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.

The Work

The Naval Service is based in Haulbowline, Cobh, Co. Cork. It is a modern and sophisticated multi-tasked organisation operating a fleet of eight ships. The fleet is equipped with state of the art machinery, weapons, communications and navigation systems.  
 
The main role of the Naval Service is as part of the Defence Forces is to deter incidents of aggression against the State and to uphold neutrality. In addition, the day-to-day roles of the Naval Service include fishery protection duties, search and rescue, diving operations and pollution control.  

 
The fishery protection service requires the navy to board and inspect several hundred fishing vessels per year to ensure implementation of European and national fisheries regulations.  
 
Along with An Garda Siochana and Customs and Excise, the Naval Service is involved in the prevention of the importation of illegal drugs into the country.  
 
Naval Service ships conduct courtesy visits abroad, (as far a field as Hong Kong) and undertake re-supply missions to our EU Peacekeeping Troops on a regular basis. Naval Service personnel may serve overseas on peacekeeping/Peace Enforcing Missions.  
 
Officers of the operations Branch are responsible for the efficient running of a ships routine and operation and it is from this branch that an officer may become Captain of a ship. Officers are responsible for everything which keeps the ship afloat, moving and habitable.

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.

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.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Applications are invited by means of Media advertisements or via Military.ie. Candidates may be called to attend before an Interview Board, and if successful will be required to undergo a medical examination and physical fitness test.  

No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.

Applicants must be 18 years of age and under 29 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.

 
Naval Service Recruit Induction & Training 

Recruit Competitions are held in the Naval Service as required and are the only way to join the Defence Forces to become a Sailor.

Application Potential Candidates are required to complete an online application form through www.military.ie.

All correspondence with applicants will be done through email for the duration of the competition.

Psychometric Testing All applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will be invited to attend for Psychometric Testing. Full details of these tests will be emailed to all applicants after the application phase for the competition is closed.

Fitness Testing All candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will then be invited to attend a Fitness Testing centre, where they will be required to complete the Defence Forces induction fitness test.

Interview Candidates who are successful at the Fitness Assessment Centre will be asked to attend for Interview.

The interview is competency based where Candidates will be assessed under the following competencies:

• Ability to work under pressure

• Teamwork

• Motivation

• Career Orientation

The top scoring candidates at the interview will then be called to attend a full medical examination. In conjunction with this all candidates will be security vetted by An Garda Síochána.

Candidates will be required to pass both the medical examination and security vetting to be considered for induction. Award of a place in a Recruit Class The candidates who finished at the top of the competitions order of merit will then be offered a place in the Recruit Class they applied for.

Training 

Naval Service Recruit Training (18 Weeks) The Recruit Training Syllabus is designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Seaman with basic military skills.

Naval Recruit training is the foundation of military training. It is followed by Specialist Branch Training courses.

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €24k - €48k

Salaries vary by employer, grade, rank, experience, allowances, and duties. Irish Military/ Naval Service: Military.ie

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

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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

Employment in this occupation has been declining annually since 2020. Those working in this occupation are primarily employed within the public sector and, as such, any employment growth will be dependent on future Government funding. Budget 2023 allocated funding for an additional 100 prison service officers.

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

  • Department of Defence,Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
  • 1890 42 65 55
  • [email protected]
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