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.  
 
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.

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

• Naval Service Cadet - Deck - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Naval Service Cadet - Deck - from: N.C.S. [UK]

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.

Competitions are advertised when appointments are available. 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, Military.ie.
 
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.

Be 18 years of age or above and under 26 years of age on 1 September 2023. Be a citizen of the state or be any other person who has a lawful entitlement to reside and work within the State for the period of enlistment required for the course of training as a cadet and, if subsequently commissioned as an officer, for the additional period of time that is required for the purpose of any such appointment. Be of good character and satisfy any security clearance requirement. Leaving Certificate/Bachelor Degree Graduate (specific grades apply).

School Leaver or Non-Graduate Candidates Must possess a minimum of Grade H4 in 4 Higher Level papers, and, Grade 02 in 2 Ordinary Level Papers or Grade H7 in 2 Higher level papers. Candidates must have obtained these grades in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate examination for CAO computation purposes. AND A candidate’s educational qualifications must include a minimum of Grade 06 at Ordinary level or H6 at Higher Level in the following subjects: (i) Mathematics. (ii) Irish. NUI matriculation exemptions apply.

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, allowances, grades, shift pattern, experience, and role. 

Military.ie Naval Rates

Data Source(s):
Military.ie

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
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