What is a Naval Service Recruit A Naval Service Recruit enlists for General Service in the Other Ranks of the Defence Forces. After successfully completing the initial Recruit Training course a recruit passes out as an Ordinary Seaman and will then go onto their Branch Training Course before becoming qualified as an Able Body sailor in the Naval Service.
Who we want Naval Service Recruits go on to form the backbone of the Irish Naval Service. Recruit training is 22 weeks in duration and is designed to develop a physically fit, disciplined and motivated person using basic military and naval skills in order to prepare them for further training in the Service. Recruits are instilled with the Naval Service ethos and the values of Courage, Respect, Integrity and Loyalty. On successful completion of the Recruit training, the Recruit is advanced to the training rank of Ordinary Rating (equivalent of 2 Star Private in the Army). The Naval Service has four Branches consisting of Seaman's, Communications, Mechanicians and Supplies. The Ordinary Rate commences their chosen Branch training giving them the specialised skills required to fulfil their role at sea and ashore. After this initial specialisation training, the Ordinary Rate will proceed to sea and take up an appointment onboard one of our ships for a two year rotation. Life at sea is at all times varied. The Ordinary Rate regardless of Branch is a much valued member of the ships crew. As well as Branch duties, he/she will be called on to complete other duties such as general maintenance, boat work, Damage Control/Firefighting. He/she may also be a member of a Naval Boarding team during Drug Interdiction Operations. If you are interested in a life at sea, as part of a dynamic, professional and highly motivated team, then the Naval Service is for you.
Qualifications No formal education qualifications are required to join the Defence Forces as a recruit. You need to satisfy the Interview Board and the Recruiting Officer that you possess a sufficient standard of education for service in the Defence Forces.
Age Limitations Applicants must be 18 years of age and under 39 years of age on the date deemed as the closing date for applications.
Induction Recruit Competitions are held in the Naval Service as required. This is the only way to join the Naval Service to become an Ordinary Seaman. Candidates undergo fitness testing, an interview and a medical exam. The Induction Process will determine if you have the potential to become an Ordinary Seaman in the Naval Service.
Application Process
Training The Recruit Training Syllabus is designed to produce a physically fit, disciplined and motivated Ordinary Seaman with basic military skills. Naval Recruit training is foundation military training. It is 22 weeks in duration. It is followed by Trained Specialist Training courses. On successful completion of training Recruits are assigned to a Branch and a vessel of the Naval Service.
Download the Naval Service Induction & Training
Career Progression Newly qualified Ordinary Seamen are encouraged to put themselves forward for further courses in the Naval Service. These courses may enable the Seaman to specialise in certain areas of the Naval Service and progress towards career advancement.
Practice your psychometric test This link will redirect you to outside the Irish Defence Forces website to practice your test.
Be more with the Irish Naval Service This video gives an example of what life in the Naval Service is like and what some of the roles that the Naval Service has.
Naval General Service Recruitment This video demonstrates some of the roles that a member of the Naval Service has and asks the viewer do they have what it takes to join.
Patrolling the Horizon Ep 1 Drug Interdiction This video demonstrates the LE George Bernard Shaw conducting a routine maritime drug interdiction along the main route for drug traffickers.
Patrolling the Horizon Ep 2 Fisheries Boarding This video shows the Naval Service conducting maritime patrolling which involves boarding fishing vessels to inspect cargo and documentation.
Patrolling the Horizon Ep 3 My life in the Navy This video shows different sailors about their life in the Naval Service.
