The JOIDES Resolution is a unique research ship, specially designed to drill deep into the sea floor. She can gather sediment and rock samples while floating in water nearly 5 km (about 3 mi) deep.  Scientists throughout the world use the samples collected to study earthquakes, volcanoes, the formation of natural resources, and the dynamics of climate change.  She is impressive in size and appearance, measuring 143 m (469 ft) long and 21 m (68.9 ft) wide.  Her derrick (tower) rises 61.5 m (202 ft) above the waterline.

She was not always a research ship. Her first six years were spent as a working drillship jointly owned by Schlumberger and British Petroleum (BP). In 1984, Schlumberger purchased the ship outright, refitted her for research purposes, renamed and leased her to ODP (Ocean Drilling Program), an international alliance of organizations and institutions.She was not always a research ship. Her first six years were spent as a working drillship jointly owned by Schlumberger and British Petroleum (BP). In 1984, Schlumberger purchased the ship outright, refitted her for research purposes, renamed and leased her to ODP (Ocean Drilling Program), an international alliance of organizations and institutions.

She was not always a research ship. Her first six years were spent as a working drillship jointly owned by Schlumberger and British Petroleum (BP). In 1984, Schlumberger purchased the ship outright, refitted her for research purposes, renamed and leased her to ODP (Ocean Drilling Program), an international alliance of organizations and institutions.

The JOIDES Resolution carries sophisticated drilling equipment. She has seven levels or stacks of world-class laboratories and scientific facilities where scientists can analyze the samples they collect. Advanced computing equipment is used to process and evaluate scientific data. Usually 62 crew members and 50 scientists from around the world live on board the ship during her voyages, which are called legs. A leg usually last two months, allowing for six voyages per year.

Unlike the standard practice in the oil field, drilling from the ship is done in riserless mode. It is difficult for a drill ship to remain in place at the surface while drilling into the sea floor far below. To meet this challenge, the JOIDES Resolution is equipped with a dynamic positioning system  that uses computer-controlled thrusters and global positioning satellites to maintain her position while drilling is in process.