Case Study - Naval Services

Name: Elizabeth Barrett
Job: Sub-Lieutenant (www.military.ie/naval/)

I am currently the Gunnery Officer & Fishery Officer on board the Naval Service vessel L.E. Aoife. In 2002, I was working as an accounts executive for a marketing company in Dublin City. I found the job lacked a challenge and a sense of adventure. I was a scout leader at the time and joined the Naval Service Reserve in Cathal Brugha Barracks to develop a sense of purpose and adventure in my life. With this I decided to exchange my business suit for a uniform, a city-centre office for a ship’s bridge, and a 9-5 day for a watch system that keeps a ship operational on a 24/7 basis during 4-week sea patrols. I joined the Navy as a cadet.
I have been deployed to the Baltic (Russia, Finland, Norway, Estonia & Denmark) on board the LE Eithne to promote Ireland and the role of the Irish Naval Service abroad. I got commissioned as an Officer in September 2004. Shortly afterwards, I commenced a degree in Nautical science in the NMCI.
In the summer of 2006, I was deployed to the Brazilian Navy for two months duration. This deployment gave me the opportunity to learn the roles and training procedures of the Brazilian Navy. I also gained the navigational experience of sailing through the straits of Magellan, across the Equator and visiting many foreign countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama and America.
The Brazilian Navy do not allow women in their Navy to go to sea; it was a big cultural difference for them to have women on board. It highlighted to the Brazilians that Ireland is a forward-thinking country with equal opportunities for all its citizens.
In 2007 I obtained my Naval Watch Keeping Certificate, which qualifies me to take charge of a bridge watch on an Irish Naval Vessel, responsible to the Captain for the safe navigation of the ship and the safety of the crew for 8 hours each day. I have just completed my Gunnery Officers’ course, which allows me to take charge of the firing of the ship’s weapons.
So what makes a Naval Officer? It is a combination of the abilities to plan, organise, make decisions, solve problems, work in teams, communicate, lead, motivate, discipline and handle information. Resilience and physical capacity are valuable qualities.
One has to be adaptable to changing circumstances and environments. It’s not a Monday to Friday 9-5 desk job. One day you could be out doing routine boardings of fishing vessels, the next day it could be drug interdiction, weapons firing, search & rescue, aid to the civil power or a re-supply mission. One thing is for sure you won’t get bored!