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The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) will host a hybrid conference/webinar on Friday 4 March 2022 entitled ‘Our Offshore Renewable Energy Opportunity – Is Ireland Ready?’. The conference, sponsored by Simply Blue Group, will bring together representatives from across Ireland’s maritime and supply chain workforce to explore their preparedness to the Offshore renewables’ opportunity.
Capt Brian FitzGerald, Simply Blue Group, Dr Val Cummins, Simply Blue Group, Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Cormac Gebruers, Head of College, NMCI and Mark O’Reilly, Fishery Liaisons Officer at the launch of the conference ‘Our Offshore Renewable Energy Opportunity – Is Ireland Ready?’.
The conference will seek specifically to put the spotlight on the qualifications and certifications for the fishing industry to ensure it is fit for the dual purpose of keeping fishermen fishing, while simultaneously ensuring that our coastal communities mariners and infrastructure are best placed to contribute to and benefit from this developing maritime industry.
Minister for Agriculture and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue will open the event, which will be Chaired by Feargal Keane from RTE Radio 1 programme ‘Seascapes’. Speakers include Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Dr Alan Power, Assistant Principal, Labour Market and Skills Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as Dr Val Cummins, Simply Blue Group, Damien Turner (IS&WFPO), Wind Europe, and a representative from BIM will participate.
Among the topics for discussion are the Policy Regime for Renewable Energy; the Expert Group on Future Workforce Skills Report on the Low Carbon Economy; A Developer Case Study – Floating Offshore Wind off Ireland’s Coasts; Co-existence of Offshore Renewable Energy with the Fishing Industry; and the Future opportunities for Ireland’s Fishing Industry.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD said: “The Government is committed to Ireland achieving its ambitious 2030 targets of generating 5GW of offshore wind and 80% renewables as a critical element of our national strategy to address climate change. The enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Bill will be central to this strategy. Of equal importance will be ensuring we have the requisite skills in the maritime and supply chain workforce to realise the full potential of this exciting opportunity for our coastal communities. This conference, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders will be an excellent showcase for the potential of this rapidly evolving sector.”
Speaking about the event, Captain Brian Fitzgerald, Director of External Affairs and Stakeholder Liaison, Simply Blue Group said “As Ireland struggles to meet the challenges of climate change, and fishing communities struggle with an unknown future, offshore renewable energy developments will have a far greater chance of delivering a sustainable future for all, including the incentivization of our youth to get involved, if the solutions are co-created. Ireland needs its best team on the field.”
Cormac Gebruers, Head of College, NMCI, said “We look forward to hosting this significant discussion for the maritime community. We hope the event will awaken Ireland’s mariners to an exciting and co-existing future that sees a thriving and growing fishing industry working in harmony with Ireland meeting its climate action targets.”
Mark O’Reilly, MD Fishery Liaisons said “The stakeholders most affected by Ireland’s development of its ocean wealth are those in our fishing industry and associated coastal communities. It is well known that they face increasing challenges and fears for the future. In the areas suitable for offshore wind development, nobody knows the sea and the seabed better than the fishers that work there. The sensible approach is for the industry and developers to work together to harness the possibilities from offshore wind.”
“Virus now of international concern”- WHO” – The Irish Times
“UK warns against mass panic as race to halt outbreak intensifies” – The Guardian
“Crews marooned at sea” – The New York Times.
These were the viral headlines grabbing our attention around the globe in early 2020.
NMCI Services had wasted no time preparing. Throughout February 2020 we implemented the first of our enhanced infection control procedures with a particular focus on COVID-19.
We had real time data from our extensive network of international clients on the seriousness of COVID-19. Additionally we had staff operating overseas that were providing updates.
On March 11th 2020 the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.
On March 12th 2020 we safely brought home our staff from overseas.
That same day the Government announced the closure of all schools, colleges and childcare facilities until March 29th 2020.
We had until 6pm.
Staff, varying in all levels of digital knowledge, were within four hours oracles on OneDrive, Teams, Zoom and Skype (an achievement in itself).
The 29th of March came and went.
The team carried on with our reopening preps, updating and strengthening our procedures and risk assessments as Government Guidance and advice evolved.
We were ready, the “new normal” was now routine.
Ready, waiting and keenly aware that throughout the pandemic our trainees had to keep the ships at sea, energy flowing whether oil and gas or renewables and our emergency services were on duty throughout. We positioned ourselves so their essential training requirements could be met safely and without further delay.
Summer 2020 saw case numbers decrease, lockdown restrictions eased somewhat and life beginning to cautiously resume once again.
On August 31st the NMCI’s commercial division reopened, under strict safety protocols and with reduced class sizes we resumed essential training.
The new normal
NMCI Services had set sail and was safely navigating through the new normal.
Jim Morrissey, a NMCI Services trainer, explains how the team worked together to ensure the safety of all students, delegates and staff within NMCI Services.
“At the start of COVID-19 we really had to learn quickly as the situation and restrictions/safeguards were changing daily. We were required to put procedures in place which were robust enough to protect students, delegates and staff. It was difficult at the start as nobody had experienced anything like this before, but we coped well and adapted our safe operating procedures to comply with public health guidelines.”
Malcolm Meade, SEFtec NMCI Offshore Instructor, explains how workforce safety was a priority for the team:
“When the college shut down in March of last year not only did it effect my colleagues and I, it also effected the essential workers we provide courses for. It also meant that some workers for the energy sector were unable to refresh the safety training required for employment both nationally and internationally.
It was clear from the start we had to find a way to provide these courses to accommodate the workforce.
There was a phenomenal behind the scenes effort made by all of our staff during the first lock down and after, to ensure before, during and after every course the safety of the instructors and delegates were of paramount importance.
I believe these are trying times for all and we all have a part to play in overcoming this pandemic. A safe working space allows us and our clients to remain safe while providing a necessary service to the renewable energy sector.”
New protocols involved temperature checks and completing COVID-19 health declarations forms on arrival, placing hand sanitising stations in all areas, introducing a one way pedestrian system in our corridors, limiting class sizes and contact time, and completing contract tracing forms for not only staff and delegates but on equipment used by all, to name a few.
The following message was received after a recent March 2021 FOET course:
“I want to thank you and the team for your excellent support in getting me though the FOET course yesterday. I thought it was a really professional teamwork effort from all of you at NMCI. I was really impressed. Well done on your covid-19 process too. Thank you especially for your admin support in the planning and execution stages. It was also nice to get out and meet people again.”
What hasn’t changed?
While there is enormous focus placed on adhering to COVID-19 safety procedures, it is important to note that the attention given to each individual delegate has not changed. Timothy O’Riordan recently completed his FOET and sent the following message afterwards;
“I am writing this email to say a huge thank you and to express my gratitude to all involved.
As I am totally not comfortable under water, I was dreading the day that I would have to renew my certificate. Four years ago I also struggled with the underwater part but Cillian and the other divers coaxed me through it step by step. I think this time around was even worse for me as I was constantly thinking about what was to come but again I was coaxed through it and thankfully I completed it and survived !
I don’t think there is another training centre that would have as much patience and give as much support to a candidate such as myself and I really appreciate the time that was given to me.”
Attending a course with NMCI Services soon?
If you are attending a course with NMCI Services and have some questions, do contact our team in advance. We will be happy to discuss your training with you.
Our “COVID-19 NMCI Video” will give you an insight into what a typical day of training at the NMCI looks like at present.
Take the time to watch this video in advance of your arrival to ensure you know what to expect.
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