ORCA

ORCA 2026 Ferry Survey Applications are Open!

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The Brittany Ferries, Caledonian MacBrayne, Isles of Scilly Travel, DFDS and NorthLink Ferries survey applications are now open for surveys taking place in March, April and May 2026.

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 ORCA Ferry Survey applications are now open!

We have surveys confirmed with our longstanding partners Brittany Ferries, Caledonian MacBrayne, Isles of Scilly Travel, DFDS and NorthLink Ferries. Applications are now open for the following routes for March, April and May:

Brittany Ferries

  • Poole – Cherbourg

  • Portsmouth – Caen

  • Portsmouth – St Malo

  • Portsmouth – Santander

  • Plymouth – Roscoff

  • Plymouth – Santander

Caledonian MacBrayne

  • Kennacraig – Port Ellen – Port Askaig

  • Mallaig – Lochboisdale

  • Oban – Castlebay

  • Oban – Coll – Tiree – Colonsay

  • Uig – Lochmaddy – Tarbert

  • Ullapool – Stornoway

Isles of Scilly Travel

  • Penzance – St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)

NorthLink Ferries

  • Aberdeen – Lerwick (Shetland)

DFDS

  • Dover – Calais

  • Newhaven – Dieppe

  • Newcastle – Amsterdam


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 15th 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. The date of issue must also be less than 10 years before arrival.


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.

Please remember that Marine Mammal Surveyors must not wear their ORCA uniform when travelling as passengers, in their own time, on any ferry operated by a company that ORCA works in partnership with.


Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to receiving your ferry survey applications.


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