Approval of Maritime Course Delayed ‘Puts Jobs at Risk’

11th July 2016

From January next year all mariners will be required to have completed a programme of refresher training courses. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

#CourseDispute -The National Maritime College of Ireland is in dispute with marine authorities in that it is putting the livelihoods of up to 400 seafarers and over 20 lecturers at risk, it is claimed.

The Irish Times writes that from January 1st next year, all mariners will be required to have completed a programme of mandatory refresher training in basic sea survival, boat-handling and firefighting.

However, the Cork-based National Maritime College of Ireland says a submission it made a year and a half ago for approval of its refresher courses has yet to receive formal approval from Irish authorities.

While the college says the UK’s Marine and Coastguard Agency has recognised the certificates since last August, the Irish equivalent – the Marine Survey Office – has refused to do so.

Further coverage of the story can be read here.

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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