Maritime Irish Cadets

Irish Deck & Engine Merchant Navy Cadets

Ireland now offers an excellent source of high quality Deck and Engineering Officer Cadets to meet the future needs of the shipping industry. Educated to a high standard upon entry to Nautical College, Irish Cadets provide ship operators worldwide with an excellent source of mature, enthusiastic, English speaking seafarers with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

BP Maritime Services(Singapore) Pte Ltd, Arklow Shipping Ltd, Scotline, Dohle IOM,

.... are just some of the companies who have Irish cadets

What financial support is available for training Irish Cadets ?

Once accepted to Nautical College, Irish Cadets undergo training to their 1st Certificate of Competency. Financial support from the Irish Governments seafarer-training scheme (ISEAS 1) is available to companies to provide a training berth to cadets. This training grant covers all costs for mandatory training courses, and in addition, a seagoing training allowance of €350.00 is made available for each Cadet on a monthly basis.

How is the training Grant Administered?

The IMDO administer the training grant directly. This is done on a monthly basis through an ‘on line’ form accessed through the IMDO Website. The Ship Operator simply has to log on to the Website and input the required information. i.e.

  • Cadet Names
  • Class Year
  • Days spent at sea
Where are Irish Cadets trained?

Presently, Irish Cadets are trained at the Cork Institute of Technology’s Nautical Department, but will be moving to a new dedicated National Maritime College in October. The Irish Government has recognised the importance of fostering an environment that is supportive of the Irish Maritime Industry and has invested €57 Million in the construction of a new state National Maritime College which opens in October 2004.

Located on a site at Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour, close to the naval base, the college will cater for 780 students, bringing together training for the Merchant Marine and Naval Service

The College will set a world first in navigation technology, involving the biggest single long-term commitment by a simulation provider worldwide, KMSS, the world’s leading supplier of maritime simulation and training systems.

How are Irish Deck Cadets trained?

While training, Irish Deck Cadets study for a BSc. In Nautical Science. This degree course is designed for those who wish to pursue a career as a Deck Officer aboard ship, providing a comprehensive education in navigation and other ship board activities.

Course Programme

Stage 1. (36 weeks College Based)
Mathematics, Applied Nautical Science, Practical Navigation and Meteorology, General Sea Knowledge, Seamanship, Rules of the Road/Collision, Regs/Communications, Coastal Navigation, Shipping Management/Business & Law, Basic Safety Training and Instruction.

Stage 2. (15 months Sea Service)
Students who successfully complete Stage I are expected to be placed in a commercial ship, for practical training experience, and to gain the necessary 'sea time' for the OOW Certificate of Competency. In addition they must complete a Task Book, Projects, Journal and Task Reports.

Stage3. I (36 weeks College Based)
Proficiency in Survival Craft, Efficient Deck Hand, Electronic Navigation Systems, Advanced Fire-fighting: (An intensive five-day course run by an external authority to whom fees for the Fire Course are payable), GMDSS. Medical Emergency, Communication (Visual Signals), Bridge Watchkeeping, General Ship Knowledge, Coastal Navigation, Ocean Navigation, Meteorology, Seamanship/ Collision Regulations, Principles of Navigation.

How are Irish Engineer Cadets trained ?

Irish Engineer Cadets study for a B Eng. in Marine Engineering. This degree course, together with one further year spent at sea, constitutes the full programme for the Marine Engineers Cadet Training Scheme. Success in the Degree Examination merits consideration for exemption from certain parts of the Irish Department of the Marine’s Second Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer Officer Certificates of Competency

This course aims to provide a sound knowledge of marine engineering and all aspects of maritime affairs. Additionally it provides a comprehensive engineering education as required by Marine Engineering Officers.

Course Programme
Year 1 (36 weeks College Based)
Mathematics, Mechanical Technology, Technical Drawing, Engineering Science, Engineering Workshop Theory, Engineering Workshop Practice, Electrical & Electronic Principles, Marine Engineering Practice, General Studies

Year 2 (36 weeks College Based)
Mathematics, Mechanical Technology, Engineering Drawing and Design, Electrotechnology, Engineering Workshop Theory, Engineering Workshop Practice, Applied Science & Instrument Technology, Marine Engineering Practice & Technology, Legislation & Supervisory Studies, Naval Architecture.

Year 3 (38 weeks College Based)
Mechanical Technology, Marine Systems & Equipment, Electrotechnology, Control Engineering, Applied Electronics, Legislation and Supervisory Studies, Naval Architecture, Industrial Management. Training in Marine, Electrical, Welding and Mechanical Workshops.

Year 4. (9 months Sea Service)
Following the successful completion of 3 years study ashore, Irish Engineer Cadets undertake the minimum 9 months seatime required to sit the OOW Certificate of competency.