Information for Foreign Research Vessels in Irish Waters

The Irish Authorities require foreign states to apply for consent to conduct marine scientific research activities in waters under Irish jurisdiction.  These waters include the Territorial Sea, the 200-mile Exclusive Fishery Zone and the Continental Shelf.

Applications should be received in Ireland, having passed through appropriate diplomatic channels, at least 6 months in advance of the commencement of the proposed research activity in Irish waters. The application form at the following link should be used when applying: Application Form to Conduct Marine Scientific Research.

If the proposed research activities fall within the boundaries of a Marine Special Area of Conservation, the applicant should familiarise himself with the Code of Practice for Marine Scientific Research at Irish Coral Reef Special Areas of Conservation.

Marine environmental surveys for the purposes of scientific discovery or research may require a maritime usage license from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). Information on the activities requiring a license and the license application process can be found at the following link: MARA or by emailing: licence@mara.gov.ie

Immediately on entering the area under Irish jurisdiction where the research activity is to be undertaken, the vessel will notify Research Vessel Operations, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway by email: rv@marine.ie of its exact position in latitude and longitude, and will make a similar notification as it leaves such waters.

The scientist in charge of that part of the cruise taking place within waters under Irish jurisdiction is asked to submit a Cruise Summary Report following the guidelines at the following link:

https://www.seadatanet.org/Metadata/CSR-Cruises

Please advise Research Vessel Operations, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland by email: rv@marine.ie not later than two weeks after the cruise, when you have submitted your Cruise Summary Report.

Please forward the full Cruise Report or notify Research Vessel Operations, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland by email: rv@marine.ie within six months of the end date of the cruise, where the full Cruise Report can be accessed.