Overview
Should U.S. marine science research interests lie within the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf of another country, written authorization from the respective coastal State must be obtained via official channels prior to the start of the cruise. Once authorization is obtained, the Chief Scientist is obligated to submit a copy of the data collected during the cruise to each authorizing country. OPA facilitates this authorization and post-cruise data exchange procedure for the U.S. research community.
Procedure
Applications should be submitted to OPA through the research platform operator’s office (contact OPA for further guidance, if needed) at least 27 weeks prior to the start of the research program. The application package should include:
- UN Draft Standard Form A (one form per vessel/aircraft). Applicants should develop their research plans in consultation with scientists from the coastal State, and encourage their participation in both the research and the subsequent analysis of the data.
- Email from the ship/aircraft operator verifying that there will not be equipment scheduling conflict and identifying planned port visits where publicity and goodwill activities may be scheduled.
- Additional supporting documentation, if required by the individual foreign authorities. See individual country files to determine if this is a concern for your application.
- Letter of endorsement from coastal State collaborator, if applicable.
Upon receipt, OPA will forward the application package to the Foreign Ministry within every country from which clearance is sought. A file number will be assigned to the cruise and be provided to the Submitting Officer (see U.N. Draft Standard Form A, 1.5). This file number should be referenced in all future correspondence and inquiries submitted to OPA.
Please note: OPA will make every effort to obtain a response from the foreign authorities prior to the start of the cruise. It is strongly suggested that the Submitting Officer and the Chief Scientist do NOT contact the Foreign Ministry or the U.S. embassies during the application process, unless permission is expressly granted by the OPA to do so. Please also note: It is the responsibility of the Chief Scientist to obtain and possess during the research a valid CITES collection permit, if applicable -- see the CITES link below for more information.
Cruise Plan Changes/Cancellations
Once written authorization is obtained, any and all changes to the itinerary, scientific plan, and ship specifications must be reported to OPA immediately. OPA will seek revised authorizations as necessary.
Maritime Security
Prior to departure, the Department of State recommends that all operators and scientists regularly review the information resources available regarding both sea-based and land-based security issues. See the related links below.
Post-Cruise Obligations
After the research cruise is conducted, the Chief Scientist (see U.N. Draft Standard Form A, 1.3) is obligated to submit a Preliminary Cruise Report Form and a Final Report. OPA requests that the Preliminary Cruise Report Form be completed and mailed to OPA no later than 30 days following the end date of the authorized research. A chartlet showing the actual track for the cruise must be supplied with this form. The Final Report must be delivered to OPA as soon as possible, but no later than two years following the end date of the authorized research. If the Final Report cannot be submitted in this timeframe, the Chief Scientist must request, in writing, an extension from OPA. OPA requests that all reports be submitted via email; should the Final Report consist of one or a combination of data tapes, websites, CDs, published articles, etc., each item must be clearly labeled with both the file number and the name of the country to which the material is due.
Related Links
- Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service – bureau within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides agricultural producers with a broad range of cooperative programs for protecting the health of animals and plants. Includes information regarding importation of scientific specimens.
- CITES National Focal Points - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), directory of national focal points to assist with CITES-related permits.
- Endangered Species Act- the basis for U.S. conservation of species that are endangered or threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range, and the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend.
- Guidelines for Improved Cooperation between Arctic Researchers and Northern Communities - useful recommendations for arctic research missions.
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code -- minimum requirements for the transport of dangerous goods (see U.N. Draft Standard Form A, 3.4).
- Maritime Claims Reference Manual -- U.S. Department of Defense list of claims made by coastal nations.
- Maritime Security Issues – links to U.S. and international maritime security information.
- Maritime Zones and Maritime Delimitation -- created and maintained by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs, United Nations Secretariat. See "States by Region" to review the national legislation of coastal States and treaties dealing with the delimitation of maritime boundaries.
- Passports -- how to obtain/renew a U.S. Passport
- Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Country Background Notes – country-specific information for travelers.
- Travel Health Information from the Center for Disease Control - health information on specific destinations. What to know before you go.
- Law of the Sea - see Article 19(2)(j) Innocent Passage; Article 56(1)(b)(ii) EEZ; Article 87(1)(f) High Seas; Part XI Deep Seabed, Article 143; Part XIII Marine Science Research, Articles 238-265; Part XV Dispute Resolution, Articles 287& 297.
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