Demonstration site
Skipper / Boat Permit Skippers and CrewAquaculture

Deck Officer Skipper Full Certificate of Competency (Fishing)

Next cohort 7 Sept 2026
Duration 9 Weeks
Fee Free for eligible crew
Location NFCI Castletownbere & Greencastle
Certification Skipper / Boat Permit
Seats
5 of 10
Awarding body Marine Survey Office (MSO) - Department of Transport

Entry requirements

Second-Hand Full COC (Fishing) or equivalent. Valid medical certificate.

About this programme

Duration 9 Weeks (full time) 405 Hours Total Certification Skipper Full Certificate of

Competency (Fishing)

This course is eligible for grant aid.
Location National Fisheries College of Ireland (NFCI)
Castletownbere
Co. CorkOrNational Fisheries College of Ireland (NFCI)
Greencastle
Co. Donegal
Fees €476

                        Apply

Programme Overview Programme Overview

This is a 9-week programme leading to the Department of Transport, Deck Officer Certificate of Competency Skipper Full (Fishing).  The programme consists of six subjects: Practical Navigation 1, Practical Navigation 2, Meteorology & Oceanography, Ship Stability & Ship Construction, Maritime Business & Law and Orals.

About this course

Programme information

Who is this Programme for

This programme is aimed at learners who wish to upgrade to the Department of Transport Deck Officer Certificate of Competency Skipper Full (Fishing). This qualification will enable successful participants to fish in all waters.

Next Programme Dates

Location Dates
NFCI Castletownbere, Co. Cork
  • 05 May – 08 Jul 2026
NFCI Greencastle, Co. Donegal
  • 27 April – 03 July 2026

 

Locations

National Fisheries College of Ireland (NFCI)
Castletownbere
Co. Cork
P75 EW24

Or

National Fisheries College of Ireland (NFCI)
Greencastle
Co. Donegal
F93 PX32

Duration

Directed hours:  279 hours in total consisting of 35 hours per week for 9 weeks.

Self-directed hours:  126 hours consisting of 12 hours per week for 9 weeks.

Total: 405 hours over a period of 9 weeks.

Training Methodology

Centre based face to face instruction.

Certification

Skipper Full Certificate of Competency (Fishing).

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 19

Hold a Second Hand Full or a Skipper Limited Certificate of Competency, with 12 months sea time. 

A Seafarers Medical Certificate ENG 11, with approved eyesight test.

A Notice of Eligibility (NOE) is required to sit the written examinations.

Progression

On completion of a conversion course, the learner may obtain a Standards of Training Certificate and Watchkeeping (STCW) Officer of the Watch unlimited Certificate of Competency.

Employment Opportunities

This qualification will enable successful participants to fish in all waters.

Assessment

Department of Transport written & oral examinations.

Fees

Course fee – €200

Written exam fee – €276

This course is eligible for grant aid.

 

For more information contact

National Fisheries College of Ireland (Cork)

Castletownbere, Co Cork

National Fisheries College of Ireland (Donegal)

Greencastle, Co Donegal

Skippers and CrewAquacultureFisheriesSeafood ProcessingSkipper / Boat Permit

Training Source:BIM National Fisheries CollegeReport a problem

Ask BIM beta

Hello! I can help you find information about BIM's funding schemes, training programmes, and seafood sector resources. What would you like to know?

Press Enter or click Send to submit your question