Scientists from EPA Victoria have engaged with the IMOS SOOP facility, to develop and install an autonomous sampling equipment on Spirit of Tasmania 1. With its peerless unbroken daily sailing record this SOOP provides a unique platform to routinely sample a high repeat record of marine conditions in Bass Strait that up until now have been constrained by weather from satellite measurements or research vessel obligations. The system has the capacity to integrate additional sensor equipment, providing the IMOS facility with a test bed to pilot research techniques that may one day become routine across many SOOPs. The facility is sustained through partnership with research projects (Melbourne University), ship operators (TT Line) and government (DPI, CSIRO).