National Maritime College of Ireland

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The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is a joint project between Cork Institute of Technology and the Irish Naval Service. It is located in Ringaskiddy, County Cork, Ireland. The Institutes of Technology Act 2006 will see the college becoming a school of the Cork Institute of Technology. The college provides a range of maritime qualifications, including at academic degree level, and its facilities can accommodate 750 students.

The college cost approximately €50 million when opened in October 2004 and is one of the first public private partnership type projects in education in the Republic of Ireland, and will result in a 25 year contract held by Focus Education Ltd.

The college facilities are amongst the most modern in the world. For the training of deck department personnel there is an array of bridge simulators, including a 360 degree model and a 270 degree model. Workshops are provided for ropework and other deck associated skills, and simulators are provided for GMDSS training and cargo work. Engine department trainees avail of a fully functional engine room, which includes diesel engines, oil purifiers, air compressors, sewage treatment plant, fresh water generators and other equipment found on board ocean going vessels. An engine room simulator is used to train personnel in watchkeeping, teamwork and process management. Common facilities include the survival training pool, helicopter dunker, lifeboats and firefighting training facility. Machine workshops are utilised to train engineers in turning, milling, grinding, welding and the use of hand tools for fabrication. There is an extensive marine library on site, but with limited access.

In September 2006, King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway visited the NMCI, while on a state visit to Ireland, to promote maritime links between Cork and Oslo.