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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
Always loved the idea of working near the water. I started work experience with fisherman in Galway, who ran boat tours along with short fishing trips. Loved it straight away and I think that seto me on the path of wanting to get into the fishing industry.
Then at 16, I went to the NFCI Greencastle, to complete the Deckhand foundation course, then I stayed and completed my engineering tickets too…and this is what I have been doing since.Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
Kieren Oliver, the skipper of the fishing/tour boat who took me on for work experience.
Galway, Kieren Oliver, Small boat, boat tours and shrimp fishing pots.
Tour season in Galway.
Came from farming country, finished Leaving Cert, going to NMCI.How did you go about getting your current job?
I was studying in the college in Greencastle, and I feel in love with he place and the community. I put myself out there and got to know a lot of the locals and then I was offered the job on the Northern Celt that way.
The college really helped introduce us to different people within the industry which helped then when it came to looking for a job. Jobs on boats are not normally advertised the traditional way online it’s all about who you know and your own experience.Describe a typical day?
It’s not like a normal working day anyway!
Every day is different which I love about it, we all share the work on the boat and work together, there is all of the deck work, engine checks, rotations etc.
As much as I am getting my training on the engineering side, I still love the deck side of things, getting involved in the fishing, I love the thrill of it!
Fishing, not a normal working day, Sleeping, watch time, skipper goes to sleep.
Engine checks, everyone is a deckhand first, 24m, everyone mucks in together.
Trainee engineer.
Skipper would d engineer check themselves. Love the deck side of fishing, the thrill of fishing on the deck.
Still like the deck work, engineer gets to travelWhat are the main challenges?
There is many challenges when working at sea, but it really all depends on the person.
Homesickness is a big one, most people can manage on through it. Missing things at home on occasion is hard.
The work is hard, it’s not an easy job but very rewarding, wouldn’t love it as much if it was easy.What do you like most?
I love the deck side of fishing, the thrill of the catch.
There’s no other job like it, most people don’t understand how different things are at sea. It’s really not a typical job and I think that’s why it attracts me, maybe I am an adrenaline junky, big ups and big down, when things are going well there is no feeling like it it’s a joy!What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I don’t really feel that any subject in school influenced my career path. IT was all about the work experience. I have always been interested in how things work and move.
I really think there is a gap there, I would have loved to have learned more about the sector in school. Always had an interest but no information.What is your education to date?
- Deckhand Foundation
- Fishing Vessel Engineer
- General Engineering Science 1&2
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
All the training I completed in Greencastle, starting with the deckhand course, it gave me all the background to the sector and included the STCW courses needed to get out working on a boat.
What is your dream job?
Right now, the plan is to gain some experience on the Merchant side.
But fishing is where you want to be. I love the job and want to keep learning and hopefully one day work my way up and learn about the other opportunities and progression.Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Yes, definitely.
Right now, we work 2/3 weeks on and then get 2/3 weeks off. There are two crews on rotation. I get to still spend time with family and friends, book time off when needed and feel very lucky.What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
The qualifications are very important to get the start but experience Is everything when it comes to Fishing, I would recommend getting some experience on a boat. And not just one trip, you need to give it a proper go, I hated my first week…I was seasick, it was hard to adjust to the work environment and the sleep cycle, but once I got into it now I never want to leave it.
Try and get out and talk to people in the industry, it really helps to prepare you for what it is like when you get out to sea.
Stick at it, it gets better. Don’t write yourself off straight away takes a while for your body to get used to it.What is your pet hate at work?
People listening to their phones on full volume in the gally or in the bunks.
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
Plan is to complete my Class 3 engineer ticket oral examination now that I have the sea time complete.
AEC 1&2 from the seamanship centre.
Once I have my class 3 COC I plan to convert it to 750kw Marine engine operator licence (unlimited area).What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Working on Tour boat, any type of boat really, it will help with the sea legs.
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