Scientists rotate through the centre on a contract basis with a fixed time limit (typically three years with a possible two-year extension).

After 2012, the post of Research Division Head, in charge of the scientific programme, was occupied by Dr. Sandro Carniel.

Its double hull and propulsion system make it one of the quietest research vessels in the world.

In addition to supporting NURC's scientific mission, the two vessels are chartered to commercial or government organizations within the NATO nations.

CMRE has specialized facilities and equipment for research at-sea, including a fleet of AUVs and other unmanned vehicles and instrumentation, linear array assembly facilities, and the Oceanography Calibrating Laboratory, which provides instrument calibration according to the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) standard.