Fishing Vessel Engineer

This programme is open to individuals with an interest in pursuing a career as a Marine Engineer on Irish fishing vessels.

It would also be of particular interest to existing fishing vessel crew, with experience at sea, that now wish to obtain a formal qualification in Marine Engineering.

(note: New Entrants to the Sector will begin with the Deckhand Foundation Course on 2 September)

This programme will be delivered over 14 weeks in the National Fisheries College of Ireland, Greencastle, Co. Donegal between October 2023 and February 2024.

Note – the BIM Deckhand Programme starts every September and runs for 6 weeks immediately preceding this programme. Total duration for both programmes is 20 weeks.

Centre based instruction in classroom, workshop, and marine laboratory.

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a QQI Level 5 Specific Purpose Certificate in Fishing Vessel Engineering Skills.

Entry Requirements

• 1. Junior Cycle (NFQ Level 3) with a Grade C or higher in ordinary level Mathematics (or equivalent)
• 2. The ability to read, write and communicate efficiently in English. (For learners, whose first language is not English, the applicant must have efficiency in English to 70% in the Marlin test)
• 3. Medically and physically fit for a career at Sea, – confirmed with the Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG11)

In addition to the above the applicant must satisfy the requirements of option 1 or option 2 below:

Option 1 (Preferred Entry Route)

Entry requirements:
Successfully completed the BIM Deckhand Programme and achievement of all associated STCW certificates.

Option 2 (Alternative Entry Route)

Entry Requirements:
The following STCW Certificates:

Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities and a minimum of 3 months sea time.

Once a learner completes this programme, and a period of sea-time (working on bord a fishing vessel) they can present for an oral examination conducted by the Examiner of Engineers, and if successful will be awarded a Class 3 Certificate of Competency (CoC) Engineering Officer (Fishing Vessel).

Progression opportunities exists both at sea and ashore within the seafood industry and in other engineering roles.

Those that wish to remain at sea can progress their certificates of competency to Class 2 and Class 1 Engineering Officer (Fishing Vessel).

There is also the option to transfer across to the merchant navy engineer officer certificate of competencies. This gives the option to work on any merchant ship worldwide.

Those that do not wish to pursue a career at sea can chose to progress their career ashore in the marine engineering services sector (shipyards, engine overhauls, specialised marine equipment technician, service engineer etc).

Assessment will be carried out by a mixture of Written Examination, Practical Examination, Skills Demonstrations, Portfolio and Assignments.