Maritime College hits out at delays by Department of Transport

The National Maritime College of Ireland has accused the Department of Transport of engaging “in a turf war” that could threaten the international reputation of the college and render invalid training courses already completed by 400 students.

According to the NMCI, up to 25 jobs at the college are at risk because of the department’s failure to recognise British accreditation of mariners’ refresher courses held at the college in Ringa-skiddy, Co Cork, in the past year.

The NMCI said it was forced to seek UK accreditation as the department was “tardy” in granting it, but the department said it gave “preliminary approval” to the course this May.