Fishing Vessel Engineer

Programme Overview

This programme is designed to equip the learner with the essential Fishing Vessel Engineering Skills needed to meet the initial training required for a Class 3 Engineering (fishing) Certificate of Competency (CoC).
The training programme includes the following modules:

• Marine Engineering Processes and Operations.
• Maths and Control Systems.
• General Engineering Theory and Practice, incorporating workshop theory, workshop practice and engineering drawing.
• Health and Safety.

Programme Information

Next Programme Dates

NFCI Greencastle, Co. Donegal

• 16 October 2023 – 2 February 2024
• 14 October 2024 – 31 January 2025

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

Who is the Programme for

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.

Duration

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.

Training Methodology

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

Certification

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.

Progression

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

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

Fees

Course €200

Resources

Download Application form here

Download Declaration of Sea Service form here