An Cosantóir

18 | Fire-fighting team were (l/r): A/Mech Alan Murray, A/Sea Justin Guinan, L/Sea Tom Kiely and TT/ERA Ken O'Donovan NAVAL the by Sgt Wayne Fitzgerald Photos by Cpl Colum Lawlor O n March 28th staff from An Cosantóir joined the Naval Service's LÉ Emer (P21) on a patrol in the Irish Sea. It was a cold, early start for us on Dun Laoghaire's east pier, where our escort picked us up in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) powered by twin Yamaha 400 outboard engines. We were given a safety brief, which was precise and to the point - life jackets were fitted and its safety devices pointed out – "Sit forward, at all times keep your arms and feet inside, and don't let go" – and then we were off. The RIB parted the emerald waters of the Irish Sea as we made our way out into Dublin Bay to LÉ Emer where the crew awaited our arrival. The ship, which is due to be decommissioned as part of the fleet replacement programme when the first of two new naval vessels enters service; P61is due January 2014. LÉ Emer still looked really impressive as we drew alongside. The RIB was hoisted aboard and we were very warmly greeted by the ship's executive officer and 2 i/c, Lt (NS) Gavin McCarthy, who gave us another safety brief as we removed our life jackets and wets. We were also informed that we would be told when and where we could take photos, as much of the ship's operations and equipment are classified. Our first visit was to the bridge, where we were introduced to the ship's captain, Lt Cdr Daniel Wall, and some of his crew. We were invited to observe the ship's navigation system and view our lane out of Dublin Bay and into the Irish Sea. As the ship moved out smoothly in the Force An Cosantóir May 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie SERVICE 5 sea-state, Lt McCarthy told us about the ship's recent activity and upcoming tasks. "On Monday and Tuesday we took part in a two-day examination at sea for future ships captains' who were undergoing the Senior Command Operations Course (SCOC) conducted by the Naval College," he told us. "This is the culmination of a six-week course for our future ships captains. On Wednesday we were on a fishery patrol on the East Coast; today we have a press visit; on Sunday some of the crew are involved in the 1916 commemoration ceremony at the GPO; and then on Monday we start a four-week fishery patrol." Lt McCarthy then gave us a brief rundown on what is involved on a fishery patrol, including boarding operations. "Being boarded for inspection is very common for fishing vessels," he explained. "It's just like drivers being stopped and having their tax and insurance checked by An Garda Síochána." He then showed us the screen displaying the Fishery Intelligence System (FIS), which is updated hourly by satellite and enables the NS to monitor all of the vessels in their patrol zone. After the bridge we were given a tour of the ship, where we met many of the crew going about their daily routine. While at sea there will generally be around 20% of the crew resting at any one time due to shift rotations. We were then invited to lunch in the Senior Rates Mess, were we relaxed and conversed with the crew over some tasty soup and rolls.

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