Apply for Ship Time

The Call for 2026/2027 ship-time is now OPEN

Applications for ship-time for 2026 and 2027 on the R.V. Celtic Explorer, the R.V. Tom Crean and the ROV Holland I, are currently being accepted.

Applications for the R.V. Celtic Explorer, R.V. Tom Crean and ROV Holland I are to be submitted using the on-line Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) - please click on 'Request an account' on the MFP home page to setup an account.

We are delighted to be able to offer the new inshore vessel Dulra na Mara in the 2026 ship-time call. Ship-time requests for Dulra na Mara to be submitted via the following Microsoft form: Dulra na Mara Ship-time application - 2026 survey period.

Each ship-time application will be reviewed, and the applicants will be informed as soon as possible whether the ship-time they requested is available. If the requested timing is not available, alternative dates may be offered. The Vessel Charter Guidelines should be read carefully before submitting the Ship-time application form.

Applicants may seek grant-aid to cover all or part of the vessel charter costs for Research Surveys or Ship-Based Training Programmes in 2026. For information on eligibility for grant-aid and how to apply click here. 

The Marine Institute operates a fleet of TWR Slocum gliders which are available to the user community for oceanographic surveys via the ship-time call. The gliders can be operated from the Celtic Explorer or Tom Crean and may also be operated from other vessels as deemed appropriate by the Marine Institute. The system is capable of operating for up to 60 days autonomously whilst collecting CTD and other oceanographic data between depths of 25m to 1000m depending on configuration.

Further information, technical specification and contact details for the glider fleet are available on the Glider Webpage.

Applications for the glider fleet must be submitted using the Microsoft form: Marine Institute Glider application - 2026 survey period.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for ship-time call notifications or have any other queries regarding the research vessels or the ROV Holland I, please contact Research Vessel Operations.

The ship-time call will close at 15:00 Friday May 30th 2025.