Posted: October 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, 4th October 2024
National Maritime College of Ireland marks 20th anniversary
Paul Hegarty, Head of NMCI, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, President of MTU Maggie Cusack and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of Ireland Patrick O’Donovan TD looking at a model of the MV Arklow while attending a special event to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI). Photo Credit: Darragh Kane
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.
Dr. Paul Hegarty, Head of NMCI speaking at a special event to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) Photo Darragh Kane
“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.
Photo: Darragh Kane
Further information about the NMCI is available here: https://www.nmci.ie/
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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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Posted: August 30, 2024
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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Posted: August 13, 2024
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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Posted: May 13, 2024
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
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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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Posted: November 17, 2023
Press Release
NMCI’s Seafarer’s Conference 2024 Announced
‘Realising Ireland’s Maritime Ambition’
Issued 16th November 2023
The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) has announced its third annual Seafarers’ Conference ‘Realising Ireland’s Maritime Ambition’, which will take place on 22 February 2024 in the Castletroy Park Hotel in Co. Limerick.
The conference, sponsored by Simply Blue Group, will bring together representatives from Government Departments, maritime industry, supply chain workforce, and training & education institutions both nationally and internationally to explore the opportunities to support and grow the fishing and offshore wind industries in Ireland. Considering the climate crisis, Ireland’s ambition for offshore renewable energy is large. Equally, considering the biodiversity crisis and the importance of food security, the ambition for sustainable fishing and seafood is of central importance to Ireland’s coastal communities and beyond. As humankind looks seaward for solutions the necessity to plot a coexistent future at sea is of central importance. Ireland will need to prepare its maritime industry’s capability and capacity beyond anything that it has achieved to date if it is to realise its ambition.
Panel chairs Captain Brian Fitzgerald, Director of External Affairs and Stakeholder Liaison, Simply Blue Group; Commander Roberta O’Brien, Associate Head of College, NMCI; Dr. Paul Hegarty, Head of College, NMCI; and Peter Coyle, Chair Marine Renewable Industry Association will lead discussions on topics such as Enabling Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy Ambition; Enabling Ireland’s Fishing Industry Ambition; The International Experience of Meeting Maritime Ambition ; and What Will Success Look Like in ten years’ time – 2034; with contributions from a broad range of leading experts on each topic, followed by individual presentations.
Speaking at the announcement of the 2024 conference, Niall Collins T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said: “Ireland needs to support and generate employment in our offshore industries, ensuring that our vitally important sustainable seafood industry thrives in parallel with meeting climate action targets from the development of offshore renewable energies, protecting biodiversity in our oceans, and delivering suitable further and higher education programmes, while supporting and enhancing the skills needed to promote these sectors. The annual NMCI Seafarers’ Conference is an ideal platform for sharing ideas and practical solutions to help these sectors grow and thrive.”
Dr. Paul Hegarty, Head of College, NMCI commented:“The National Maritime College of Ireland, supported by Simply Blue Group, is delighted to once again host Ireland’s maritime stakeholders at our third annual Seafarers’ Conference, in Limerick. The provision of maritime education, training and skills will be central tenets for Ireland’s ability to realise its ambition across the maritime economy. I very much look forward to welcoming participants in person and online and once again to engage in conversations around our shared maritime future on this island nation.”
Captain Brian Fitzgerald, Director of External Affairs and Stakeholder Liaison, Simply Blue Group, said: “The NMCI Seafarers’ Conference is an important forum for coming together and encouraging open, expert discussion on the challenges and opportunities for the fishing industry, the offshore renewable energy industry and relevant Government Departments with a view to plotting the way forward to a sustainable and coexistent future.”
To register to attend this conference in-person see here:
In-Person https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/757653210147?aff=oddtdtcreator
Virtual/Remote https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/757833148347?aff=oddtdtcreator
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For further information please contact:
Nuala Buttner, Q4PR
Sara Mackeown, Group Communications Director, Simply Blue Group
Email: sara.mackeown@simplybluegroup.com
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