The Brittany Ferries, Isles of Scilly Travel, DFDS, Caledonian MacBrayne and NorthLink Ferries survey applications are now open for the surveys taking place in June, July and August 2025.
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the following routes for June, July and August:
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
Newcastle – Amsterdam
Newhaven – Dieppe
Caledonian MacBrayne
Mallaig – Lochboisdale
Oban – Castlebay
Oban – Colonsay
Uig – Lochmaddy – Tarbert
Ullapool – Stornoway
Our ferry survey applications will be staggered throughout the year, with applications opening for June-August now, and September onwards opening later in the Summer. 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 27th April 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.
Ardrossan - Campbeltown Surveys
Unfortunately due to vessel availability, the summer 2025 service between Campbeltown and Ardrossan will not operate. Therefore, we will not be running ORCA surveys on this route during 2025.
ORCA Ferry Surveys in April and May
We can now confirm that all ferry survey places for April and May have been filled. Due to the high volume of applications received, unfortunately, we have been unable to individually email all unsuccessful applicants for each survey. You may still be notified of any cancellations and offered a survey place at short notice on a route that you have applied for.
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.