From a crew member with their local Lifeboat in Castletownbere to a Watch Officer at Marine Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Valentia. David tells us about his exciting and dynamic role and what a typical day includes.
Please tell us a little bit about your role as a Watch Officer.
As a Watch Officer at (MRSC) Marine Rescue Sub Centre Valentia, we ensure that a continued effective listening watch on marine distress frequencies is maintained. We broadcast various forecasts and meteorological warnings issued by Met Éireann. We produce and broadcast Radio Navigational Warnings to mariners across the Island of Ireland highlighting hazards to navigation.
We respond to ship casualties and maritime disasters by tasking and coordinating search and rescue missions with assets such as the Coast Guard Sikorsky Rescue Helicopters, our Coast Guard Volunteer Units, RNLI Lifeboats and Coastal Inshore Rescue boats across Ireland. We work with other Primary Response Agencies and Principal Emergency Services, as well as the Defence Forces and other International Rescue Agencies for Joint Rescue Coordination.
We provide Telemedical advice service to ships through cooperation with Medico Cork. We respond to alerts from Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, Emergency Location Transponders and Personal Location Beacons. As one of Ireland’s Principal Emergency Services the Irish Coast Guard handles 112/999 calls from members of the Public who require our assistance.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
I applied for the role of a Watch Officer for many reasons. Search and Rescue means a lot to me as my family have a long history in lifesaving over the years. My father and grandfather were both Coxswains in Castletownbere and Baltimore lifeboats respectively, and many of my family have worked with the RNLI including my siblings as crew members, my grandmother as Secretary Fundraiser, my father now as Area Lifesaving Manager and many more besides.
This family history motivates me massively and drives me on to do my current role with the Irish Coast Guard. Our community, and many other communities rely on the Irish Coast Guard to respond to any Emergencies they may encounter whilst working at sea or enjoying leisure time around our beautiful coastline.
Being a Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator affords me the opportunity to have a direct impact on their lives should the need arise. The Marine Rescue Coordination Centre where I work covers my community, and many other communities between Ballycotton Co. Cork and Slyne Head Co. Galway, and far out to sea.
What do you value most about you job?
I value the opportunity to be able to assist those in need. It is a privilege to have a job which allows you to save lives and have a direct impact on the lives of others on a daily basis.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
Working in the Public Service there are many supports and benefits available to staff including the opportunity for further learning and development. There are courses available to staff to up skill as well as the opportunity to seek 3rd level education.
A Public Sector job also has the benefits of a secure pension and schemes such as the cycle to work scheme and access to a public sector credit union.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
This role has provided me with the opportunity to achieve a good work life balance and the opportunity to meet and work with various other organisations and national agencies.
What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
I really enjoy the variety of the job, no two days are the same. Each incident that we deal with has its own set of circumstances and complications. There are constant new challenges to face and scenarios to figure out. This makes the job very enjoyable.
Would you recommend a career in the Public Sector and why?
Public sector employment affords employees the opportunity to progress their careers if they so desire as well as providing secure employment.
Would you recommend a career in the IRCG? Why?
A career with the Irish Coast Guard has allowed me to work closely with other National and international Agencies and Principal Emergency Services. This engagement with many different people from different backgrounds makes the job very diverse and is very beneficial for professional development, therefore I would recommend a career with the Irish Coast Guard.