RV Celtic Explorer, IR

The vessel is the larger of the two state-owned research vessels run by the Marine Institute.

Contact

Aodhan Fitzgerald, Marine Institute:aodhan.fitzgerald[at]marine.ie�

Location

Home Port:Galway, Ireland.

Website

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

Facilities

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.

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: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.
Container laboratories: Capacity to carry 7 x 20ft containerized labs. Support systems: 220vac, 400vac (300 kW), LAN, phone, seawater, freshwater, waste drain.

Availability for access

Time frame for access preparation

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.�

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).�

Medical guidelines

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