
This position is not paid. If you are from a subscribing university, the CAPSTAN program will cover the cost of your travel to and from the city of departure and arrival, as well as your accommodation for the period of the program.
Eligibility
- Enrolled in a relevant degree at an Australian University at the time of the voyage.
- Ability to pass a sea-going medical.
- Placements will be prioritised for postgraduate students but undergraduate student placements will also be offered, at the discretion of the CAPSTAN Steering Committee.
Current voyage opportunities - Apply now!
CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06 APPLICATION CALL
OPEN: Tuesday 1 July 2025 at 12:01 AM AEST
CLOSE: Monday 1 September 2025 at 11:59 PM AEST
Applications are now invited for 2026 CAPSTAN voyage opportunities. This is a combined application round and offers two voyage opportunities in 2026: CAPSTAN 05 and CAPSTAN 06. Details for each voyage are provided below.
Applications are invited from interested university students and trainers, including a voyage Chief Scientist.
The application period will close on Monday 1 September at 11:59 PM AEST.
CAPSTAN 05
- Fremantle to Hobart - 12 days
- Departs: 23 April 2026 (Fremantle)*
- Arrives: 4 May 2026 (Hobart)
* Participants will be required to be in Fremantle by 19 April 2026.
CAPSTAN 06
- Brisbane to Fiji - 10 days
- Departs: 17 September 2026 (Brisbane)*
- Arrives: 26 September 2026 (Fiji)
* Participants will be required to be in Brisbane by 13 September 2026.
Apply for CAPSTAN
- Create your account in the Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) portal, and
- Select the CAPSTAN section and complete your application.
Submit an application to be a CAPSTAN student [via MFP Portal]