Until 2006, she was the largest general purpose oceanographic research vessel in use in the United Kingdom.

Measuring 90 metres in length, and fitted with a broad range of oceanographic equipment, Discovery could also accommodate containerized laboratories.

[3] Her last major overhaul was in 1991,[4] when a new superstructure and power plant were installed and her hull lengthened by 10 metres.

[5] Discovery carried out oceanographic and marine biology research from the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.

She operated as part of a fleet maintained by the NERC, National Marine Facilities Division (NMFD), along with the larger RRS James Cook.