In this Science Story, we welcome you aboard 'Plymouth Quest', Plymouth Marine Laboratory's research vessel, for a trip to the long-term monitoring station L4, off the coast of Plymouth, UK. Research vessels make it possible for scientists to understand how our oceans are changing. The samples collected at sea are brought back to the laboratory where they are analysed. This helps inform long-term monitoring of the marine environment, which can inform policy and management decisions. The crew on research vessels play an important role in ensuring that data and samples can be collected. Through this Science Story, students are also introduced to different pathways into a career in marine science and conservation.