SMRU: Ship for survey of cetaceans during summer 2024 as part of the SCANS-IV Project

Tender description

The University has a requirement for a survey vessel for a minimum of 18 days and a maximum of 24 days during summer 2024. The survey will take place within the period 20 June to 31 August 2024. The first 2-3 days will be spent setting up equipment onboard and training the survey personnel. The ship will be in port for part of this period. The final day of the charter will be used for disembarkation / demobilisation. The ship will stay at sea for multiple days (it will not return nightly to port) and must be operational during weekdays and weekends. Surveying will take place throughout daylight hours when weather permits. Dates of the survey are fixed, and alternative dates will not be considered. Ship Requirements The University of St Andrews is required to carry out a shipboard survey during summer 2024 to collect visual and acoustic data on porpoises, dolphins and whales (cetaceans) to estimate population sizes. The survey area includes waters to the west of Scotland. The University’s Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) is coordinating the project and the survey. Schedule The University has a requirement for a survey vessel for a minimum of 18 days and a maximum of 24 days during summer 2024. The survey will take place within the period 20 June to 31 August 2024. The first 2-3 days will be spent setting up equipment onboard and training the survey personnel. The ship will be in port for part of this period. The final day of the charter will be used for disembarkation / demobilisation. The ship will stay at sea for multiple days (it will not return nightly to port) and must be operational during weekdays and weekends. Surveying will take place throughout daylight hours when weather permits. Dates of the survey are fixed, and alternative dates will not be considered. Ship Requirements The ship must be certified to operate within the UK 200 nautical mile EEZ (offshore as well as inshore areas) and meet all required safety standards. Ship personnel will be expected to brief all scientists on the safety equipment, muster points and all other emergency procedures prior to departing port. The ship should have a minimum at-sea endurance of 15 days. Ships which do not meet this requirement will not be considered. Standard cruise speed should be no less than 10 knots. The draft of the ship should allow reasonable stability when at sea. Accommodation is required for at least 8 and up to 10 scientists in shared/single cabins. Whilst onboard, meals for all scientists will be provided including special diets (vegetarian) if requested in advance. Scientists will have access to ships facilities, such as a laundry. Two separate observation platforms are required on the ship. Please see ITT for full details.