Manufacturing & Supply Chain

15 jobs are at risk at the National Maritime College of Ireland due to a refusal by the Department of Transport to recognise the validity of some training courses being carried out there.

The courses have been running at the college for nearly 12 months, were established to meet demand from seafarers seeking refresher training, as required by international regulations set out in 2010.

Students registered for upcoming courses, one of which was set to begin on Monday, have received word that all courses have been cancelled and have been advised to book elsewhere, while those who have already received certificates are left in a state of limbo and may have to repeat their training. Around 400 seafarers have been accredited to date.

Fianna Fáil TD Michael McGrath, who raised the issue with Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, said he believes the matter will require political intervention.

He said: “I am concerned at the impasse which now exists between the Department of Transport and the NMCI. This could have far-reaching consequences for jobs and the reputation of Ireland for high-quality marine training.”