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.  

 
The fishery protection service requires the navy to board and inspect several hundred fishing vessels per year to ensure implementation of European and national fisheries regulations.  
 
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 abroad, (as far a field as Hong Kong) and undertake re-supply missions to our EU Peacekeeping Troops on a regular basis. Naval Service personnel may serve overseas on peacekeeping/Peace Enforcing Missions.  
 
Officers of the operations Branch are responsible for the efficient running of a ships routine and operation and it is from this branch that an officer may become Captain of a ship. Officers are responsible for everything which keeps the ship afloat, moving and habitable.

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.

Applications are invited by means of media advertisements or via military.ie. Candidates may be called to attend before an interview board, and if successful will be required to undergo a medical examination and physical fitness test.  
 
Naval Service Recruit Induction & Training 

Recruit competitions are held in the Naval Service as required and are the only way to join the Defence Forces to become a Sailor.

Potential candidates are required to complete an online application form.

All correspondence with applicants will be done through email for the duration of the competition.

Psychometric Testing: All applicants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will be invited to attend for Psychometric Testing. Full details of these tests will be emailed to all applicants after the application phase of the competition is closed.

Fitness Testing: All candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria will then be invited to attend a fitness testing centre, where they will be required to complete the Defence Forces induction fitness test.

Interview candidates who are successful at the fitness assessment centre will be asked to attend for Interview.

The interview is competency based where candidates will be assessed under the following competencies:

• Ability to work under pressure

• Teamwork

• Motivation

• Career Orientation

The top scoring candidates at the interview will then be called to attend a full medical examination. In conjunction with this, all candidates will be security vetted by An Garda Síochána.

Candidates will be required to pass both the medical examination and security vetting to be considered for induction.

Award of a place in a Recruit Class: The candidates who finished at the top of the competitions order of merit will then be offered a place in the Recruit Class they applied for.

Training 

Naval Service Recruit Training (22 Weeks): The Recruit Training Syllabus is designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Seaman with basic military skills.

Naval Recruit training is the foundation of military training. It is followed by Specialist Branch Training courses.

Phase 1: Weeks 1 – 2 Recruit training in the Naval Service is now undertaken over a 22 week period. Weeks 1 and 2 consist of an Induction Period where new entrants receive all the necessary briefings and basic training to allow them to safely function in the military environment. The change from civilian life to military life involves a major cultural transition for the young Recruit. The freedom to plan and conduct his/her activities with total self-control changes to that of an organised, structured and regimented environment. Embracing this change, for the Recruit, takes time and demands careful monitoring by the training staff.

Phase 2: Weeks 3 – 13 After the induction period; Recruits will commence the Core Military Skills phases. The aim of this phase is to prepare the Recruits for operations as part of a military unit. The main components of this phase are foot & arms drill, physical fitness and training with GPMG, H&K and the Steyr. This period will also involve the necessary examinations, which the Recruits must successfully pass prior to final approval which includes Annual Personal Weapons Test and Fitness Test.

Phase 3: Weeks 14-20 On successful completion of Phase 2, Recruits will begin their Maritime Skills Phases. The aim of this phase is to train the Recruit for service onboard a seagoing unit. A sea familiarisation week will be conducted during this phase. This provides a continuous, honest and accurate real life experience for the Recruit and a benchmark for future suitability. For both individual (well-being, career decisions) and organisation (training overhead value for money) it is important that suitability to life at sea is established as early as possible during Recruit training. Recruits will carry out courses in the National Maritime College of Ireland in Damage Control and Firefighting (DCFF) and Personal Survival Techniques (PST).

Phase 4: Weeks 21-22 Weeks 21-22 are the Final Training Period. The Recruit will be introduced to general professional Naval Training. This includes general seamanship training that all ranks within the Naval Service should be familiar with. In addition, a Ceremonial Demonstration will be incorporated into the Recruits Passing out Parade.

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

Salaries vary by employer, grade, rank, experience, allowances, and duties. Irish Military/ Naval Service: Military.ie

Data Source(s):
Military.ie/ Gov.ie/ PAS

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 (2024).

Employment growth was negative for this occupation, with employment levels declining annually since 2020. A relatively small number of job adverts were notified through the DSP in 2023, including for prison officers.

• Defence Forces, Recruitment & Competitions Section

  • Department of Defence,Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
  • 1890 42 65 55
  • [email protected]
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