Ocean Literacy · Early-Career Voices

From Uncertainty to Purpose: How One Voyage Changed My Direction in Marine Science

Thirteen days at sea aboard RV Investigator, from Fremantle to Hobart, turned a set of open questions about a career in marine science into something much closer to an answer.

By Te Huika Mason  |  Curtin University

Before stepping aboard CSIRO's research vessel RV Investigator, I knew I loved marine science, but I was not completely certain where I wanted my career to lead. Like many university students, I have broad interests and plenty of questions about what working in marine science actually looks like outside the classroom. CAPSTAN changed that.

Earlier this year, I was fortunate to be selected as one of 20 students from universities across Australia to take part in CAPSTAN, a national sea-training program delivered by CSIRO, the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and the Australian and New Zealand International Scientific Drilling Consortium. Over 13 days we sailed from Fremantle to Hobart aboard RV Investigator, one of Australia's premier ocean research vessels, gaining hands-on experience across multiple disciplines of marine science.

As a Curtin University student studying Coastal and Marine Science alongside Environmental Science, this opportunity was unlike anything I had experienced before. It offered far more than simply observing research. It allowed us to become part of it.

Learning the work by doing it

Throughout the voyage we were immersed in the daily operations of an active research vessel. Every day brought new challenges and learning opportunities. We assisted with conductivity, temperature and depth deployments to collect water column data, prepared sampling equipment, filtered chlorophyll samples, collected environmental DNA, analysed seawater for nutrients and dissolved oxygen, and took part in oceanographic sampling at locations including Bremer Canyon and along the Bonney Coast.

Working alongside scientists from a range of disciplines highlighted just how collaborative marine science really is. Physical oceanographers, marine ecologists, geochemists, biologists and technicians all contributed different expertise to answer complex scientific questions. Watching these teams work together demonstrated that understanding our oceans requires many different perspectives and skill sets.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the voyage was seeing the connection between the data we collected and the larger scientific questions being investigated. Every sample, every instrument deployment and every observation contributed to long-term research that helps improve our understanding of Australia's marine environments. It reinforced that even routine tasks on board play an important role in producing reliable scientific outcomes.

Life on a working ship

Life aboard RV Investigator was also an unforgettable experience. Research at sea operates around the clock, and every member of the scientific team contributes to keeping operations running safely and efficiently. Living and working alongside scientists, technicians, crew members and fellow students created an environment where learning never stopped. Whether it was during sampling operations on deck, processing samples in the laboratories or conversations over meals, there was always an opportunity to ask questions and learn from people with years of experience.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I took away was not technical. It was personal. Before CAPSTAN, I was still exploring which area of marine science I wanted to pursue professionally. The voyage exposed me to a wide range of research disciplines, from biological and chemical oceanography through to marine geology and operational oceanography. Rather than narrowing my interests, it showed me how interconnected these fields are, and confirmed that I enjoy working across multiple areas of marine science.

The experience also strengthened my interest in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research. Learning about large-scale ocean processes, biodiversity and Australia's marine ecosystems while collecting data in real-world conditions gave me a much greater appreciation for the importance of ongoing ocean observation.

The voyage was truly incredible. I gained valuable hands-on, real-world experience in marine science and fieldwork while being directly involved in research activities at sea. More than anything, it confirmed for me that this is genuinely the environment and direction I want to pursue professionally.

Te Huika Mason, quoted in a Curtin University media release

Communicating the science, and the people who make it

One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to present our findings to the broader voyage team. Working with other students to interpret data and communicate scientific outcomes demonstrated another important aspect of research. Science is not just about collecting data. It is also about sharing knowledge effectively.

Beyond the science itself, CAPSTAN introduced me to a network of students and researchers who all share an interest in understanding our oceans. Coming from universities across Australia, everyone brought different experiences, backgrounds and career aspirations. Those conversations, collaborations and friendships became just as valuable as the practical training.

Balancing full-time university studies with full-time work has made pursuing opportunities like CAPSTAN challenging at times, but the experience reminded me why those sacrifices are worthwhile. It reinforced my motivation to continue seeking opportunities that build practical experience alongside my studies.

Looking back, the voyage did not simply teach me new laboratory techniques or sampling methods. It gave me confidence in the direction I want to take my career. It showed me what modern marine science looks like, the dedication required to conduct research at sea, and the impact that collaborative scientific work can have on understanding and protecting our oceans.

Advice for students weighing it up

For students considering opportunities like CAPSTAN, my advice is simple: apply, even if you do not think you are the perfect candidate. Experiences like this challenge you, build your confidence and expose you to opportunities you never knew existed. They provide skills that cannot be replicated in a classroom, and introduce you to people who may become future colleagues, mentors and collaborators.

As I continue my studies, I carry with me not only the technical skills I gained aboard RV Investigator, but also a renewed sense of purpose. CAPSTAN confirmed that ship-based research, operational oceanography and multidisciplinary marine science are where I see my future. More importantly, it reminded me why I chose marine science in the first place: to better understand our oceans, and to contribute to the research that helps protect them for generations to come.

Te Huika Mason is a Coastal and Marine Science and Environmental Science student at Curtin University. SEVENSEAS Media publishes first-person accounts from early-career conservationists and researchers. If you would like to contribute, see Publish With Us.

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