National Maritime College of Ireland

TU hosts Simulated Maritime Cyber Attack team exercise in collaboration with the Irish Naval Service and the NMCI.

For centuries, Cork has been a safe harbour from storms, rough seas, and pirates. However, in 2024, the concept of a safe harbour has evolved. This was evident on Friday during the
MTU Smart Maritime Cybersecurity Challenge, where the focus shifted to defending Ireland’s harbours and ports against cyber threats. The event featured a cyber attack
simulation on a virtualised maritime port, hosted in MTU’s new Cyber Security Lab and conducted on its state-of-the-art cyber range infrastructure.
The simulation, designed by Airbus, mirrored a real-world cyber attack, paralysing a port’s IT systems and a ship at its entrance, effectively blocking all traffic. Teams from the Irish Naval
Service, National Maritime College, MTU, Cyber Innovate, and WorldSkills Ireland National Champions competed to identify the cyber attack’s entry points, regain control of the vessel,
and assist Europol in arresting the hacker group’s leader.

The Need for Maritime Cybersecurity Skills Irish ports are vital hubs for shipping and maritime operations, making skills in maritime cybersecurity essential to future-proof Ireland’s infrastructure. The simulated cyber attack provided an invaluable opportunity to build real-world, applicable skills to address these growing threats.

MTU Leading the Way in Cybersecurity Training

The MTU Smart Maritime Cybersecurity Challenge was held in MTU’s new Cyber Security Lab, which was visited last week by Tánaiste Micheál Martin as part of the Ireland-Wales
Forum 2024. Six teams competed, each featuring MTU staff, researchers, and students.
“Hosting the MTU Smart Maritime Cybersecurity Challenge in our new Cyber Security Lab showcased the strength of our programmes and the exceptional talent emerging from Cork,”
said Dr. Donna O’Shea, Chair of Cybersecurity at Munster Technological University (MTU).
As a leader in cybersecurity education, MTU runs initiatives such as Cyber Skills, Cyber Explore, and the €7M Cyber Innovate project. Cork’s reputation as Ireland’s cyber security
hub is bolstered by MTU’s graduates, a key reason why many national and international companies have established a presence in the region.
MTU also features the Cyber Range, a state-of-the-art platform unique in Ireland, which enables simulated cyber-attacks on virtual organisations. “At MTU, we are dedicated to
advancing cyber security through cutting-edge education and research.” said Dr. George O’Mahony from MTU “This cutting-edge facility provides invaluable training for students,
researchers, and industry professionals, allowing them to build critical skills without risking real-world damage or outages.”

Dr. O’Mahony used the Cyber Range to train and mentor the Irish cybersecurity team that won Gold at the WorldSkills Global Skills Challenge 2024.

 

Event Highlights

The MTU Smart Maritime Cybersecurity Challenge provided a powerful demonstration of the importance of cybersecurity in Ireland’s maritime sector.
Prize Winner Details
The winning team comprised a mixture of Naval service, MTU student, NMCI staff and Cyber Innovate scholars.
Stephanie Wallace Chavanne, Harry Dunne, Oskar Wolak, George O’Mahony, Tim McSweeney, Wiktor Owczarek and David Dennehy

The Maritime Challenge is part of an event in the lead up to the Smart Maritime & Offshore Wind Event on the 11th of November at the National Maritime College of Ireland in Cork.
The event will start at 9:30am. https://www.cyberskills.ie/explore/events/join-us-at-thesmart-maritime–offshore-wind-event-on-the-11th-ofnovember.html

Contact Details:
Catherine Wilson is the media contact for this press release
Mobile: +353 87 693 2561
Email: Catherine.Wilson@MTU.ie
Photographs with captions are located here:
Photographer: Barry O’Sullivan
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LDFFx-6sAif_Ou-xPzvMenWZr3iYeAk2
News coverage on gold medal win
https://www.mtu.ie/news/worldskills-global-skills-challenge-2024/

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National Maritime College of Ireland marks 20th anniversary  

PRESS RELEASE

 

Friday, 4th October 2024

 

National Maritime College of Ireland marks 20th anniversary

 

The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), one of Munster Technological University’s (MTU) six campuses and a strategic partnership between MTU and the Irish Naval Service, marks its 20th anniversary today (04.10.2024) with a special event at its campus in Ringaskiddy in Cork.

 

The NMCI provides maritime education and training to meet the current and future needs of the State across the maritime sector, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Marine Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain Management and Maritime Operations. The NMCI is a purpose-built facility with advanced bridge and engine room simulators, including specialist facilities such as an environmental pool, fire training unit, technical workshops and operational engine room. The NMCI is also the only recognised training centre for the RNLI in Ireland.

 

Today’s anniversary event was attended by An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin T.D., and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan, T.D.

 

Addressing the celebration, An Tánaiste Micheál Martin T.D., said: “I’m delighted to attend today’s 20th anniversary celebrations given that, as Minister for Education, I was involved in the process that led to the NMCI’s establishment.  It was a major investment in maritime education at that time and I’m pleased to see that it’s gone from strength to strength over that 20 years.

 

The multi-million euro investment in the simulator suite further demonstrates our commitment to the NMCI. This institution has been, and continues to be, a critical asset in maintaining our Defence Forces’ readiness and operational effectiveness. To date, 13,500 Naval Service personnel have attended the college, developing their skills and gaining invaluable qualifications.”

 

 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan T.D. said: “I am delighted to be part of this milestone event that marks the 20th Anniversary of the National Maritime College of Ireland. The NMCI has provided Maritime Education and Training to meet the national need, having trained over 80,000 students. I am looking forward to at least another 20 years of the NMCI delivering for the maritime workforce of this island nation.”

 

Also speaking at the 20th anniversary event today was Dr Paul Hegarty, Head of the NMCI, who said: “The National Maritime College of Ireland has gone from strength to strength since we were founded 20 years ago. As an island nation, the maritime industry is key to facilitating economic growth and prosperity. Connecting us with our trading partners, it is a vital industry that is experiencing annual growth, with vast professional opportunities open to our students once they graduate. Our graduates are employed globally, working in a variety of roles including officers and seafarers in the transit and supply chain industry, renewable energy and oil and gas industries, amongst others.

“Harnessing renewable energy such as offshore wind energy projects is a key Government climate target, and one that requires a skilled maritime workforce. As we move into our next decade, NMCI will play a key role in helping Ireland meet its future energy demands, and we are ready to embrace future challenges and create new opportunities.

 

“Similarly, we look forward to continuing our strong tradition of delivering core maritime education and training while evolving to reflect the technological and digital transition occurring across the maritime sector. Having an agile maritime sector will be a strategic enabler for the future national economy.”

 

Speaking at the launch, President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack said: “NMCI’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration over the past two decades has been integral to Ireland’s maritime industry and has positioned it at the forefront of international maritime education. NMCI’s success is a testament to the vision, dedication, and collaboration of all those involved.

 

“As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with industry and government, ensuring that NMCI remains a hub for cutting-edge maritime research and development, and that our graduates are well-equipped to lead in this critical sector. Together, we will reimagine the vision set out for the NMCI, enhancing a national institution that will enable Ireland’s maritime future.”

 

Jimmy Deenihan, Chairperson of MTU’s Governing Body said: “We are immensely proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Maritime College of Ireland, a pioneering institution that has become a global leader in maritime education and training. As Chair of the Governing Body, I am confident that NMCI will continue to thrive and expand its influence, contributing significantly to the future of the maritime industry and the broader economy. We look forward to supporting its continued growth and impact for many more years to come.”

 

At the celebratory event organisations such as the Irish Coast Guard and the Irish Naval Service welcomed guests by showcasing their lifeboats at the NMCI.

 

Further information about the NMCI is available here: https://www.nmci.ie/

 

ENDS

 

Contact: Niall Cowley, We The People, email: mtu-pr@wtp.ie; 083-8354976

 

About the NMCI

The NMCI is a purpose-built College on a 10-acre campus and is located 18km from Cork city in Ringaskiddy. It provides training and education for the Merchant Shipping Industry, and the non-military needs of the Irish Naval Service. The NMCI provides education and training services of the highest quality and includes degree programmes in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Marine Electrotechnology, and Supply Chain & Logistics. Specialist spaces including survival facilities, seamanship workshop, fire-fighting/damage control, jetty and lifeboat facilities and ship engine room are provided. The College also provides modern simulation equipment in the areas of navigation, bridge training, communications, engineering machinery operations, liquid cargo handling/damage control and vessel traffic systems.

 

About MTU

Munster Technological University is the southwest’s newest technological university consisting of six campuses across Cork and Kerry. The University has a student body of 18,000. It is a leader in higher education both regionally and internationally through the provision of a wide range of programmes ranging from apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees to Master’s and PhDs.

 

 

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Complete our Survey – The Blueskilling Innovation Project

Together MTU and National Maritime College of Ireland are a partner in the Blueskilling Innovation project, which is funded through the Atlantic Area INTERREG programme. The project began in November 2023 and will run for three years.

https://blueskillinginnovation.eu/

 

The Blueskilling Innovation project is committed to empowering individuals with essential skills to drive blue innovation, enhance industrial competitiveness, and expedite the implementation of marine renewables and green navigation technology across the Atlantic Area.

This goal will be achieved through the development of specialized training courses tailored to shipbuilding, maritime, and offshore sectors.

 

Led by the Basque Maritime Cluster (FMV), the project aims to elevate workforce qualifications across the Atlantic region. Over the course of the three-year project, nine partners from Spain, France, Ireland, and Portugal will collaborate to develop specialized training courses, spanning vocational and higher education, to empower workers in these pivotal sectors.

 

Project partners are looking for your assistance by completing the survey in the link below. The aim of this survey is to identify skills needs and GAPs to meet the requirements of companies, research and innovation actors in the maritime and MRE sector.

 

NMCI is focused on the Irish region while other partners are focused on their national regions.

 

Please take our 20 minute survey.

 

Link to Survey: https://www.sphinxonline.com/surveyserver/s/BPN-Projets/BLUESKILLING/questionnaire.htm

 

For further information contact Paul Shanahan paul.shanahan@mtu.ie

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Register today for our Master of Science in Maritime Operations

Register today for our Master of Science in Maritime Operations in conjunction with CILT Mobility & Supply Chain Skillnet. This programme is designed for seafarers transitioning to shore-based roles, as well as non-maritime professionals seeking to upskill and pursue opportunities within the port and offshore sectors. Our Master of Science in Maritime Operations offers a comprehensive 18 month programme designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge for decision making and leadership in maritime operations. This programme will prioritize continuous professional development, integrating skill training in leadership, analytical thinking, decision- making, negotiation and business acumen.

The Master of Science in Maritime Operations will adopt a blended delivery approach, predominantly online, accompanied by in person tutorials. The programme is structured over three semesters, encompassing core and elective modules essential to maritime operations. The final semester includes a Maritime Operations Research Dissertation on a relevant topic. This programme is offered at a subsidised cost of €4500 reduced from €8500. Candidates holding a Level 8 Major Award, in Nautical Science, Engineering or equivalent will be eligible for this programme. Those with a Level 7 Major Award combined with a Master Unlimited or Chief Engineer Unlimited CoC can enter directly. Additionally, candidates with other qualifications and relevant experience will be considered through a Recognition of Prior Learning evaluation, which may include an interview.

The deadline for registration is the 4th of September 2024.

Register here today.

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NMCI and SeaBot Maritime (Ireland) Sign MOU to Enhance Maritime Workforce Skills

 

The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) and SeaBot Maritime (Ireland) have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on integrating complex systems with specialised skills for the maritime workforce. This partnership aims to position Ireland as a global leader in advanced maritime training.  SeaBot Maritime, based at the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom, is the world’s premier provider of smart remote operations training in Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) operations. The company’s internationally recognised training programmes attract delegates from around the globe. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency also recognises SeaBot Maritime’s training, further solidifying their reputation in the industry.

 

The partnership between SeaBot Maritime and NMCI underscores the crucial role human professionals play in harnessing the potential of technological advancements across defence and commercial maritime sectors.  Organisations seeking cutting-edge training programmes that equip the maritime workforce with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven industry.

 

Dr. Paul Hegarty, Head of the National Maritime College of Ireland, commented on the collaboration, stating: “We are thrilled to join forces with SeaBot Maritime to bring these cutting-edge courses to the Irish maritime community. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing top-tier education that meets the evolving needs of the industry. By combining our expertise with SeaBot’s innovative approach, we aim to empower professionals with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in the era of maritime autonomy.”

 

Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime added, “Our partnership with NMCI represents a significant milestone in our mission to support the maritime industry’s adoption of advanced technologies. By working together, we can ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.”  Course delivery under this partnership is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in maritime education and training in Ireland.

 

For more information about NMCI and SeaBot Maritime’s collaboration, please contact training@seabotmaritime.com 

-ENDS

About NMCI:

The National Maritime College of Ireland is a world-leading maritime education and training institution, offering a range of degree and master courses, including professional short courses to support the maritime industry’s needs.

 

About SeaBot Maritime:

SeaBot Maritime is the global leader in smart remote operations training for Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) operations, with a proven track record of delivering internationally recognised training programs.

 

 

 

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