Design work for a dedicated oceanographic research vessel to replace the converted frigate HMAS Diamantina began in the late 1960s.

[2] Propulsion machinery consisted of diesel engines, connected to two shafts driving variable pitch propellers .

[2] A bow thruster and an active rudder provided extra maneuverability, especially when the ship was required to remain in one position at sea for oceanographic measurements.

[2] Cook was laid down by HMA Naval Dockyard at Williamstown, Victoria,[2] on 30 September 1974, launched on 27 August 1977 and commissioned into the RAN on 28 January 1980.

[1] Cook paid off on 31 October 1990 and was sold for conversion as a small cruise ship and subsequently renamed "Maria Kosmas" - IMO number 8872784.