Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Working Life

Not be confused with the Naval Forces that forms part of the Irish Defence Forces, the Merchant Navy is the name given to those who work in commercial shipping.

The Merchant navy broadly includes non-military sailing vessels such as:

Container Ships - Ranging from small feeder ships trading between islands to some of the biggest ships in the world, containerisation revolutionised the shipping industry - it’s thanks to the container industry that we have so many goods in our high street shops.

Tankers - Carry oil, fuel, gas and chemicals around the world. 

Bulk Carriers - Bring coal, grain, ores and other powdered substances to our shores.

Ferries - From the small inter island ferries providing a vtransportation links to our island communities to the massive sea going ferries providing links to the continent for cars, trucks and passengers.

Cruise Ships - The age old days of crossing the atlantic or traveling to the other side of the world on ships was wiped out over night by the advent of air travel. The industry was quick to change into traveling for pleasure and the cruise industry continues to grow carrying holiday makers to distant shores around the world.

Off Shore Support - large oil fields in the North Sea are supported by a fleet of vessels, providing survey, construction and crew / supply transfers to the oil and gas industry. Many of these companies also supply similar services to oil fields around the world in exotic locations such as Brasil, Caribbean and Australia.

There are many other types of vessel, from cable and pipe line laying to survey and fishery protection vessels.

This is is an international industry, encompassing a wide range of companies which provide some great career opportunities.

Cadet is the title used within the industry for a trainee officer. It’s one of the main starting points in a career as an officer at sea. Cadets attend nautical college and spend their time split between learning academic subjects at college and putting what they’ve learned into practice at sea in the real world.

Similar to an apprenticeship, your training costs may be paid by your sponsor company and they give you a small salary while you’re training.

Tasks & Activities

Cadets join the vessel as an additional member of the crew. You will typically spend time initially working with either the deck or engine ratings. This provides experience of how things are done onboard and introduces you to the variety of tasks that need to be carried out.

Typical tasks for Deck Cadets include:

• Chipping and painting - banging rust off the decks and repainting it
• Assisting with mooring operations (tying the ship up to the dock)
• Helping with cargo loading / unloading,
• Helping the officers with their paperwork and
• Other non watch keeping tasks.

They may also spend a little time on the bridge.

Cadets are being trained to high standard in Ireland to meet the future needs of the shipping industry.

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.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
• Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
• Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
• Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
• Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
• Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
• Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
• Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
• Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
• Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.

Further Information

• Merchant Navy Cadet- from: Irish Maritime Development Office

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Irish Deck Cadets can develop towards a career in the merchant navy in a number of ways. Detailed information is available on the National Maritime College website National Maritime College

Entrants are typically taken on by a shipping company, who will sponsor them onto a training programme. Training varies according to the employing company. Some develop via Irish Naval Pathways or by Specific Skills building via Ireland's Mercantile Marine. 

A Certificate in Navigational Studies (Seamanship) which may suit school leavers and those with experience of working aboard merchant ships or fishing vessels - NMCI click here. 

It is likely that you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting forms are submitted through the employer and cannot be completed by the applicant prior to employment. 

Key Maritime Development Skills 

• Radio & Communications
• Health & Safety at Sea
• Navigation

Seafarers & Maritime Skills

Your skills & knowledge of a maritime career can be developed via courses in one of Ireland National Fisheries & Maritime centre [BIM] Bord iascaigh Mhara

IMDO Career Development Pathways:

• Engineer 
• Broker 
• Ships Officer 
• Ship Executive  

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business administration, customer service, engineering, transport, logistics, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: engineering, business, management, transport, logistics.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, Logistics Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: engineering, nautical Science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: management .

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €19k - €44k

Students on the NMCI BSC Nautical Science must complete a mandatory work placement of 12-15 months seatime in Year 2. Every endeavour will be made to secure suitable sea training placement, this is outside the control of CIT / NMCI and the College cannot accept responsibility for difficulties in securing such placement.

Graduates first become Officer of the Watch on a vessel after graduating and passing relevant examinations. They can advance to Chief Mate or Ship’s Captain with further study, examinations, and seatime. Careers exist on all different type of ocean going vessels: bulk carriers, oil tankers, container ships, cruise and ferry vessels. There are also careers on specialist vessels, such as seismic and exploration ships, pilot vessels, tugs and mega yachts.

Data Source(s):
NMCI/ Military.ie / Gov.ie

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Bus and coach drivers; Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs; Train and tram drivers; Marine and waterways transport operatives; Air transport operatives; Rail transport operatives; Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was negative for this occupation, with little change in employment levels since 2020. Most are employed as taxi drivers and bus and coach drivers; although employment levels remained unchanged for taxi drivers between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022, there was a fall in the number of persons employed as bus and coach drivers. At 43%, the share aged 55 years and older far exceeded the national average and may lead to an increase in replacement demand across the roles in the coming years. Issues with recruiting taxi drivers that occurred with the reopening of the economy post-COVID-19 appears to have eased somewhat; the data does not point to any evidence of shortages.

In a statement to the Joint Oireachtas committee on Transport and Communications, the National Transport Authority noted issues with retaining and recruiting bus drivers in a time of full employment. There have been advertising campaigns (e.g. Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann) to recruit new bus drivers. As a result of issues with recruitment, a quota for 1,500 new permits for bus and coach drivers was added in December 2022 which has yet to be reflected in the data. The Skills for Growth data also indicates issues with filling vacancies for bus drivers (including for those with good communication skills). Despite the negative employment growth for this occupation overall, skills shortages have emerged for bus and coach drivers.

• National Maritime College of Ireland

  • Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
  • (021) 433 5600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place D02 NT99, Dublin 2, Ireland
  • (01) 7753900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here