Marine Scientific Research

The Swedish Coast Guard is the government agency tasked with granting permission to conduct marine scientific research (MSR) in the Swedish economic zone and in territorial waters (0-12NM). Additionally, permission must be obtained from the Swedish Armed Forces if MSR is to be conducted in Swedish territorial waters or when planning port visits.

The application consists of several forms depending on where MSR is to be performed.

1. Form A1 is an application only for MSR.
2. Form A2 is for diplomatic clearance i.e. planning to enter Swedish territorial waters (0-12NM) for MSR and/or port visits.
   Note: Form A2 is not necessary in case of bad weather conditions as this is considered an unplanned event.
   Note: The Swedish Coast Guard is in charge of sending Form A2 Application for diplomatic clearance to the Swedish Armed Forces.
3. Excel Form with coordinates for MSR stations, trawling etc.

An application to undertake MSR must be submitted to the Swedish Coast Guard at least six weeks prior to the planned scientific research cruise is scheduled to commence.

If MSR in Swedish waters is e.g. planned to begin on 1 June, a complete application has to be submitted to the Swedish Coast Guard by 15 April at the latest.

The application, signed and converted to pdf-format, should be sent together with the separate template Excel MSR coordinates through regular diplomatic channels to: registrator@kustbevakningen.se

New arrangements

Starting 1 March 2025, the Swedish Coast Guard introduced an application fee for processing applications for permits for conducting marine scientific research in Swedish territorial waters.

The fee is being introduced pursuant to point 10 of Section 1 of Chapter 7 of the Ordinance (SFS 1998:940) on Fees for Examination and Supervision pursuant to the Swedish Environmental Code.

• The application fee is SEK 5,200.
• The fee must be paid in advance with a receipt/proof of payment attached to the application.
• Application fees are to be paid into the Swedish Coast Guard’s Bankgiro account:
  • Account holder: Swedish Coast Guard
  • IBAN: SE38 1200 0000 0128 1011 1928
  • BIC/SWIFT: DABASESX
• Please state the name of the research vessel, the cruise name and the dates the vessel will enter and leave Swedish territorial waters as a reference.
• The application will not be processed until a receipt/proof of payment has been received by the Swedish Coast Guard.
• The application may be rejected if no receipt/proof of payment is submitted.