Engine Room Artificer
The Engine Room Artificer (ERA) is a qualified Diesel Fitter / Turner trained in conjunction with Fás and has an in depth knowledge of all the ships engineering equipment. This includes main engines and auxiliary engineering equipment.
Initial selection for training is by application for an apprenticeship through the Defence Forces Tech Trainee Scheme. Any individual can apply from any branch. The successful candidate will then commence a time based or modular based apprenticeship in conjunction with Fás. This is an internationally recognised qualification.
| Course | Prerequisites | Outcome |
| Engine Room Artificer/ Fitter Apprenticeship Duration 4 years | Group / Intermediate Certificate / Junior Certificate | Internationally recognised qualification |
| ERA1 5 Weeks |
Have completed the M1 course. Have completed FAS 1st year “off the job” course. Have been recommended by his/her MEO and O/C. All students must have completed a manual handling course prior to technical training |
Eligible for promotion to Ordinary Engine Room Artificer O/ERA |
| ERA2 6 Weeks |
Have completed ERA 1 course. Have completed sea service guide to required standard. Written recommendation for auxiliary watch keeping certificate. Have been recommended by his/her MEO and O/C. |
Eligible for promotion to Able Engine Room Artificer A/ERA |
| ERA3 8 Weeks |
Have completed ERA 2 course. Have completed 6 months as an understudy watch keeper. Have completed Sea service guide to required standard. National craft certificate attained. Have been recommended by his/her MEO & O/C. |
Eligible for promotion to Leading Engine Room Artificer L/ERA* |
| ERA4 9 Weeks |
Have Completed ERA 3 course. Have Completed Sea-service guide. Have passed and completed N.C.O.’s course. Have 6 months as an understudy watch keeper. Have been recommended by MEO and O/C. |
Eligible for promotion to Petty Officer Engine Room Artificer PO/ERA** On successful completion of ERA 4 course and or the E.O.O.W certificate, which is part of the S.T.C.W.`95 in the International Maritime Organization. (I.M.O.) Leading to the award of the Naval Watchkeeping Certificate. |
| ERA5 1 Year |
Have Completed ERA 4 course passed and completed. Written recommendation or certificate of capability from MEO & O/C. Have at least 2 years sea going experience and 1 year ashore as a PO/ERA watch keeper. Have passed and completed a senior N.C.O.’s course. |
Eligible for promotion to Chief Petty Officer Engine Room Artificer CPO/ERA*** |
* Dependant on passing out of Potential NCO’s Course and Rank Vacancy
** Dependant on passing out of Standard NCO’s Course and Rank Vacancy
*** Dependant on passing out of Senior NCO’s Course or Holding of Class 2 Certificate (Group / Intermediate Certificate/ Junior Certificate Military equivalent) and Rank Vacancy
