2027 Explorer-in-Training Opportunities

Ocean Mapping

In 2027, NOAA Ocean Exploration is planning to offer six expedition-based internships focused on seafloor mapping and exploration during a 2 to 4-week expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. With only 28.7% of our world ocean’s seafloor mapped (as of April 2026) to modern standards, seafloor mapping is a national and international priority. Contributing to seafloor mapping efforts is an integral part of NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission, providing critical bathymetric data needed to achieve a baseline understanding of previously unexplored areas. As part of the team conducting mapping operations, explorers-in-training will be directly responsible for making sure that incoming data accurately represents the true seafloor. This includes monitoring data acquisition, defining instrument and sound speed processing settings, and cleaning raw data with support from experienced ocean mappers. Beyond seafloor mapping, explorers-in-training will also gain tangible skills in the use of geographic information system (GIS) software and data management, and experience what it’s like to live aboard a research vessel for multiple weeks at sea 200–700 nautical miles from shore, working with a team of colleagues from all different backgrounds.

Expedition Dates and Locations:
Tentative expedition dates, days at sea (DAS), and port locations for 2027 Explorer-in-Training opportunities are listed below. Participants must be available at least 2–3 days before and after the expedition for travel and mobilization and demobilization.

• [2027 Expedition Schedule]
• [2027 Expedition Schedule]
• [2027 Expedition Schedule]

The expedition schedule is subject to change due to federal budget appropriations, weather, mechanical issues, and other logistical challenges. Final expedition dates and locations will be communicated with selected applicants. Follow along and check for updates on the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer field season here and watch live video coverage of expeditions here.

Stipend and Travel:
Interns will receive a $208/day stipend for each day at sea, as well as reimbursement for eligible travel expenses incurred traveling to and from the ship. Stipends and approved travel reimbursements will be paid in full upon completion of the internship and return travel, and will be issued through a partnership with [Contract Company]. Receipts may be required for reimbursement. Travel advances may be available upon request from [Contract Company].

Key Activities and Learning Outcomes:

• Gain an understanding of shipboard exploration and research operations, and develop scientific, collaborative, and outreach communication skills.
• Monitor data acquisition from multibeam sonars, perform preliminary data processing, and create mapping products for live, real-time displays.
• Experience life at sea on a federal research vessel, including sharing a berthing space with others working on the vessel and coordinating shared living and working space with other scientists and mariners who may work different watches, shifts, or have different duties.
• Stand a daily 8-hour watch while at sea, working alongside experienced mapping watchleads. Watches are rotational and working hours may include overnight shifts. Time outside of the intern’s 8-hour watch shift may be spent networking with scientists and other ship personnel and includes personal time for sleep, meals, exercise, etc.
• Participate in other shipboard ocean exploration operations including the use of oceanographic sensors (e.g., CTD, navigational) and sampling techniques (e.g., water column and eDNA sampling) depending on the mission objectives.
• This internship is focused on seafloor mapping and does NOT involve participation on expeditions involving remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations.

Ideal Candidates:

• Undergraduate or graduate-level students or recent graduates.
• Applicants with a strong interest in ocean mapping, oceanography, GIS, field work, expedition operations, and/or data management.
• Applicants that are comfortable working and living in close quarters, being isolated with the mission team at sea for up to four weeks with no port calls.
• Applicants with a strong attention to detail and ability to closely follow standard operating procedures.

Ship Environment & Safety:

• The ship is a working vessel conducting 24-hour mapping operations. Participants are expected to work 8-hour shifts daily, including on weekends, and shifts may include working late hours or overnight.
• The ship is home to a 49-member crew consisting of professional mariners, engineers, stewards, NOAA Corps officers, and science staff. Participants will be living and working in shared spaces. Accommodations include shared 2 to 4-person bunk rooms and shared bathrooms. Participants will also have access to common areas including the mess hall/galley (cafeteria), library, lounge, gym, and outdoor deck spaces.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at set times. Snacks are accessible around the clock. WiFi is available throughout the ship for personal use and connecting with people on shore.
• NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer often travels through international waters and may use U.S. and international ports. Participants are required to possess a valid U.S. passport at the time of their expedition. NOAA Ocean Exploration or [Contract Company] are unable to reimburse or provide assistance for passport application or renewal fees for participants.
• Living aboard the ship may include adverse weather, seasickness, and varying stability/motion depending on sea state. Participants should be able to step over a 24-inch high door sill, walk on slippery or uneven walking surfaces, climb stairs, carry 15 lbs, don a survival suit in less than two minutes, ascend/descend a rope ladder, and hear the ship’s general alarms.
• Participants must complete an application for medical qualification to sail on a NOAA Ship, including disclosing medical conditions, medications (prescription and non-prescription), known allergies, and major surgeries, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.
• Participants must participate in detailed safety briefing at the start of the expedition and are expected to participate in weekly safety drills for emergency preparedness, including for potential abandon ship, man overboard, fire, or other emergency situations.
• 24/7 access to a limited medical facility and trained medical personnel, as well as shore-side medical advice and support for minor to emergency medical issues.
• Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are not permitted onboard the ship. Swimming off the ship is not allowed.

• Applicants must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated (within one year) from an accredited academic institution. Undergraduate applicants must be rising juniors or seniors who have completed at least two years of coursework.
  • Be pursuing or intending to pursue a degree in a field relevant to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission.
  • Be willing to learn and follow NOAA Ocean Exploration protocols and policies related to health, safety, and conduct.
  • Successfully complete a Special Agreement Check (SAC) clearance upon acceptance into the program.
• For expedition-based opportunities, applicants must also:
  • Possess a valid U.S. Passport
  • Complete required medical clearances.
  • Comply with NOAA shipboard safety and conduct requirements.
  • Complete any additional documentation or clearances, as required to access certain ports, military installations, government facilities, or other restricted locations.

• Submit the online application form using the link below.
• Upload current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages, as a PDF).
  • Do NOT share personally identifying information, such as home address, social security number, etc.
  • If you have never created a resume or CV before, see resources and guidance from the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
• Upload responses to the following three required essay prompts (maximum 250–500 words each as a PDF).
  1. Skills & Experience: The Ocean Mapping internship includes working with multibeam sonar and other shipboard systems, monitoring data acquisition, cleaning and processing raw data, and developing data products. Describe the relevant skills, knowledge, or other experience you would bring to this opportunity. Highlight any experience or demonstrated competencies related to sonar or geospatial data, data analysis and processing, data quality control, or data management, and describe how you have applied them in professional, school, or other settings. (500 words or 3000 character maximum)
  2. Setting & Adaptability: The Ocean Mapping internship involves living at-sea aboard a federal research vessel for 2 to 4-weeks at a time, with long periods of downtime, shared living and work spaces, variable weather and sea conditions, and shifted or overnight work hours. This may require the ability to adapt to changing conditions, work effectively as part of a team, follow established procedures, manage competing demands, and remain flexible. Describe an experience in which you worked in a similar or unfamiliar environment. How did you adapt to the situation, and what did you learn from the experience that would help you succeed in the Ocean Mapping internship? (500 words or 3000 character maximum)
  3. Career Goals & Broader Impacts: Describe your educational and/or career goals. What skills, knowledge, or experiences do you hope to develop through this internship, and how would this opportunity support your future goals? How do you hope to use what you learn through the internship to advance public understanding, science and exploration, or responsible management and stewardship of the ocean? (250 words or 1500 character maximum)
• Provide contact information for 1–2 professional references (professor, advisor, work supervisor, mentor, etc.).
  • Professional references should be able to speak to your character and your professional and/or academic background.
  • Professional references will only be contacted for finalists during the final phase of candidate selection (i.e., those invited to interview with the selection team), and will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.
  • Please ask your references for permission to include their information before final submission of your application.