An Cosantóir

34 It is some journey from helping to crew a luxury super yacht in the Caribbean to the sturdier, more demanding life on board an Irish Naval Service vessel. But for Gary Jordon it was an important learning experience. Lt (NS) Jordon later transferred to the cruise liner Queen Mary II sailing between Southampton in the UK and the United States of America. Here came more valuable lessons which he would eventually bring back to his Navy comrades and working life. In a Defence Forces Podcast interview with Capt Cian Clancy, the Cork native explained how he went from being a young Cadet commissioned in 2007 to these days overseeing the multi-million mid-life refit of the LÉ Roisín and LÉ Niamh. The life of both vessels will be extended by up to 15 years. "I joined the Naval Service as a school leaver in 2003, as an Executive Branch Cadet. During that time I realised that the subjects I was doing were more aligned to Marine Engineering. I transferred during my first year in Cadets and studied Maritime and Plant Engineering in the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy.From there it was DF PODCAST LÉ ROISÍN REFIT – LT GARYJORDAN By Tony O'Brien Photos provided by Lt Gary Jordan between College and seagoing experience", he recalls. After graduating in 2007, Gary took on further sea time to gain a Watchkeeping Certificate to become a 4th Engineer. Further time at sea led to completion of second engineering Watchkeeping ticket. "I took up a position on the LÉ Aoife in 2012. From there I was afforded an opportunity to complete a Diploma in small craft surveillance." Following completion of his time on-board the LÉ Aoife, Gary was engaged in shore-based appointments in what is called the Planning Inspectorate and Maintenance Management Office. Then in 2014, he made a big decision: "I applied for Leave of Absence for a career break. The objective of that was to expand my education and gain a further qualification in Chief Engineering." But it certainly wasn't plain sailing. "I spent just over a year on a super yacht based in the Caribbean and South of France and during that time I was lucky to study for an MSc in Marine Surveying. I was doing that at the same time," he said adding: "When I finished on the super yacht I moved on to the Queen Mary II, the cruise liner that was again over and back between Southampton and USA." Gary headed back to the Defence Forces in 2016 and completed his Chief Engineering course. In the role of MEO v "A ship is nothing without its crew." v The regular drydocking of naval vessels is key part of a multi-annual maintenance plan. v Specialists from Original Equipment Manufacturer are often required during the most in depth inspections and overhauls.

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