The Brittany Ferries, Isles of Scilly Travel, DFDS and NorthLink Ferries survey applications are now open for the surveys taking place in March, April and May 2025.
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 ORCA Ferry Survey applications are now open!
We have surveys confirmed with our longstanding partners Brittany Ferries, Isles of Scilly Travel and NorthLink Ferries. Applications are now open for the following routes for March, April and May:
Brittany Ferries
Poole – Cherbourg
Portsmouth – Caen
Plymouth – Roscoff
Plymouth – Santander
Isles of Scilly Travel
Penzance – St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)
NorthLink Ferries
Aberdeen – Lerwick (Shetland)
DFDS
Dover – Calais
Newhaven – Dieppe
Our ferry survey applications will be staggered throughout the year, with applications opening for March-May now, and June onwards opening later in the Spring. This will enable more flexibility and opportunities for all our dedicated volunteers to take an active role in our ferry-based surveys.
Full details of the surveys, how to apply and what is required of ORCA volunteers on board can be found on the Applying for Surveys page on the Surveyor Network.
Please note applications will close at midnight on Sunday 23rd February and we will keep you all informed of the progress of the survey teams via the Surveyor Network News page.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, unfortunately, we are unable to individually email all unsuccessful applicants for each survey, but we will keep everyone updated on the progress of survey allocations via the Surveyor Network News page each month.
Please note that all surveyors wishing to take part in surveys to European countries must have at least 6 months validity on their passport on the date of departure.
Caledonian MacBrayne survey routes and DFDS Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry survey applications
We are continuing to liaise with our ferry partners, Caledonian MacBrayne and DFDS to provide more surveying opportunities for you, and as soon as these are open for application we will let you know.
Saga Cruise Survey Team Update
The 2025 Saga cruise teams have now all been allocated and confirmed. If you have not been contacted individually and offered a place, unfortunately this time you have been unsuccessful in your application. As always we had incredibly high numbers of applications, and have tried our best to get as many of you out as possible. If you have indicated on your application form that you may be available at short notice, there is a possibility that you could still be contacted by us and offered a position on a cruise if one becomes available during the season.
Marine Mammal Surveyor Form
All surveyors must have completed a Marine Mammal Surveyor Form which can be found here, for applications to be considered. Please note this form needs to be completed every year, and when any details change.
ORCA Polo Shirts
If you have not yet purchased your ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyor polo shirt, you can do this directly from the Shirtworks website. You will not be permitted access to the bridge without wearing your ORCA polo shirt. For information on how to purchase your ORCA polo shirt please visit the Applying for Surveys page of the Surveyor Network. Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about the ordering process, please do not contact Shirtworks directly.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to receiving your ferry survey applications.