Apply for Ship Time

The Call for 2027/2028 ship-time is now OPEN 

Applications for ship-time for 2027 and 2028 on the R.V. Celtic Explorer, the R.V. Tom Crean, R.V. Dulra na Mara and the ROV Holland I, are currently being accepted. 

The ship-time call will close at 15:00 Friday 19th June 2026

Applications for the R.V. Celtic Explorer, R.V. Tom Crean, R.V. Dulra na Mara* and ROV Holland 1 to be submitted using the on-line Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) - please click on 'Request an account' on the MFP home page to set up an account. 

*For Dulra na Mara ship-time applications must be submitted by 15:00 Saturday 31st October 2026, please email RV Operations to inquire on the vessels availability prior to submitting an application in the Marine Facilities Planning (MFP) system. 

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 2027. 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 - 2027 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 19th June 2026. If you have any requirements, please contact us by email at RV@marine.ie.