An innovative new course aimed at preparing individuals to work in the maritime industry has held its certification ceremony in Kilrush Marina.
Run by the Further Education and Training Division of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, the Kilrush Maritime Course was operated as a pilot project one day a week over the past year and was offered free through the ETB’s Active Inclusion Support Service to people with an interest in starting a career in the marine sector.
Clare native, Captain Sinéad Reen of the National Maritime College, and Ireland’s first female master mariner, was the guest speaker on the day and presented certificates to the graduates. The event was also attended by Minister of State, Pat Breen TD, and Brian McCarthy, Senior Planner, Clare County Council.
Designed to provide learners with the essential accreditation and skills required to gain employment within the growing maritime sector around the Shannon Estuary, the course was designed and delivered by ETB tutor Diarmuid Whelan who has extensive experience in the maritime sector. Commenting on the success of the pilot, Diarmuid said: “Learners developed the solid maritime foundation required to work on passenger vessels, work-boats and fishing vessels, as well as gaining the necessary certification required by the HSA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.”
Modules delivered on the course included: traditional boat-building, safety at sea, diesel engine maintenance, navigation mathematics, rope-work/splicing, boat handling and VHF radio operations.
On completion of the course, learners achieved extensive certification including: ISA Coastal Navigation Cert, ISA National Powerboat Cert, ISA Safety Boat Cert, SOLAS Safe Pass, BIM Sea Survival Cert and the Marine Radio SRC licence, as well as a strong foundation in practical boat work. The currach built during the course was presented to Kilrush Currach Club on Friday by Diarmuid and the first group of Kilrush Maritime Course graduates.
There was huge interest in the course in its first year, with over 20 people applying for the 10 places available. A second iteration of the course, offered this time through the Skills to Advance initiative, is about to commence from the end of this month and will also run one day a week. It will be offered free to those who are employed and want to upskill for a career in the maritime sector. This can be someone who’s employed full-time, part-time or self-employed. There are a limited number of places still remaining. To find out more, call Kala on 065 905 2131, or email kala.moloney@lcetb.ie.