Posted: October 11, 2023
Shane O’Neill, a decorated Muay Thai fighter and dedicated coach, has not only achieved remarkable success in his fighting career, including winning the European title, but has also become a passionate advocate for personal development and mental well-being. In his pursuit of excellence, he found that mindfulness and meditation were invaluable tools for enhancing one’s resilience and leadership capabilities. Shane now shares these insights with others, teaching courses such as Leadership Management and Continuous Professional Development (LMCPD) for GAC Training & Service Solutions (GTSS), at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI). In this blog post we delve into Shane’s teachings and philosophy, exploring how mindfulness and physical well-being can transform not only fighters but also leaders in the maritime industry.
The Power of Meditation
Shane O’Neill incorporates mindfulness or meditation into his training courses to help individuals achieve a more balanced state of mind. He emphasises that this practice is not exclusive to fighters or athletes but is relevant to anyone seeking to navigate high-pressure situations or leadership roles effectively. Shane explains, “You want to be able to, in a crisis, or in moments where everyone’s feeling pressure, be the one that can come from a more balanced place and see things calmly.”
Starting the Week with Mindfulness
Shane’s approach is to begin training courses, such as our LMCPD course, with mindfullness techniques. He believes this practice is particularly crucial at the start of the week when trainees might carry the baggage of their journeys, personal concerns, or anxieties. By encouraging individuals to leave these external pressures at the door and focus on bringing their best selves to the classroom, Shane sets the tone for a productive and balanced week. “ It’s been 15 years of continuous practice of this, and it feels great. It gets better the more you do it.”
Growing Awareness of Mental Well-being
Over the last 15 years, Shane has witnessed a significant shift in people’s receptivity to mental well-being techniques. He notes that mental health awareness is increasing and that people now appreciate the importance of being more aware of their thought behaviours and habits. Shane challenges the notion of “toughness” by stating, “There’s no such thing as tough. There is trained and there is untrained, and there is aware and unaware.”
Universal Principles of Leadership
Shane collaborates with a diverse range of individuals, from athletes and fighters to professionals in the corporate world. Regardless of the environment, he emphasises that the principles of leadership are remarkably similar. Effective leadership, he argues, is about understanding when to push and pull, being a positive influence, and presenting oneself authentically. Leaders must uphold personal standards and exhibit a healthy and content lifestyle, which includes focusing on physical well-being, even with just a few minutes of daily exercise. He says, “You don’t need a gym, just some floor space.”
The Importance of Physical Well-being
Incorporating physical activity into his courses, Shane highlights the importance of maintaining physical well-being as a leader. He demonstrates that even a short exercise routine can boost energy levels. Leaders need to enter any room or situation with alertness and awareness, and physical well-being plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
Continuous Learning and Open-Mindedness
Shane, despite his impressive fighting career and coaching experience, remains open to learning from others. He cherishes the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, as he believes it broadens his perspective and challenges his own opinions.
Teaching Well-being to the Next Generation
As a father to a three-year-old, Shane has extended his teachings to his own little girl, applying techniques like affirmations and positivity before bedtime. He recognises the value of instilling well-being practices in young minds.
Boxing as a Teaching Tool
Shane incorporates boxing into his classes to promote teamwork, communication, and physical presence. He emphasises the significance of leaders maintaining a positive physical presence, as this can have a profound impact on the entire team.
Shane’s journey from a Muay Thai champion to a leadership development trainer is a testament to the transformative power of mindfulness and physical well-being. His teachings resonate across various domains, emphasising that resilience, mindfulness, and maintaining physical health are not limited to any one profession. Shane’s insights have the potential to shape leaders in diverse fields, inspiring them to become their best selves and lead with authenticity, calmness and strength.
Shane is pictured with Seapeak officers on a recent Leadership Management & Continous Professional Development course at the NMCI.
Interview by Joy Gillen
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Posted: June 27, 2023
JOIFF Shared Learning Meeting
The International Organisation for Industrial Emergency Services Management in conjunction with NMCI Services invite you to a JOIFF shared learning meeting, on September 5th 2023 at the National Maritime College of Ireland.
Programme
The programme will include papers on:
- EU Regulations relating to PFAS in Firefighting Foam;
- Practical issues on change over to Fluorine Free Foam (FFF);
- Alternatively fuelled vehicles;
- Environmental Emergency Response using a High Volume Pump;
- Practicalities of Hosting an Emergency Incident on your site;
- European Standards & new developments for Portable Fire Extinguishers;
- Oil Spill Response;
- NMCI Services Training;
- JOIFF Accredited Training.
Who should attend?
Aimed at management and emergency response personnel within high hazard industries.
This event is open to all.
Why should I attend?
1. Networking: The event provides an excellent opportunity to connect and network with industry experts, professionals, and like-minded individuals from the fire and emergency response sector, which may lead to valuable connections and collaborations.
2. Knowledge Sharing: The JOIFF shared learning meeting will feature presentations and discussions on various topics related to fire safety, emergency response, and industrial firefighting. Attending the event will allow participants to gain new insights, learn about best practices, and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
3. Professional Development: By attending the meeting, individuals can enhance their professional development by participating in discussions to improve their expertise in fire and emergency response.
4. Gain Recognition: The JOIFF shared learning meeting provides a platform for individuals to showcase their expertise, share their experiences, and contribute to discussions on important industry topics.
5. Stay Informed: The event will offer insights into emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and advancements in the field of fire and emergency response.
Registration
Cost of registration is €30.00 which will cover tea/coffee breaks and lunch.
Opening address will commence at 0900hrs.
Book your ticket here.
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Posted: June 21, 2023
INTRODUCTION
The faculty of Engineering at SETU and the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) are partnering with Dutch offshore energy training provider DOB-Academy to deliver a bespoke training programme specifically for the those active in the Offshore wind sector in Ireland. DOB-Academy specialise in Offshore Energy for professionals and have successfully delivered programmes for many of the sectors largest international stakeholders.
Dates: October 19th and 20th 2023
COURSE CONTENT
Learning to speak a common language and understanding every aspect of this rapidly growing industry is of great importance for a fruitful and economically viable future.
In these two one-day courses, participants will gain insight into the complete offshore wind energy playing field.
On day 1 we will go into the basics of offshore wind and its rapid developments. How is offshore wind energy sector developing and what are its main drivers? These key questions are answered during the morning lectures. In the afternoon of day 1 we will go into the technical details and design considerations of an offshore wind farm. Additional practical hands-on cases will put this fresh knowledge into practice.
Day 2 starts with power distribution and the need for a safe work environment. During the afternoon we will go deeper into the logistics involved in the installation of a wind farm, and the maintenance during its operation.
Both days are interactive and welcome open discussions on current events such as; floating vs. fixed structures, port locations, ORE subsidies and supply chain issues.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
These two one-day offshore specialized training courses can be followed individually or combined.
Day 1 is for professionals who are new to the industry. Basics facts and backgrounds for offshore wind will explain the playing field. Companies and suppliers to the energy industry who will benefit from this course are financial experts, marine contractor (technical and planning), government and other stakeholders.
Day 2 is focused on port logistics. Marine service providers, port authorities and logistic service providers will benefit from the insights in port utilisation and supply chain management.
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Offshore Wind Introduction
Background Offshore Wind
Wind to Power
Offshore Wind Turbines
Electricity, Society & Policy
Offshore Wind in Numbers
Support Structure and Electrical Infrastructure
Design and Installation
Operation and Maintenance
Practical hands-on case: DIY Rotor Competition
Practical hands-on case: Installing a Miniature Offshore Wind Farm
Day 2: Power, Logistics and Ports
The Dutch Approach to Offshore Wind
Offshore Transport & Logistics
Health, Safety & Environment
Offshore Power Networks
Ports, Harbours & Facilities
Installation Vessel & Strategy
Practical hands-on case: Energy Yield Calculation Practical hands-on case: Connect the Turbines
FURTHER DETAILS
In these two one-day course participants will learn the basics of the offshore wind energy industry.
Length: One or two days
Fee:
€750 for day 1
€1150 for day 2
€1500 for both days
Enrollment:
40% discount available for eligible participants
Book directly via www.greentechskillnet.com Or by email to: Sheila@windenergyireland.com
Location: National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, P43 XV65, Ireland.
For more information please contact:
Sheila@windenergyireland.com
DOB-Academy offers offshore energy education for professionals. For the complete curriculum, please visit our website: dob-academy.nl
https://www.greentechskillnet.com/offshore-wind-for-professionals-full-two-days
Offshore Wind for Professionals Flyer
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Posted: March 15, 2022
Meet Josh, the newest member of our instructor team. Josh is part of the SEFtec NMCI Offshore (SNO) two year Instructor Training Programme. Beginning his career at the NMCI as a technician and trainee instructor Josh recently completed the two year programme to become an instructor at the NMCI. We chatted with Josh to hear more about his background, interests and future plans.
Hi Josh, so tell us a little about yourself?
Hello, my name is Josh and I am an instructor with SEFtec NMCI Offshore DAC.
Growing up I worked in outdoor activity centres during my Summer holidays. I loved the multi-activity courses which included water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and coasteering to name a few. I was really lucky to have such an enjoyable job at a young age – and it gave me great confidence in leadership and instruction. During my time in college, I was a safety officer and later captain of CIT’s kayaking club. I learned loads about management as well as general risk assessments regarding water safety. After college, I spent some time working for a fire safety company that specialises in the maritime industry. This gave me great exposure to various vessels, their fire suppression systems, and firefighting equipment on board.
What attracted you to the role of trainee instructor/technician initially?
When introduced to the role of Trainee Instructor/Technician, I was immediately attracted to the similarities it had with my previous instructor role. Each day is different with new learners across various training set-ups. I was especially excited to work in the environmental pool and it’s still my favourite ‘classroom’ in the NMCI. Working all 4 seasons as a water-based instructor can be almost unheard of in Ireland, so this was an exciting concept.
Tell us about your role and what it entails?
When I first joined the team, I was trained into the role of Technician. It was my job to prepare any equipment needed for the courses. This included prepping boats for the pool, equipment for the fire yard, and general organisation of all PPE across all the courses. I found this period in the company beneficial in gaining a better understanding of how the equipment operates. This role also included assisting in the background of courses – lighting fires, capsizing rafts, and launching lifeboats.
1 year later I became a Trainee Instructor. I trained a new colleague into the Technician role, allowing me to spend more time in the classroom learning the courses. I participated in every course we offer as a learner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I then became a PADI Open Water Diver and later received a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification. I could now participate in the pool as a safety swimmer/diver – a position I was looking forward to since the day I started! Towards the end of my 24-month program, I completed my OPITO Assessors, Train the Trainer, and HUET Instructor course. This is the part of the job that blows my friend’s minds!! I love working in the ‘HUET’ and I’m continuing to learn more with each course I am part of.
What is your favourite part about working with SEFtec Group?
My favourite part about working with SEFtec Group is the dynamic and varied working environment. No one day is the same. I work alongside seasoned mariners and firefighters regularly. I have the opportunity to train with emergency services like the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter crews each month. I have just returned from training in the UK for an exciting project in the future. I continue to expand my knowledge with every course I am a part of, every person I meet, and every location I visit. Working with SEFtec Group has opened my eyes to an amazing industry with inspiring people working within it. I look forward to more projects in the future, especially overseas.
How will you continue to develop your skills in 2022?
When I first joined the company, I was told “every day is a school day here”.
This is absolutely true. Each day my skills and knowledge improve. Every course brings its challenges and rewards and I learn so much from each one. To enhance my skills further, I plan on focusing on the Global Wind Organisation side of training more this year. I also look forward to improving my HUET skills with more time inside the unit. It’s also an exciting time for OPITO as they move towards the sustainable energy section. I look forward to being part of this transition in the future. As part of my continuous development, I will be doing Enclosed Spaces, Working at Heights, and Manual Handling instructorships in 2022 also.
Thanks Josh, we’re looking forward to seeing all that you achieve in your career!
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Posted: December 16, 2021
We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to one of Ireland’s newest citizens!
Trainee Instructor & Technician, Sheldon, recently received his Irish Citizenship via a virtual celebration.
It was a very proud and special day for Sheldon, originally from South Africa, and we’re all delighted for him.
Congratulations Sheldon! What a great way to end the year.
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