Vessel User Information

This page contains information to help chief scientists and survey participants prepare for an upcoming survey.

Survey Planning System

The Survey Planning System (SPS) is an online application used to assist vessel users, crew and shore staff with survey planning. It is used to share information about the survey's activities, scientific crew, equipment, logistics and sailing instructions between the various parties.

Chief Scientists should contact Research Vessel Operations to get access to SPS.

Due to GDPR each scientist needs to update their personal details on the SPS themselves. Those details include specific dietary requirements, medical conditions, next of kin (NOK) details, ENG11 & PST issue date. The first step is for the chief scientist of a survey to add the name, email address and organisation of each scientist sailing onboard a survey. Once those details are added each scientist will receive an automated email from the SPS requesting them to contact Research Vessel Operations for a username and password to allow them to enter their personal details on the SPS

 

Required Seafaring Certificates

ENG 11 Medical Cert:  All scientists boarding our research vessels must present an original Seafarer's Medical (ENG 11) certificate on boarding the vessel.  ENG 11 certificates are valid for 2 years from date of issue.  For further information and a list of approved doctors in Ireland, download the Marine Notice No. 34 of 2020 (Doc 192kb)

Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Cert:  All scientists joining the research vessels must also complete a Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course in advance of the survey and present the original certificate when joining the vessel.  PST certificates are valid for 5 years from date of issue.  Download the list of Approved Training Course Providers (Word, 107kb) for contact details of course providers. 

Some scientists joining the Celtic Explorer will be required to undertake further training in Ships Security Awareness.  This will be discussed with the Chief Scientist at the planning stage.    

For more information regarding the required certificates, download the following document - Required Seafaring Certificates ( pdf, 895kb).

Vessel Users' Guidelines

Please contact Research Vessel Operations for the latest guidelines for survey participants on the RV Celtic Tom Crean and RV Celtic Explorer

 

Undertaking research in Marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

Conducting marine scientific research within Special Areas of Conservations is subject to permit from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. 

Researchers conducting surveys 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 conduct all or part of a survey in foreign waters, then an 'Application to Conduct Scientific Research in Foreign Waters' for the country in question must be completed and sent to Research Vessel Operations for processing. 

The application form must be submitted through diplomatic channels via the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.  Seven months notice is required.  Blank application forms for the UK and France are available to download below and application forms for other countries are available from Research Vessel Operations.

Celtic Explorer Application form to conduct research in UK Waters (Word, 177kb)

Tom Crean Application form to conduct research in UK Waters (Word, 177kb)

Celtic Explorer Application form to conduct research in French waters (Word,53kb)

Tom Crean  Application Form to Conduct Research in French Waters (Word 46kb)

 If you have a query regarding your survey which hasn't been covered on this page, please contact a member of Research Vessel Operations and we'll get back to you as as possible.