Meet Kevin Byrne, Chief Engineer on MFV Sheanne

Kevin Byrne started his marine training with BIM in 1999 on the Class 3 Engineering Course in Greencastle. Setting out from Killybegs, his work has taken him all over Europe.

Kevin recalls, “I have always been interested in boats and the mechanics behind them. I started with BIM on the Class 3 Engineer Course in Greencastle back in 1999. I served time as an apprentice aboard various fishing vessels working out of Killybegs.

Once I completed the course I served as 3rd engineer on ‘MFV Atlantean’ and when I had enough sea time done, returned to the Fisheries College in Greencastle to do the Fishing vessel Engineer Class 2 certificate of competency and an oral exam with the Marine Survey Office.

I then sailed as second engineer and when the opportunity arose to complete the Class 1 certificate of competency, I once again returned to Greencastle in 2006.

Since graduating I have served as Chief Engineer on various pelagic vessels in Killybegs and since 2011 I am serving on  the ‘MFV Sheanne’.

The job has taken me all over western Europe from Spain to Norway through calm and stormy seas and the experience of being part of a ship’s crew all working together is part of the satisfaction that makes a working life at sea so rewarding.

The ongoing learning and career opportunities are excellent for anyone looking at the Marine Engineering courses and it’s a credit to BIM and the staff at the National Fisheries Colleges for their dedicated and continued work in this important area, because we are, after all, an island nation.”

If you want to find out more about the Fishing Vessel Engineer Course with BIM, click here