The Technical Training School operates from the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy and is responsible for the training and continuing professional development of all Naval Service technical personnel.
Five career specialisations are managed and instructed in the School which fall into the following categories:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Radio Radar Engineering.
The Technical Training School, in association with the NMCI operates a Fire Fighting and Damage Control training facility. The Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting Courses delivered are certified by the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport and meet International Maritime Organisation standards.
Engine Room Articifer (ERA)
The ERA is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of all plant and machinery onboard Ship. The range of equipment includes diesel engines used for propulsion and electrical generation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment (HVAC), reverse osmosis plant, hydraulic and pneumatic systems amongst other equipment.
The Naval Service operates a Technical Training Scheme to select and train personnel to become ERA’s. Personnel are selected from within the ranks of the Naval Service for the scheme. Qualification requires the completion of the Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter Apprenticeship under the auspices of SOLAS (formerly FAS) or the completion of the Marine Engineering Degree in the NMCI. Further Professional Training is provided to the trainees by the Technical Training School to augment these courses.
Hull Articifer (HA)
Hull Artificers maintain the ship’s structure, stability, plumbing, damage control and fire fighting equipment. They are the ship’s carpenter and damage control expert. Similar to ERA’s, the NS operates a Technical Training Scheme to select and train personnel to become HA’s. Selected personnel undergo a Carpenter/Joiner apprenticeship and further specialist training is provided by the Technical Training School.
Radio Radar Technician (RRT)
The RRT is responsible for the maintenance of all communications and radar equipment onboard ship and associated record keeping. The range of equipments include satellite communications systems, internal communications, broadband, television, radio and radar equipment. Similar to ERA’s, the NS operates a Technical Training Scheme to select and train personnel to become RRT’s.
Selected personnel undergo a Level 7 Degree in Electronic Engineering delivered by MTU and further specialist training is provided by the Technical Training School and by the Army Communications and Information Service Corps in the Military Training Camp in the Curragh.
Electrical Artificer (EA)
The EA is the ships electrician and is responsible for the maintenance of all electrical equipment onboard the ship and associated record keeping. Similar to ERA’s and HA’s, the NS operates a Technical Training Scheme to select and train EA’s. The apprenticeship route to qualification as an EA is being phased out in the Naval Service and it is being replaced by the Level 7 Electrical Engineering Degree delivered by Munster Technological University. Further specialist training courses are provided to the trainees by the Technical Training School in the NMCI.
