National Maritime College of Ireland

Cork Education and Training Board in partnership with the National Maritime College of Ireland, a constituent college of Munster Technological University (MTU), today proudly launched the Maritime and Offshore Safe Pass Pilot Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at enhancing safety standards and awareness for those working in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector.

 

SOLAS, the national Further Education and Training Authority, in its role as the authority for construction safety compliance, commissioned Cork ETB with NMCI to develop a pilot programme that reflected the unique requirements for people who will be working in the delivery of Irelands offshore wind energy ambitions. The Maritime and Offshore Safe Pass is designed to provide essential health and safety induction training for individuals entering or currently employed in the maritime industry, mirroring the success of the existing Safe Pass programme used in construction. It will include training in emergency preparedness, vessel safety, environmental awareness, and personal protective practices. 

 

As Ireland begins to deliver significant offshore wind energy generation (5 Gigawatts by 2030) the need for skilled, safety informed workers will increase exponentially, and this Maritime and Offshore Safe Pass is the first step to ensuring the safety of all involved in the sector.

 

The launch, officially inaugurated by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, T.D., at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy, marked a significant step forward in modernising and standardising safety training across the maritime and offshore energy industries.

 

The launch also underlined the commitment and partnership between the education providers in Cork to develop and deliver an extended programme of courses over the coming years to serve the renewable energy sector, and sectors of the economy linked to these developments. This commitment is evidenced and underpinned by the signing of a Memorandum of understanding between Cork ETB, Munster Technological University and University College Cork that sets out the partners joint ambitions in this regard.

 

Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach stated:

“I am delighted to launch this new Maritime and Offshore Safe Pass Pilot Programme which has been co-developed by Cork ETB with NMCI. 

 

Offshore wind energy generation will be key to reducing emissions, along with ensuring energy and economic security in the future.

This important programme will ensure workers are trained in the skills and safety requirements that are vital when it comes to working in the emerging offshore sector.”

 

 

The pilot programme is being rolled out with the support of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and SOLAS and aligns with Ireland’s National Skills Strategy and Maritime Development Strategy. It aims to engage maritime professionals, trainees, and students in a structured, certified programme that enhances baseline safety competencies.

 

Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Chairperson of Cork ETB, added:

 

"This pilot is about ensuring everyone who sets foot on a vessel or into a marine workspace has the knowledge and confidence to operate safely. We are proud to work with our higher education partners to deliver a programme that will ultimately save lives and foster a stronger safety culture across the industry."

 

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, stated that "This initiative reflects the collaborative power of education and government in action. We’re pleased to contribute our expertise in maritime training and research to this transformative programme."

 

Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC, said:

University College Cork welcomes the launch of the Maritime Safe Pass Pilot Programme with Cork ETB, MTU and the National Maritime College of Ireland. This new programme complements the range of existing UCC courses in offshore renewable energy supported by cutting-edge research conducted at UCC, MaREI and the Lir National Ocean Test facility. The strong and deep partnership between the further and higher education partners will enable a comprehensive approach to building capacity for an exciting offshore renewable energy sector for the region and Ireland.

 

 

Dr. Seán McSweeney, Dean of Faculty of Engineering, MTU, also commented:

"MTU is very proud to continue to collaborate closely with Cork ETB and UCC in provisioning for this SOLAS requirement. This course and certification enable entities involved in offshore construction activities to proceed with confidence in meeting requirements in operating an offshore construction site. It is wonderful to have this programme coordinated out of the National Maritime College of Ireland as a national asset tasked with developing the talent pool to achieve Irelands maritime ambition."

 

The  recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between, Cork ETB, MTU/NMCI and UCC  recognises the commitment by all partners to delivery in pursuit of our national objectives.

 

 

For further information on Cork Education and Training Board and their wide range of schools, courses, and opportunities from Primary, through Post-Primary, to Further Education, see www.corketb.ie or see Cork Education and Training Board or CorkETB on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

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Issued on behalf of the Cork Education and Training Board, 21 Lavitt’s Quay, Cork

by Hopkins Communications, Media House, Crawford Business Park, Crosses Green, Cork