RV Celtic Explorer is a multi-purpose research vessel which came into service in 2003 and is designed for fisheries acoustic research, oceanographic, hydrographic and geological investigations as well as buoy/deep water mooring and ROV Operations. At 65.5 m in length, the vessel can accommodate 35 personnel, including 20-22 scientists. The vessel is based in Galway, Ireland, which is ideally located as the gateway to the Atlantic and enables the Celtic Explorer to facilitate both national and international research and exploration with ease.Â

Contribution to POLARIN key research challenges:1,2,4,5,6

Contact:Aodhan Fitzgerald, Marine Institute   aodhan.fitzgerald[at]marine.ieÂ

Website

https://www.marine.ie/site-area/infrastructure-facilities/research-vessels/celtic-explorer
https://www.eurofleets.eu/vessel/rv-celtic-explorer/

Location

Home Port: Galway, Ireland.

Facilities

RV Celtic Explorer is a 65metre multipurpose silent research vessel (ICES 209), Ice Class 1 D,  polar Code certified to 82 degrees North with Dynamic Positioning. The vessel is  suitable for fisheries acoustic research, oceanographic, hydrographic, and geological investigations as well as buoy/deepwater mooring and ROV operations. The vessel is fitted with full ocean depth multi-beam and sub-bottom profiling systems.

Dry laboratory: 75m2 . Workstations for EM1002/ EM2040/ EM302, EA600, QINSY Navigation Software, Sonardyne Ranger USBL, ADCP, EK60, C-Nav DGPS, Seapath 330+, k-sync. CTD, CCTV and ECDIS monitors, chart table and storage Wet laboratory 70m2 : wet/fish lab, chemistry lab and water lab. Conveyor/fish sorting system, freezer room, refrigerators, weighing scales, LAN connections. 6 gas lines, Fume hood, Water Purification system, Glassware dryer.  
Wet laboratory:Â70m2 wet/fish lab, chemistry lab and water lab. Conveyor/fish sorting system, freezer room, refrigerators, weighing scales, LAN connections. 6 gas lines, Fume hood, Water Purification system, Glassware dryer.
Container laboratories: Capacity to carry 7 x 20ft containerized labs. Support systems: 220vac, 400vac (300 kW), LAN, phone, seawater, freshwater, waste drain.

Services offered

The vessel is offered with the full suite of state-of-the-art onboard equipment.  Experienced crew and technicians will support the science team to ensure their  objectives are achieved. The home port location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is appealing to international research organisations and universities, including  German, UK, and Canadian users with on average 30 international users annually.

What is included in the Access

Unit of access: RI/day

Modalities of access offered: In-person access

Full access to the research vessel incl. all onboard equipment and instrumentation, logistical support pre and post cruise and technical support onboard is included. The typical duration of work is 20 days but can be adjusted to the work programme. The  vessel’s schedule is prepared annually for the following year, users’ preferred dates  will be considered and accommodated where possible to fit in with the annual cruise  programme.

Availability for access in the TA Call 2024

8 working days for a user group of 8 members.

Implementation in 2026 or 2027 (Polar code region up to 82N  in summer /Early Autumn)

Operational area: North Atlantic/Polar AREA – Iceland

Time frame for access preparations

A ship time call is announced every year and is open between the months of April – June for ship time applications for the following 2 calendar years. Surveys are scheduled and finalized in October/November for the following calendar year, January – December.  
Diplomatic Clearance is required to be submitted to RV@marine.ie 6 months prior to a survey.  
Pre-planning meetings generally take place 6 -8 months prior to a survey to begin making logistical arrangements. Follow up meeting can occur within in this period, and a formal pre planning meeting takes place 6 weeks before the start of the survey.Â

Permits, licenses and training

Additional clearances for operations in Irish Special areas of Conservation if applicable. Seismic operations may  require additional permits.
Certification or training required from RI users:
Up to 12 scientists can be embarked without certification. For additional scientists above 12 the following certification is required:
STCW Personal survival techniques certificate (5 years’ validity).
STCW seafarers medical (Known as ENG 11 (Irl) or ENG1 (UK) (Validity 2 Years).
Ships security awareness training for seafarers without designated security duties (Valid for life).Â

Medical guidelines

A medical declaration must be completed by each RI user. Allergies, Food Intolerances, and passport details must also be proved.Â