The Irish Government has ratified the Convention on the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation which will support safe and efficient navigation around our coasts. 

As shipping and offshore activity continues to grow, the new Convention will enable collaboration and development of consistent standards and practises at international level.

The Convention changes the status of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities or IALA from a Non-Governmental Organisation to an Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO). The status of IGO will give further weight to the standards and recommendations of IALA, leading to greater compliance and navigational safety.

Marking the ratification of the IALA Convention, Minister of State Chambers said: “The transport of critical resources by sea enables the majority of our international trade. The last few years have illustrated Ireland’s reliance on marine supply chains with over 90% of goods by volume transported into our ports. New opportunities in offshore wind will bring huge benefits and must be planned and managed carefully in conjunction with fisheries, leisure and marine protected areas.

Yvonne Shields O’Connor, Irish Lights Chief Executive and Minister of State Jack Chambers TD

The offshore environment will be busier while physical and electronic aids to navigation will continue to support the protection of lives, trade, property and the environment around our coast. Ireland’s membership of IALA, along with the work of my Department at the International Maritime Organisation, will ensure that Ireland contributes proactively at international level to the safe and sustainable development of our shipping and maritime sector.”

Irish Lights Chief Executive, Yvonne Shields O’Connor said, “We welcome the Irish Government’s support for the ratification of the IALA convention. Increased digitalisation, connectivity, cyber security, expansion of offshore infrastructure, developments such as autonomous vessels and changes in trade patterns and climate are just some of the key issues being addressed at IALA.

As the organisation responsible for delivering essential navigation safety services around the coast of Ireland, Irish Lights understands the importance of global cooperation and coordination in harmonising marine navigation and related services. Ireland though Irish Lights has been a member of IALA since its establishment in 1957 and we look forward to continuing to play our part in this important work.”

Irish Lights is recruiting for an Electro Technical Officer to fill a challenging and rewarding role on board ILV Granuaile.

This is a unique opportunity to work with the statutory body that maintains the aids to navigation, including offshore lighthouses and buoys, all around the Irish coast.

As the Electro Technical Officer, you will be responsible for all aspects of onboard maintenance of the electrical systems, electronic and navigational equipment, including DP and ocean bed survey equipment, and ensuring all repairs and servicing is carried out to the highest standards.

To apply, you must hold a Watchkeeping Electro Technical Officer STCW Certificate of Competency (III/6), a GMDSS Radio Maintenance Certificate and the Electronic Navigation Equipment Maintenance Certificate (III/6).

A valid medical certificate is also essential.

An attractive salary (€53,050 rising to €63,322), time for time roster (4 weeks on/4 weeks off) and a generous pension scheme will be available to the successful candidate.

Please visit our website (https://www.irishlights.ie/who-we-are/vacancies.aspx) to view the Candidate Briefing Pack for more information about the role, requirements and how to apply by midnight on 28 May 2023.

We look forward to meeting with you to determine how you will support the Commissioners of Irish Lights to deliver on our mission of “Safe Navigation at Sea”.

Commissioners of Irish Lights is an equal opportunities employer and promotes diversity in the workplace

Irish Lights is seeking to recruit a Programme Co-Ordinator. Based in Dun Laoghaire, the person will provide support to the Chief Executive to co-ordinate a programme of strategic, governance, compliance, operational and stakeholder activities.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Programme Co-Ordinator will provide administrative support for tasks, including co-ordination of activities, compiling of responses, drafting of documents and proof-reading materials in advance of wider circulation.

The role will be specifically responsible for providing support in the following areas:

• Governance and Compliance
• Strategy Support and Co-ordination
• Stakeholder Support and Co-ordination
• Internal Co-ordination and Communications

The person must hold a degree or equivalent in a relevant field, for example, Engineering, Technology, Science, Environmental, Business and Public Administration.

An attractive salary and a generous pension scheme will be available to the successful person.

Please visit our website (https://www.irishlights.ie/who-we-are/vacancies/programme-co-ordinator-office-of-the-chief-executive.aspx) to view the Candidate Briefing Pack for more information about the role and how to apply by midnight on 21 May 2023.

The Commissioners of Irish Lights is an equal opportunities employer and promotes diversity in the workplace.

Would you like the opportunity to see the coast of Ireland from a different perspective?

If yes, then join the team at Irish Lights, onboard ILV Granuaile, as one of our Able Seafarers.

This is a unique opportunity for individuals with a marine background to work with the statutory body that maintains the aids to navigation, including offshore lighthouses and buoys, all around the Irish coast.

As an Able Seafarer, your duties will include shipboard maintenance, mooring operations, watch keeping and operating deck machinery. You will also work with cranes, winches, workboats and helicopter operations.

Ideally, you will have a valid Able Seafarer Deck Certificate (or be near to completion) together with deckhand experience on specialised vessels such as Aids to Navigation or Offshore Anchor Handling.

When you join us, we will provide you with the additional training required to undertake this particular role, and you will be supported throughout your career to reach your full potential as a Mariner.

An attractive salary (€29,690 rising to €36,375, based on experience and service), a time for time roster (4 weeks on/4 weeks off), and a generous pension scheme will be available to the successful candidates.

Please visit our website (www.irishlights.ie/who-we-are/vacancies) to view the Candidate Briefing Pack for more information about the role and how to apply by Friday, 26 May 2023.

We look forward to meeting with you to determine how you will support the Commissioners of Irish Lights to deliver on our mission of “Safe Navigation at Sea”

Commissioners of Irish Lights is an equal opportunities employer and promotes diversity in the workplace

The Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights) is seeking Expressions of Interest for appointments to its Board.

The mission of Irish Lights is Safe Navigation at Sea. We are a maritime organisation delivering essential 24/7 safety and navigation services, 365 days a year. With strong working ties to our sister agencies Trinity House and Northern Lighthouse Board in the UK, Irish Lights operates on an all island basis, covering both jurisdictions, North and South.

Our current 2018-2023 strategy ‘Safe Seas – Connected Coasts’ recognises the exciting and challenging trends in the maritime sector at national and international level. With a strong focus on safety, innovation, technology and sustainability, Irish Lights plays a leadership role in the delivery of next generation navigation and maritime safety services. We are looking for experienced individuals to join our Board, to support the ongoing development of the organisation. Two appointments will be made in the first quarter of 2023, with a further two appointments later in 2023. Applicants should have Board / Senior Management experience and a specific capability in one or more of the following;

• Financial experience and expertise – an Accountant ideally with Audit and Risk Committee interest and experience.
• An Engineer with recent experience in Environment / Heritage / Sustainability / Planning and Consenting / Health and Safety
• A Construction / Property Development Specialist with experience in Sustainability / Heritage / Architecture.
• A Specialist in the field of Environment / Sustainability / ESG and /or Health and Safety.
• A Legal Specialist, ideally with current planning and / or contractual expertise

Marine, Maritime and Navigation experience would be beneficial and is desirable but is not essential. This would include expertise or specific experience of working professionally in any sub-sector of the marine and maritime sector e.g. shipping, ports, offshore wind, fisheries, leisure, marine technology, surveying etc. or knowledge of navigation gleaned from a relevant qualification or a sailing/seafaring background (e.g. yacht master, leisure, merchant, navy).

Irish Lights values and supports diversity and equality of opportunity. Appointments are made on merit. While Board members do not receive fees, the successful appointees will gain significant exposure to and experience in a sector growing in both national and international importance.

Expressions of Interest should be submitted to [email protected] no later than the 27th January 2023. For an Expressions of Interest forms, note the attached pdf. 

Irish Lights is hosting Navigating To 2050 – A safe and sustainable maritime future, a two-day hybrid conference bringing together key national and international leaders to debate a safe and sustainable route to 2050. 

The event will be held in Dublin Castle on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 November.

Safely navigating to a decarbonised maritime sector by 2050 requires extensive knowledge building, investment and holistic approaches. More importantly, the organisers say, it requires immediate action.

These issues affect the entire marine sector — from shipping, ports, energy, fuel supply and storage, to environmentally friendly and safe navigation, operations and effective regulation.

Irish Lights says the conference will identify the gaps and opportunities that will foster progress on this critical journey.

Register your interest and view key speakers at the conference website HERE.

Irish Lights is recruiting for an Able Bodied Seafarer (Deck) on board its multi-purpose DP 1 vessel, Granuaile.

THE SHIP

Granuaile is an Irish Flagged 80-meter multi-purpose DP1 vessel with a 20-tonne crane and significant mooring handling capabilities. She is a diesel-electric ship powered by 5 x MAN gensets with a total power of 3700kW driving 2 x Schottel Azi Pod propellers and a Gill Jet Azitumth Bow Thruster. She is classed by Lloyds and has UMS notation. Primary duties involve maintenance of floating and fixed Aids to Navigation. Over the ship's 20 years in operation, she has successfully completed a wide range of offshore contracts, including subsea operations.

THE ROLE

As the Operational Maintenance Operative (OMO) Deck you will be required to carry out shipboard duties as directed by the Deck Supervisor (Bosun). Your work as OMO is classed as general purpose and in addition to deck/bridge/boat work you will also work in the Engine Room, Accommodation and Galley work as directed. On completion of an on-board training programme, you will be expected to be competent in the operation of cranes and daughter craft.

THE REQUIREMENTS

You must hold a valid STCW Able Seafarers Deck Certificate and all the essential criteria listed in the Candidate Briefing Pack. Ex-Naval personnel with experience of small craft operations will also be considered, subject to eligibility to progress to STCW Able Seafarers Deck Certificate and achieving all relevant STCW certifications for the role. Previous experience on Aids to Navigation Maintenance or Offshore Anchor Handling vessels would be a distinct advantage.

You will need to be able to take ownership of tasks and responsibilities and work efficiently. You will need strong communication and teamwork skills. If English is not your first language, you must achieve at least 80% on the Marlin Test. The ship’s core operations of buoy maintenance and lighthouse replenishment can be physically demanding so you will need a good level of physical fitness.

An attractive salary, time on time off roster and pension scheme is available. Please visit our website (www.irishlights.ie/who-we-are/vacancies) to view the Candidate Briefing Pack for further information about the role and the requirements.

The closing date for applications is the close of business Monday, 17 October 2022. Please apply by emailing a CV and cover letter to Gemma Gregan at [email protected]. Please view Irish Lights Job Applicant Privacy Notice on our website.

Irish Lights has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Engineering Design Manager. This role will primarily be based in our Dun Laoghaire Office with periodic travel to some of the most stunning locations around the coast of Ireland.

THE ROLE
As Engineering Design, Consent and Compliance Manager you will report to the Coastal Operations and Property Manager. In this new, mid-senior role you will manage a programme of exciting projects. You will motivate and lead our Design and Support Team in the delivery of all design work to support work activities at our coastal stations. You will ensure that Irish Lights complies with relevant planning and environmental obligations and you will be the ‘Delegated Decision Maker’ for Irish Lights with respect to Appropriate Assessment determinations.

THE REQUIREMENTS
You must have an engineering honours degree (level 8 in the NFQ) or equivalent professional qualification with at least 7 years’ experience in relevant engineering design. You will need to demonstrate your experience in project design, preparation of specifications and costings. Similarly, you will need a good knowledge of planning and environmental consenting. A knowledge of habitats and heritage designations and their management would be highly advantageous.

You will need a strong track record of team building, planning and leadership along with excellent communication and people skills. You will also need strong ICT, report writing and record keeping skills, with the ability to prioritise work and work to deadlines.

THE BENEFITS
Details of the salary range and the other benefits including blended working arrangements are detailed in the Candidate Briefing Pack. The pack also gives further information on the role, the requirements and Irish Lights.

HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is close of business on Friday, 26 September 2022. Please apply by sending a CV and cover letter to Gemma Gregan at [email protected]. Please view Irish Lights Job Applicant Privacy Notice on the Vacancies page.

Irish Lights is recruiting for a Local Contact in Castletownbere. This part-time role is a critical and responsible position that provides an essential service to our coastal communities.

The role is also responsible for carrying out ground support for Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter operations for the Irish Coast Guard. The role is based at the Irish Lights helipad in Castletownbere and may, from time to time, be required to travel and work at other locations.

Main Responsibilities will include:

Aids to Navigation: Being the local, on the ground, contact for Irish Lights, in the area. Being familiar with the running of the Aids to Navigation and stations assigned.

Helicopter Operations: Being responsible for carrying out ground support for Irish Lights helicopter operations.

Search and Rescue (SAR): Be available to provide ground support and refuelling services for Search
and Rescue (SAR) helicopter operations when required by the Irish Coast Guard.

Key Requirements:

• Reliable, diligent, conscientiousness and self-motivated person
• Technical background - possess a good standard of technical and administrative skills
• Hold a full current clean Driving Licence
• Reside within 1 hours driving time of Castletownbere Helipad
• Please view the Candidate Briefing Pack on our website for further information on the role and requirements - https://www.irishlights.ie/who-we-are/vacancies.aspx

Closing date is Tuesday, 21 June 2022. Please send CV and cover letter to Gemma Gregan at [email protected].

Irish Lights is recruiting for a Senior Operations Officer (SOO) to fill a challenging and rewarding role on board their multi-purpose DP 1 vessel, Granuaile.

THE SHIP
ILV Granuaile is a multifunctional vessel that primarily operates in the waters around the coast of the Island of Ireland. Its primary function is to place and service offshore buoys, which warn mariners of the location of sand banks, reefs and other offshore hazards near shipping routes. The vessel also serves as a helicopter platform for servicing offshore lighthouses and is available to assist State agencies with search and rescue, emergency towing, oil pollution control, surveying and offshore data collection.

THE ROLE
The SOO supports the Master in all elements of Ship Administration, Safety Management and Service Operations. The role is responsible for managing the crew and junior deck officers and holds a navigation watch when necessary. The SOO plays a major role in the practical supervision of all deck maintenance and service operations including replenishment of stations and maintenance of buoys and moorings and has an important role in charter operations.

THE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have offshore experience and hold a valid STCW Unlimited Masters Certificate and full valid DP certification. Excellent seamanship and navigation skills are necessary, together with a working knowledge of statute and regulations. The ability to communicate at all levels and excellent communication skills are also essential.

An attractive salary, time on time off roster and pension scheme is available. Please click here to view the Candidate Briefing Pack for further information on the role and requirements. Please note that Irish Lights only pay for travel expenses incurred within the island of Ireland.

The closing date for applications is the close of business on Tuesday, 31 May 2022. Please apply by emailing a CV and cover letter to Gemma Gregan at [email protected].

Please view Irish Lights Job Applicant Privacy Notice on our website.