The Survival Craft Inspectorate equipped facility has been installed on its own dedicated jetty, where students can learn the handling and operation of a range of different lifeboat types. It features the entire range of SCI products, including its newest 25 seat freefall lifeboat.

Two enclosed SC65F lifeboats can be for training on either offshore or merchant vessel launched systems. An SCI SC65RA fast rescue craft is used to provide practical training in launch and recovery as well as general support. The SC59FF freefall lifeboat is an important part of the student’s training experience as it is equipped with an external water spray and an internal compressed air supply which enables it to provide the highest levels of fire protection for the evacuation of future tanker and oil platform crews. Trainees will also learn to use SCI’s Safelaunch lifeboat release hook mechanism which was specifically developed to eliminate the risk of accidental lifeboat release.

The National Maritime College of Ireland opened last October. With some 450 students, it is expanding steadily towards its capacity of 750 and now runs over 30 courses, including Bachelor of Nautical Science and Bachelor of Engineering as well as proficiency certification courses in a wide range of topics for the marine industry. The college facility is operated in partnership with the Irish Naval Service, which uses the establishment for all of its non-military training requirements.

MJ Information No: 21003