The RRS James Cook
The RRS Discovery
History of Research Ships
Hire of Research Vessels
Take a virtual tour of RRS James Cook in your web browser
Explore one of the world's most advanced research vessels from the bridge to the engine room. Head out on to the deck and take in the virtual sea air, and then crawl into one of the lifeboats. And along the way you can find out about the labs and equipment on board that enable marine scientists to study and measure the ocean in some of the most remote and challenging environments on the planet.
The tour uses photographic imaging and 360° scanning technology to enable you to take immersive journeys through the ship to get a feel for what life is like on board. You can zoom in and out and move the image around for a full 360° view and explore hotspots on each deck. Use the icons at the bottom left of the screen (on desktop) to select your view and how you want to navigate. Choose to follow the camera as it guides you around, or take control and explore every corner. The models also work on mobile devices and offer a VR experience using Google Cardboard.
With thanks to colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) for their support and the use of their equipment, the officers and crew of the RRS James Cook for their assistance, Ben Moat (NOC), Eleanor Frajka-Williams (NOC), Matt Clark (PhD student, University of Southampton), Fraser Goldsworth (PhD student, University of Oxford), Marta Payo Payo (NOC) and the NOC's Communications Team.
This virtual tour was made possible through support from RAPID AMOC, ACSIS and CLASS
Mezzanine Deck
Winch room
Azi Thruster Room
Main Deck aft