U.S. Department of State - Great Seal

U.S. Department of State

Diplomacy in Action

Country-Specific Guidance on Supporting Documentation

The following describes requirements, conditions, as well as special materials pertaining to particular coastal States that should be included with an MSR application. This list is not necessarily complete or exhaustive; it is based on the experience of OPA in facilitating research authorizations and is provided as guidance to applicants. The listed requirements, links to internet sites, and forms should not be construed as an endorsement by the Government of the United States of the views or content contained therein. If a link is inactive below, please contact OPA (202-647-0240) to obtain the guidance/materials.

ALBANIA

  • Letter addressed to the Harbor Master requesting permission for the cruise.
  • Letter addressed to the Ministry of Transport requesting permission for the cruise.

ANGOLA

  • Prior collaboration with an Angolan scientist is absolutely necessary for clearance.

ARGENTINA

  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.
  • Spanish version of the name of all claimed territories.

AUSTRALIA

  • Include the special permit application form(s) if research is to be conducted:
    • In a commonwealth park or reserve
    • On marine mammals; and/or
    • Within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship must be in receipt of maritime crew visa (MCV) applications for every person aboard the research platform.
  • Details of any relationship between the proposed research and any agreement between Australia and the requesting State.
  • Line drawing or photograph of the research platform.
  • When research is planned within three (3) nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline, there may be requirements or conditions pursuant to the legislation of the adjacent Australian State or Territory.

BAHAMAS

  • NOTE: Vessels are required to clear into an official port-of-entry prior to commencing any activities and clear out at a port-of-exit upon completion of the cruise. This requirement has been waived in the past under no particular circumstances.

BERMUDA

  • NOTE: Mooring Notice to Operators (Subsurface Moorings in Bermuda Time-Series Area). This notice is to warn ship operators and cruise scientists of the presence of several subsurface and surface moorings located near the Bermuda Atlantic Time-Series Site (31o40'N 64o10'W).

BRAZIL

  • UN Standard Application Form in Portuguese.
  • Estimated coordinates and time (Zulu) of entry and departure point of territorial waters.
  • Include the National Telecommunication Agency (ANATEL) Radio Frequency Form.
  • If calling at a Brazillian port, complete a Port Access Form (required no later than 90 days in advance).
  • Copy of collaboration agreement with a Brazilian research institute/agency.

CANADA

  • Obtain “Foreign Fishing Vessel License” from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Canada. Contact:
    • East Coast licenses, Connie Farr (902-426-6453)
    • West Coast licenses, Barry Ackerman (604-666-3991)
  • NOTE: Canada does not require a Coasting Trade license from the Canadian Transportation Agency if you have research authorization.

CHILE

  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.
  • NOTE: No clearance is required to test on-board instrumentation, as long as the data taken is not kept for archival or publication purposes. Notification is recommended.

COLOMBIA

  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.
  • Mail to the American Embassy in Bogota notarized copies of:
    • International Load Line Certificate (American Bureau of Shipping)
    • Classification Documentation/Registration
    • Certificate of Inspection/Seaworthiness – obtained from port of embarkation

COSTA RICA

  • If conducting research in a national park, include a written request for the ship, crew, and passengers to enter the national park.
  • The Ministerio del Ambiente y Energia, Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion “research passport” fee of 30 USD. Contact OPA for check routing information.

CROATIA

  • Fees:
    • Entering the territorial sea (12nm from shore) – 90 kunas (20 kunas for the request, 70 kunas for the authorization).
    • Scientific research - 70 kunas (20 kunas for the request, 50 kunas for the authorization).

CUBA

  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.

DENMARK

  • If the research will be conducted within three nautical miles from the Danish baselines, the Danish authorities require the presence of a Danish scientist on board the research platform.
  • Include the Danish Polar Center Application Form if the research involves:
    • activities in the National Park,
    • activities in Qimuseriarssuaq / Melville Bay nature reserve,
    • activities in Arnangarnup Qoorua / Sarfartoq valley nature reserve,
    • activities at Thule Air Base,
    • geoscience,
    • launching of balloons,
    • application of laser beams,
    • outdoor installation of antennas or instruments,
    • items harmful to the environment,
    • low level flying,
    • air drops,
    • catching, killing, tagging or ringing of fish, mammals or birds, or
    • activities on fjord / sea ice.

ECUADOR

  • Copy of the ship's license/registration.
  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.
  • Galapagos National Park permit application, if applicable.
  • Letter on institution letterhead listing:
    • Name and address of the representative or empowered agent in Ecuador;
    • Commitment to deliver to the Ecuadorian Government, with no cost, of the complete results and conclusions of the developed research; and
    • Commitment to observe the regulations of marine environment preservation and compensation.

EGYPT

  • NOTE: RV must conform to Suez Canal Authority (SCA) regulations, which require a USCG-issued Suez Tonnage Certificate.

EL SALVADOR

  • NOTE: since issuance of authorization requires legislative approval by the Salvadoran Assembly, applicants should take this into consideration when estimating the lead time requirements for submitting applications.
  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.

GREENLAND

  • See also DENMARK

GUATEMALA

  • Notarized load line certificate.
  • National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP) license, if applicable, which requires a local sponsor.

ITALY

  • The exact geographic areas in which the research is to take place, and in particular the indication by geographic coordinates of the places of research and/or sampling, possible deep anchorage's and/or the terminal points of the contour lines. The geographic coordinates of all points must be shown on nautical charts of an adequate scale, with reference to the prime meridian of Greenwich, and particularly detailed in cases in which the programmed surveys are carried out in proximity to the coast or the islands.
  • In the case of seismic operations, the characteristics of the energizing system employed and its power. If explosive charges are used, the exact geographic coordinates, the depth of every single point of explosion, the type and quantity of explosives used, and the exact day and hour of the explosions should be given.
  • In case of dredging operations, the geographic coordinates of the starting and end points must be given.

JAMAICA

  • Letter of support from host country researcher or institution.
  • Complete list of scientific film and data recording equipment.
  • Indication of funding resources.
  • If applicable, the Wildlife Research Form.

JAPAN

  • Japan’s MSR Application Form – if collecting biological samples, be sure to include Annex II.
  • Crew list (name, DOB, citizenship, passport number, and passport expiration date)
  • Provide diagram and specification of any equipment that will operate autonomously from the man-based research platform.
  • If dates and/or routes are unpredictable, avoid the use of terms “approximately” or “generally”; instead, describe as follows “data will be collected within the route shown in the attached chart, however the route may change due to unforeseen weather conditions”
  • If any equipment will touch the seafloor, be sure to provide an estimate of dates and location coordinates.
  • NOTE: if operating within the 12nm territorial sea of Japan, obtain charts from the Japan Hydrographic Association.

MALDIVES

  • Include the possible environmental impacts of the research, what environmental precautions are being taken, and whether the purpose of the research is for commercial purposes or not.

MEXICO

  • Applications MUST be submitted at least six months in advance. To allow for processing, all required materials must be submitted via RATS at least two weeks prior.
  • All information must be provided in Spanish (do not include an English translation of any of the materials listed below).
  • Secretariat of Foreign Relations (SRE) Form (provided in lieu of UN Standard Form A).
  • Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) Form is required if the research involves collection of biological samples or specimens.
  • National Fisheries and Aquaculture Commission (CONAPESCA) Form is required if the research involves collection of marine species or marine sediments.
  • National Institute for Statistics, Geography and Systems Information (INEGI) Form is required if the research involves studies and/or geographical explorations in Mexican territory, aerial surveying, or remote sensing.
  • Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) Radio Frequencies Form is required if ships or aircraft are used.
  • A letter addressed “To Mexican Government Agencies” from the head of the chief scientist’s institution and the head of the Mexican collaborator’s institution endorsing the research, describing the respective participation of the collaborators, and expressing agreement to share and safeguard samples if specimens or samples are collected.
  • A letter addressed ‘”To Whom it May Concern” from the chief scientist committing not to use harmful methodologies that may be detrimental to the ecosystem and/or wildlife of the proposed research site.
  • Passport-sized photographs of the chief scientist and, if applicable, the co-chief scientist.
  • A tentative list of all participants, including name, citizenship, affiliation, expertise, and role in the proposed project. Indicate when a final list will be provided.
  • If aircraft are used, include flight track, copy of the pilot's license, copy of the aircraft's registration, copy of the aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness, and copy of the aircraft's insurance policy or letter to SRE from the owner committing to cover any expenses that may result in case of an accident.
  • Scientists who enter Mexico must obtain a Mexican visa (visa de cooperante). This can be acquired through the nearest Mexican consulate. Applicants must have received authorization for the research prior to obtaining this visa.
  • If applicable, payment of the fee for extraction of biological samples ($13,522.00 pesos, approximately $1040 USD) made with an international draft or cashier’s check funds payable to "La Tesoreria de la Federacion" via any of the banking institutions in the Federal District of Mexico City. Scientists working under formal joint agreements with a Mexican government or private institution, or with a Mexican scientist certified by Mexico's National Researchers System (Sistema Nacional de Investigadores – SNI), will be exempted from paying this fee.

NEW ZEALAND

  • CV of ship captain.
  • INMARSAT number, radar and sonar frequencies.
  • List government agency responsible for supervising the project (if applicable).
  • Crew list with role, passport numbers & dates of birth

NICARAGUA

  • Copies (pdf) of:
    • International Load Line Certificate (American Bureau of Shipping)
    • Classification Documentation/Registration
    • Certificate of Inspection/Seaworthiness – obtained from port of embarkation

PERU

  • Crew list
  • Letter to the Vice Minister of Fisheries from the Chief Scientist, requesting permission for marine scientific research, referencing the details supplied in the application form
  • Letter nominating legal representative/agent in Peru (include name and address)
  • Copy (pdf) of the registration/classification document
  • Copy (pdf) of the Certificate of Ownership
  • Copy (pdf) of the International Tonnage Certificate
  • Copy (pdf) of the America Bureau of Shipping International Load Line Certificate
  • Copy (pdf) of the Certificate of Inspection (from port of embarkation)

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

  • Application MUST be submitted six months in advance.
  • Russian Federation’s MSR Form in Russian.

SAUDI ARABIA

  • Saudi Arabia’s MSR Form
  • Review the Marine Research Regulations in the booklet Marine Research Regulations in the Marine Territories of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SRI LANKA

  • National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency may request an MOU be negotiated and signed.

VENEZUELA

  • UN Standard Application Form in Spanish.
  • Photocopies of passports of the Captain and P.I.
  • Direct and indirect environmental impact assessment of the project.
  • CV of Venezuelan counterpart. Contact Mr. Perez Nieto, President of the Oceanology Commission at (58416) 6056589, to request support to determine which would be the ideal Venezuelan institutions interested in participating in the project.
  • Copy of vessel registration.


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