This page contains information to help vessel users in preparing and planning for their upcoming survey.
Survey Planning System
The Survey Planning System (SPS) has been developed for users of the Research Vessels. It is an online planning system where authorised users provide the information on sailing instructions, scientific crew, logistics and proposed research activities 6 weeks in advance of all surveys.
Research vessel operations staff and the vessels' crew and technicians use the Survey Planning System to prepare the vessels for use by the survey team.
Undertaking research in Marine Special areas of Conservation
Four offshore areas have recently been designated as candidate Special Areas of Conservation and marine scientific research within these areas is subject to permit from the National Parks & Wildlife Service. These are the Hovland Mound Province SAC, the Belgica Mound Province SAC, the South-West Porcupine Bank SAC and the North-West Porcupine Bank SAC.
Researchers on Irish vessels should review the code of practice (pdf,106KB) for undertaking Marine Scientific research within these areas and complete and submit the form entitled "Application Form to Conduct Marine Scientific Research at Irish Coral Reef Special Areas of Conservation (pdf, 60KB)" to the National Parks and Wildlife service. Further details are available at NPWS.
Application to Undertake Research in Foreign Waters
If it is intended to carry out research in foreign waters, a minimum notification of 6 months must be given. An application to conduct scientific research in Foreign Waters for the country in question must be completed and sent to RV OPs for processing.
Celtic Voyager Application Form to conduct research in Foreign Waters (word, 56.5KB)
Celtic Explorer Application Form to conduct research in Foreign Waters (word, 56.5KB)
Medical and Personal Survival Techniques Certificates
All scientists participating on research surveys must present a Seafarer's Medical (ENG11) certificate on boarding. For further information on the Seafarer Medical Examination System, download the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources' Marine Notice No. 30 (Word,183KB).
Not all doctors are qualified to undertake the ENG 11 medical. For a list of doctors in Ireland who are qualified to undertake the ENG 11 medical download the Approved Doctors in Ireland, May 2007 (Word, 92.5KB).
All scientists participating on research surveys must complete a safety at sea course and present the certificate when joining the vessel. A list of approved Personal Survival Technique Course providers compiled by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources can be downloaded at the following link Approved Training Course providers (Word, 107KB).
Most queries regarding all certificates that are required and accepted by Irish research vessels are addressed in the following document - Required Seafaring Certificates (Word, 605KB).
If the query you had regarding your survey hasn't been covered on this page, please contact a member of Research Vessel Operations and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.