Bord Iascaigh Mhara Careers

About BIM

An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, (BIM) established under The Irish Sea Fisheries Act in 1952, is the Irish State agency responsible for developing the Irish seafood industry. With our head office in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, our Seafood Innovation Hub in Clonakility, Co. Cork, as well as regional offices around the coast, we have, for the last seven decades worked to support and develop the Irish seafood industry.

Our vision is to lead the Irish Seafood sector through our effective support and deep expertise so that Ireland becomes the international leader in high value differentiated products that satisfy the growing demand for healthy, safe, responsibly and sustainably produced seafood.

Are you someone who thinks that the Seafood Industry is only about boats, fish catches and a life on the ocean wave?

Well, think again...

Fish Farm Manager Hugh Heraghty

Commercial Diver Elizabeth Newman

Fish Shop Owner Anne Stephens

Oyster Farmer Gary Lamph

Research & Development Manager Jane Kennedy

Fisherman / Skipper Ivan Toole & Paul O'Sullivan

Commercial Diving BIM

Ships Engineer Brendan Cavanagh

Seafood Production Manager Hannah Kelly

Fisherman Ger Hassett

Seafood Technologist Aileen Deasy

Seafood Sales and Operations Manager Elsa Kelly

Water Quality Sensor Manufacturing (Aquaculture) Colm Lynch

Fishmonger Nicola O'Higgins

Brendan Cavanagh, Ships Engineer

Brendan is currently a second engineer operating out of Killybegs in Donegal. He completed his Leaving Cert in Carndonagh Community School in 2001. He has studied several courses at the National Fisheries College and expects to complete his Class 1 Certificate next year.

Hi, Ask me a question...

What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

The main career decisions in my life was when I went into fourth year in secondary school and was picking my subjects, I decided to do physics along with engineering and technical drawing, I knew I wanted to be a marine engineer and these where the subjects that were going to help me!

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

I would have to say my parents helped me especially my dad, I started fishing with my dad during my school holidays, I always enjoyed helping with the boats maintaince and engine room work!

How did you go about getting your current job?

I did my apprenticeship on the sister ship of the one I'm on now. The two boats are identical so I already knew the workings of the two vessels so there was a job opening here and I asked for it and got it.

Describe a typical day?

There are three engineers aboard here, we each do two watches in the engine room in 24 hrs, my watch starts at 12 then I finish at 4, so each watch is four hours long! Along with helping on deck when fishing and looking after refrigeration for the fish!

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

Main tasks are to look after the vessel and all equipment on board, and doing on-going maintaince and mending anything that needs to be repaired!

What are the main challenges?

Out at sea everyday is different so each new day has it's own challenges!

What do you like most?

Best thing I like about my job is it can be so rewarding and we get to see alot of Europe which is quite cool!

Is there anything that isn't great?

Having to tie the vessel up because of no quotas!

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

I had chosen physics, engineering and technical drawing which all helped when I went to train in BIM college

What is your education to date?

At the moment I hold a class 2 fishing vessel engineer certificate of competency! Hopefully next year I will have the class one!

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

The most important aspet was going to the BIM college to train to be an engineer!

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

Being able to help my brother with his boat in the summer months with the engine room maintance and helping other people with their boats! You get a great buzz when fixing something that was broken!

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

I can be quite patient which is a good quality for this job plus I can be a hard worker which means I get jobs done and can move onto the next challenge!

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be to win the lotto and have fun spending it! You could make it into a job I suppose!

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

During the summer months the ship I work on ties up because of no quota, so we get a chance to relax and try out other work for the summer months.

What is your favourite music?

I enjoy all types of music well apart from heavy rock! Not really fussy!

What is your favourite film?

Favourite film would be hunt for red October and along with alot more

What is your star sign?

My star sign is Virgo

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

Yes I plan to go back this year and finish off my engineering exams for the class one engineer.

About BIM

Contact Us

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

About Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Why Choose Us

Who We Employ

Our Locations

Where to go for Current Vacancies

Our Graduate Training Programme

Internships

Apprenticeships

Work Experience

Videos (14)

News

Interviews

Brendan Cavanagh, Ships Engineer

Articles

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

Contact Us