Naval Service (Operations Branch) Cadet

What is the Naval Service Operations Branch?

Officers of the Operations Branch of the Naval Service are responsible for the efficient running of the ship. It is only from within this Branch that an officer may become Captain of a ship. The Operations Branch Officer’s responsibilities include Bridge Watchkeeping, where they are responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the safety of the ship’s company. Operations Branch Officers also lead boarding teams in fishery protection and anti-drug running boarding operations.

The Operations Branch Cadet will undergo a course of training of approximately twenty-one months duration. Initial training takes place in the Cadet School, Military College, DFTC, Curragh Camp and is of approximately three months duration. Subsequent training takes place in the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co Cork and aboard ship. This training encompasses both the theory and practical application of the skills required for the Officer to take their place as a fully functional member of the ship’s command team. Subjects covered include Navigation, Seamanship, Gunnery, Leadership and Management.

On completion of cadet training, an Operations Branch Cadet is eligible to be commissioned on a 3 year Short Service Commission in the rank of Ensign or Sub-Lieutenant. After commissioning, training continues both at sea and ashore until the Officer is fully qualified to take an appointment on board ship.

When fully qualified as an Operations Branch Officer, they may be offered a full Commission without limitation as to time.

The fully trained Junior Officer spends the following years on sea/shore rotations. The primary sea duties involve watchkeeping and navigation while shore duties involve training or administrative appointments. The Naval Service Officer can avail of opportunities of further education as well as participating in professional sub-specialisation courses such as Tactical and Naval Warfare Courses at home and abroad.

Eligibility Requirements to join the Cadetship:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age and under 39 years of age on closing date of application: you will be required to provide proof of your age if you progress to the next stage of the competition.
• You must be at least 5ft 2in (157.48cm) in height to be eligible. You will be measured during the selection process.
• No tattoos are to be visible above the collar while serving at the Defence Forces. This will be checked during the selection process and you may not proceed if you have visible tattoos above your collar.
• Applicants must meet the working permit eligibility criteria to serve as part of the Defence Forces. i.e. You must have a minimum of 5 years eligibility to stay in Ireland. You will be requested to provide proof of working permit on your application.
• Must meet medical, physical and security clearance standards in which will be assessed during the recruitment process.
• Education Qualification: School Leaver or Non-Graduate Candidates
• Must possess a minimum of Grade H5 in 3 Higher Level papers and, Grade 04 in 3 Ordinary Level Papers or Grade H7 in 3 Higher level papers. (Candidates must have obtained these grades in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate examination for CAO computation purposes).
• Must include aminimum of Grade 06 at Ordinary level or H6 at Higher Level in the following subjects:

(i) Mathematics.

(ii) Irish. NUI matriculation exemptions apply.

(iii) English. Candidates whose first language is not English must satisfy the English language requirements in accordance with NUI Matriculations Regulations.

Candidates must also have obtained a minimum of Grade H4 in 4 Higher Level papers and, Grade O2 in 2 Ordinary level papers or Grade H7 in 2 Higher level papers, a candidate may use the results of another sitting of the Leaving Certificate for the minimum educational requirements in (i) to (iii) above.

Where a School Leaver applicant is undertaking a field of study in Nautical Science at Level 7 (or below) of the NFQ, they may be facilitated in continuing their training to complete their field of study in Nautical Science at Level 7 of the NFQ in a college nominated by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service.

Where a School Leaver applicant has undertaken / is undertaking a Level 8 (or below) NFQ qualification not specified above, they may seek a determination that the course of study meets the requirements subject to submitting suitable evidence of equivalence to Defence Forces Recruitment Section, Defence Forces Headquarters, Department of Defence, Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 AD93, for the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service’s determination.

• Graduate Candidates: Must have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree programme at Level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications. OR have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree programme at Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications, from a recognised institution, in Nautical Science.

For detailed information about the Cadetship, please refer to the Terms and Conditions attached to this advertisement