Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Working Life

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.  
 
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 to European Ports and undertake re-supply missions to our United Nations Peacekeeping Troops in Lebanon and Kosovo on a yearly basis. Naval Service personnel may serve overseas with United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.  
 
Executive Officers are in charge of the running of the ships routines, missions and crew. They are responsible for the operation of weapons and trained for management. Captains are recruited from these positions.  
 
Engineering Cadet is responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of all the ships systems. A Mechanical Engineer or Engine Room Artificer (ERA) works with the engineering team on board to maintain and operate the main engines, auxiliary machinery and supporting systems, electrical generation equipment, hydraulic deck machinery and hotel systems ( showers, sanitary, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating).

A Mechanical Engineer will also assist with the training and supervision of apprentices and mechanical technicians. They are emergency response team supervisors and team leaders of the maritime interdiction teams. 

The Naval Service has opportunities for Marine Engineering Officers. This is a vital position and we are looking for highly motivated individuals who combine professional skills with leadership ability and the desire to take their careers to exciting new places. A Marine Engineering Officer in the Naval Service is responsible for the hull and structure of the ship, its main engines and all auxiliary machinery. They are responsible for the main electrical generators, the electrical distribution system, air conditioning, ventilation, heating systems as well as all fuel and water systems. They also manage, lead and train personnel onboard ship.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
• Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
• Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as sise, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
• Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
• Oversee construction and testing of prototype in model basin and develop sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish center of gravity, ideal hull form, and buoyancy and stability data.
• Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.
• Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.
• Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
• Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
• Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.

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.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 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.

Competitions are advertised in the national media when appointments are available, and Military.ie
 
All eligible candidates will be called to a preliminary interview at selected locations around the country. Candidates who are successful at interview will later be called for aptitude assessments, a medical examination, physical fitness test, and a second interview. The award of Cadetships is subject to candidates passing a further medical examination on reporting for training.  
 
Both practical and theoretical training is given for Cadets of both branches by the Naval Service. This may be supplemented by third level education to degree standard at UCG.  
 
The Naval Service Officer can avail of opportunities of further education as well as participating in professional sub-specialisation courses such as Tactical and Naval Warfare Courses at home and abroad. The Engineer Officer can avail of opportunities of further education as well as participating in a range of specialist courses applicable to the Marine Engineering profession at home or abroad.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €36k - €84k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, rank, allowances, duties, and role.

Military.ie Naval Careers

Data Source(s):
Military.ie/ Payscale/ WEI

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Officers in armed forces; Senior officers in fire; ambulance; prison and related services; NCOs and other ranks Fire service officers (watch manager and below); Prison service officers (below principal officer); Police community support officers; Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.

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
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