Dear Marine Mammal Surveyors,
The 2024 September, October and November ferry survey applications with our longstanding partners Brittany Ferries, Caledonian MacBrayne, DFDS, Isles of Scilly Travel and NorthLink Ferries have now closed.
We are busy putting the teams together and those allocated surveys will receive an email from ORCA in due course. 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.
This year we have staggered our ferry survey applications throughout the year, with the September, October and November applications being the final opportunity to apply for surveys in 2024. Staggering our ferry survey applications throughout the year has enabled more flexibility and opportunities for all our dedicated volunteers to take an active role in our ferry-based surveys.
For all remaining surveys this year we will be prioritising Marine Mammal Surveyors who have not taken part in a survey yet this year.
Passports
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.
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.
There are a number of surveyors who have applied for surveys this year but have not been allocated places as we have not received a completed Marine Mammal Surveyor Form from them.
ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyor Uniform - Polo Shirt
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 - this is your ORCA uniform. For information on how to purchase your ORCA polo shirt please visit the Applying for Surveys page of the Surveyor Network.
Saga Cruise Opportunities 2025
We are delighted that Saga have once again offered ORCA survey teams places on board their cruise ships - Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure in 2025. Full details of the cruises, how to apply, and what is required of ORCA volunteers on board will be available in the next few months. We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this via the Surveyor Network News Page.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to ORCA.