Meet the People Enabling Ocean Going Science and Research
The crew of RRS Discovery have evolved over time to meet the changing demands of maritime science and technology. Today, the crew is a a highly structured and professionally qualified workforce.
Below are just a few profiles of people working on the world-class research ship, ranging in roles and responsibilities, but each playing a crucial role in successful expeditions.
Captain Stewart Mackay - Master Mariner
As Captain of Discovery, I am very fortunate to sail on a fantastic ship with a very talented, hard working and engaging crew who take a great deal of pride in their work. Together with the sea going technicians, we try to do our best to deliver the scientific objectives during each cruise in order to further our understanding of the ocean. The fact that we are doing so on a ship that carries a historically significant name and that we are representing UK oceanographic science throughout the world gives us real purpose in our roles onboard."
Profile
Background and Training
Born in Edinburgh, Stewart grew up surrounded by maritime influence. His father was a Chief Officer with Scottish Ship Management, while his uncle and great uncle also serving at sea. Stewart initially earned a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Leeds and worked various jobs - from golf courses to bookmakers - before pursuing a maritime career. He trained at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies and then Glasgow Maritime Academy.
Career Path
Stewart became a cadet with Zodiac Maritime Agencies in 2004, gaining experience on LPG tankers, container ships and bulk carriers. He served as 3rd Officer on a military trials barge (2007–2010) and as 2nd Officer on the NATO research vessel Alliance (2010–2013). Since 2013, he has worked aboard the RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery, becoming Captain of the latter in 2019.
Roles and Responsibilities
As Captain, Stewart is responsible for the safety, security and welfare of everyone on board, as well as environmental protection. He ensures the vessel operates efficiently, including reducing fuel consumption and emissions. A key part of his role is collaborating with Chief Scientists to deliver successful scientific cruise programmes.
Notable Experiences
Stewart has navigated the ship past an iceberg into a volcanic caldera in the South Sandwich Islands, played golf on Tristan da Cunha and recovered a 200-year-old anchor off St Helena. In 2023, he led a successful mission for the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans during Hurricane Lee, achieving all objectives despite the scale of the storm.
Inspiring Futures Interview
Andrew Mahon - Chief Mate
Background and Training
Originally from Manchester before moving to Middlewich in Cheshire, Andy has built a career at sea - a family tradition. With a father who served as a Second Engineer and a sister currently working as an Electro-Technical Officer, Andy began his own maritime journey at the age of 17, enrolling at Fleetwood Nautical College in January 2000. He has remained in the industry ever since.
Career Path
Andy’s early time at sea included cadetship placements on bulk cargo vessels, tankers and ferries. After qualifying in 2003, he spent eight years on product and chemical tankers, then worked in the offshore sector in Malaysia and Brazil. Following a brief stint on a cruise ship, he joined the National Oceanography Centre in 2016. He has served aboard both the RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery, and has been Chief Mate for nearly four years.
Roles and Responsibilities
As Chief Mate, Andy supports the Captain as a senior manager on board. He oversees deck crew operations, ensures the safe deployment of scientific equipment and manages safety, security, logistics and maintenance. He also serves as the Ship Security Officer, responsible for both physical and cyber security - ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations.
Notable Experiences
Among his many memorable moments, one that stands out is visiting Shackleton’s grave in South Georgia - a deeply meaningful experience. He also recalls time spent around Ascension Island and St Helena. With a career that has taken him across the globe and into the heart of scientific exploration.
Rachel Astell - Third Officer
It's an incredible position to be in facilitating world-leading ocean science climate change research and oceanography, and every single trip is different, which is one of the best things. As a Third Officer, I get far more experience with ships handling and navigating than you maybe would in other sections of the industry."
Profile
Background and Training
Originally training as a dancer, Rachel made a bold career change after her friend inspired her to explore the idea of a maritime cadetship. She soon enrolled at the City of Glasgow College and began her seafaring journey on LPG tankers and general cargo ships.
Career Path
Rachel joined the RRS James Cook during her cadetship and, after qualifying, moved to the RRS Discovery in 2019. She has since become a key member of the crew, continuing to work on both ships.
Roles and Responsibilities
As Third Officer, Rachel is responsible for bridge watchkeeping from 8 to 12, both morning and night, and overseeing the maintenance of all lifesaving appliances and firefighting equipment. Rachel finds deep fulfilment in supporting world-class ocean science and climate research, and she values the variety and challenge of each expedition. From navigating between science sites to working with the vast array of equipment in the National Marine Equipment Pool, no two trips are ever the same.
Notable Experiences
One of Rachel’s most memorable moments came during her first trip in January 2020, when she awoke to find the ship surrounded by icebergs and whales in the Southern Ocean. She is often the only female officer in the company and advocates for greater representation of women in maritime roles. Having completed her Chief Officer certification, she is now qualified to progress to Second Officer and eventually Chief Mate, with the long-term goal of becoming Captain of the RRS Discovery.
Inspiring Futures Interview
Ben Fowler - Third Engineer
Background and Training
Ben was born in Reading and embarked upon a maritime career without any family connections to the sea. He trained at Fleetwood Nautical College from 2018 to 2021. Before committing to engineering, he worked as a bartender, which helped him develop strong interpersonal and adaptability skills.
Career Path
Ben’s early career at sea included working on container ships, oil and gas vessels, and in the renewable energy sector, giving him a broad technical foundation. Since joining the RRS Discovery in December 2023 he has become a dedicated member of the engineering team.
Roles and Responsibilities
As Third Engineer and Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW), Ben oversees a wide range of systems that make RRS Discovery a self sustaining floating research station. These include propulsion, power generation, freshwater production, sewage treatment and refrigeration - critical services that support life and science. He also maintains advanced scientific infrastructure such as winches, overside frames and cranes, which are essential for deploying and recovering research equipment.
Notable Experiences
Ben’s time on board has already been filled with memorable experiences. His first voyage began in Cape Town and took him south into the icy expanse of the Southern Ocean, where he encountered towering icebergs. The journey then led north to Namibia, where he and the crew explored the Namib Desert and experienced an exhilarating quad biking adventure. For Ben, the combination of extraordinary destinations and the camaraderie of the crew and scientists are what makes a career at sea such a rewarding experience.
Terry Burke - Petty Officer (Scientific)
Background and Training
From Durham, Terry is part of a four-generation maritime family. His grandfather was a Merchant Navy captain, his father a chef at sea, and both he and his brother became able-bodied seamen. Terry began his training at Gravesend Nautical College in 1996 at the age of 17. That legacy now continues into the fourth generation, with Terry’s son beginning his officer cadetship.
Career Path
Terry has served on a wide range of vessels over a 29-year career, including with the Ministry of Defence and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). or the past five years, he has been a key member of the RRS Discovery crew, where he holds the role of Petty Officer Scientific.
Roles and Responsibilities
As Petty Officer Scientific, Terry supports the handling, deployment and recovery of scientific equipment. He operates winches and lifting gear, trains new personnel and assists with mobilisation and deck operations. Terry’s duties extend beyond science support as he assists with the ship’s stores, mooring, anchoring and general maintenance across the deck department. His hands-on expertise and leadership are essential to the smooth running of the ship’s scientific and operational systems.
Notable Experiences
Terry took part in a six-week expedition to Ascension Island and St Helena as part of the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme. The mission involved deep-sea exploration using underwater cameras to study biodiversity and hydrothermal vents four kilometres below the surface. He encountered rare marine life such as viper fish and inflated rattails and possibly even species new to science.