Science Officers volunteer for three months duty with the project, running (individually or in pairs) dive-site science programmes on a remote Cay on the Barrier Reef during that period. The volunteer staff require a minimum qualification of a first degree in a relevant subject; many staff hold higher degrees and also use the project in their post-graduate studies.

The task is to manage dive teams comprised of Raleigh Volunteers (Venturers). The post is physically and mentally demanding. The staff have to fund their own travel and subsistence, and conditions on the Cays are basic. The work does however provide an excellent opportunity to come to grips with the many practical problems involved in running marine science projects, and working with young people.

Raleigh Marine Science projects ran for two years, under the voluntary supervision of Dr Rob Nunny, before funding for the WRISCS project was secured. The following is a list of all the Marine Scientists who have contributed to the development and execution of the project. Thank you all for your inestimable input to the project.