The Marine Institute and the Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training (SMART) are offering up to 24 bursaries on dedicated FEAS surveys in 2023 on the Celtic Explorer and Tom Crean.
Bursaries are valued at a fixed rate of €95 per survey night and successful applicants will be fully integrated into the survey work programme and make an important contribution to achieving the survey goals.
This is a unique opportunity for learning and mentoring in offshore data collection skills and practice. Continuous Professional Development achieved through participation is recognised by completion of the accredited module: AGFF09003 Marine Research Vessel Data Collection and Surveying
Applications and Advice for Applicants
Applications are invited from graduate and postgraduate students from across the island of Ireland and can be submitted through the online application form here.
Advice on applying and information on necessary seafaring certificates is at this link.
2023 Surveys
Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey Leg 2: Feb 23-March 7 Closed
Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey Leg 3: 13-22 April Closed
Western European Shelf Small Pelagics Acoustic Survey Leg 1: 9-30 June Closed
Western European Shelf Small Pelagics Acoustic Survey Leg 2: 30 June-21 July Closed
Nephrops Underwater TV Survey: 11-26 June Closed
Nephrops Underwater TV Survey: 8 – 18 August Closed
Celtic Sea Herring Acoustic Survey: 9-29 October Closed
International Groundfish Survey Leg 1: 31 October-11 November Closed
International Groundfish Survey Leg 2: 11-22 November Closed
International Groundfish Survey Leg 3: 22 November-3 December Closed
International Groundfish Survey Leg 4: 3-14 December Closed
Requirements for Participation
Applicants must hold current ENG11 medical and Personal Survival Techniques (PST STCW95) certificates. Please note ENG11 medical certificates must be renewed every two years and PST certification renewed every five years. Information on obtaining medical and sea-survival certificates are available at the Marine Institute’s Vessel User Information page. This information is also provided in the Application Guidance link.
Register as a Seafarer
To renew or obtain an ENG 11 seafarers medical certificate in Ireland you are required to register as seafarer. This can be done online at ERegister (seafarers.ie)
Advantages of Participating in MI SMART Research Vessel Bursaries
- Gain seagoing experience
- Work with a team of experienced marine scientists on a dedicated research survey
- Learn multidisciplinary and topic specific field skills and competencies
- Gain recognition for Continuous Professional Development in marine science
- Establish new professional contacts and develop networks
Further Information
For more information about any aspect of the programme email John.Boyd@atu.ie
Participant Testimony
Read what bursary participants have to say about their experience here.
Marine Institute
The Institute was set up under the 1991 Marine Institute Act with the following general functions: “to undertake, to co-ordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development and to provide such services related to marine research and development, that in the opinion of the Institute will promote economic development and create employment and protect the environment. ” – Marine Institute Act, 1991.
SMART
The Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training (SMART) builds capacity in offshore research, monitoring and resource management by providing structured research vessel access to students, researchers and marine oriented professionals. Key academic and research partners within the alliance include Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), INFORMAR, NUI Galway, University College Cork (UCC), Maynooth University and the Marine Institute. SMART is based in GMIT at the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC).