Take 5 - Deirdre Lane MNI, Navigation Services at Commissioners of Irish Lights

We ask Deirdre five questions on her career at sea and ashore.

 In issue 10, Deirdre Lane MNI explored virtual aids to navigation and the advantages of using them, which you can read in full below. We have caught up with Deirdre to learn more about her career at sea and now ashore in Navigation Services at Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Membership to The Nautical Institute will support you throughout your whole career. Your membership will be recognised within the industry and is an obvious sign of one's commitment to being professional. Our many branches around the world have activities; meetings and networking events that can help you build upon your career - being involved in a branch will also support your CPD. Our CPD programme exists to promote and support the professional development of its members throughout their maritime career, both at sea and ashore and remains the most important reason for membership.
 

 

What interested you in building a career at sea?
My family background and attending Sea Scouts had an influence. I eventually decided that this was a career for me after a trip on the Irish Sail Training Vessel Asgard II.

What do you like best about working at sea?
That no two days are ever the same at sea! Each day brings a whole new set of challenges. Likewise, the variety of work associated with the marine industry now that I am ashore. 

What are the personal attributes a navigational officer needs to succeed on the bridge?
Professionalism, reliability, leadership, innovation and determination.

How could the shipping industry better support mariners in their training and assessment?
STCW refresher training is beginning to address the need to support mariners more. Most are agreeing that refresher training is essential as techniques can change over time. However mariners would like to see better alignment and standardization of what is accepted as refresher training.

How do you intend to keep up with your training and skills, both at sea, and ashore?
I keep all my short courses and Certificate of Competency up to date.  I attend The Nautical Institute Ireland Branch seminars, meetings and Seaways and The Navigator magazines help to ensure that I stay up to date with the issues mariners are facing. I also submit my CPD online to The Nautical Institute in order to help address where the gaps in my training and skills are for the coming year.

 

Click image to read Deirdre's article in full: