The IODP platforms were operated by Science Operators under contract or other agreement with the Platform Providers. Science operators (formerly called implementing organizations) planned the IODP expeditions and managed all science and ship operations from port to sea and back again. Staff scientists (also called expedition project managers) employed by the science operators were part of the expedition science party, providing consistency among expeditions and training researchers on shipboard methods.

• The JOIDES Resolution Science Operator (JRSO) operated expeditions with the JOIDES Resolution.
• The Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering (MarE3) within JAMSTEC operated expeditions with the Chikyu.
• The ECORD Science Operator (ESO) operated expeditions using Mission-Specific Platforms.

The JOIDES Resolution was the most active IODP platform, providing conventional drilling without a riser. Chikyu was equipped with an optional marine riser, an outer casing that surrounds the drill string to provide return circulation of engineered drilling fluid as illustrated below. Mission-Specific Platforms were contracted by ESO from available research or commercial vessels/platforms for the specific conditions of the expedition.