CAPSTAN: the Collaborative Australian Sea Training Alliance Network is a first of its kind sea-based training programme for post-graduate students on-board Australia’s principal research vessel, RV Investigator.

CSIRO’s new research vessel, RV Investigator, was commissioned in 2015.

In 2017-2019, 3 pilot voyages will be run with up to 30 post-graduate students along with research active academics and trainers.

In order to help us achieve the most effective post-graduate training at sea programme, we are seeking input and advice from industry, government, tourism and academia on how to deliver the most effective training programme. We are conducting short-answer surveys with industry, government and tourism departments and organisations as well as marine science academics and students around their previous experiences, current perceptions and expected outcomes of on-board graduate training and marine science generally. We invite you to take one of the three surveys at our website. The closing date for the surveys is 1 April, 2016.

https://research.science.mq.edu.au/capstan/

Enrolments for university-enrolled marine master-level students on the first pilot mission in mid-late 2017, will open in 2017.  Keep an eye on the website for details.  A one page brochure outlining the programme is also available here.

We are currently looking for industry investment in and sponsorship of the CAPSTAN programme – we can leverage additional government funding with your support. We would also encourage you to spread the word about this exciting new programme within your professional networks.

Our current partners include.

Macquarie University · Marine National Facility -CSIRO · Geoscience Australia · Integrated Marine Observing System · Sydney Institute of Marine Science · Department of the Environment – Australian Antarctic · University of Tasmania · Australian Maritime College · University of Canberra · Australian National University · University of Sydney · University of New South Wales · University of Technology Sydney · University of Western Australia · Western Sydney University.

For more information on the project or to discuss potential involvement with the CAPSTAN programme, please contact us:

Chief Investigator:
Dr Leanne Armand
leanne.armand@mq.edu.au

Project Officer:
Dr Michael John Wilson
michael.wilson@mq.edu.au