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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I love the deck side of fishing, the thrill of the catch.

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.

• Deckhand Foundation
• Fishing Vessel Engineer
• General Engineering Science 1&2

Right now, the plan is to gain some experience on the Merchant side.

Yes, definitely.

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.

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.