Maritime College jobs still on line

Twenty-five staff at the National Maritime College (NMCI) in Cork are to be told their jobs are still on the line, though progress has been made in a course accreditation row with the Department of Transport.

A team from the NMCI met with department officials this week, when it was agreed the Marine Survey Office (MSO) will, once the necessary requirements are in place, accredit the NMCI’s refresher course for mariners. This refresher training is mandatory for all mariners from January.

However, uncertainty remains over the 400 Irish mariners who completed the course at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, since last August. The course was accredited by the British MCO, but the Department of Transport has questioned the validity of this for Irish students. If the department is correct, it means the students have a certificate of proficiency to work outside Ireland, but not in Irish waters.