The winners of the 2022 seamanship competition for senior Sea Scouts, supported by the Irish Institute of Master Mariners, recently got the opportunity to tour the ILV Granuaile as part of their prize. The young people were invited to learn about the vessel and the essential safety service provided around the coast of Ireland by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

The Sea Scouts, from Malahide and Greystones, were welcomed onboard by Captain Dermot Gray and the crew. Captain Gray, Master of the ILV Granuaile, is also President of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners. 

(Above and below) The winners of the 2022 seamanship competition for senior Sea Scouts got the opportunity to tour the ILV Granuaile as part of their prize

To win their place, the young people had demonstrated their knowledge and abilities in a comprehensive examination of navigation skills, practical boat handling and seamanship in March 2022 at 1st Port of Dublin Sea Scout den in Ringsend.

The competition draws examiners from across the marine community including ships’ officers, lifeboat volunteers and experienced recreational boaters. In 2022 it also featured a presentation to participants on weather forecasting from Met Eireann. It provides young people in Sea Scouting with a unique opportunity to engage directly with a diverse range of professionals connected with the nautical sphere at a time in their lives where some may be considering a career at sea.

The 2023 competition will take place in March at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, thanks to the continued support of the Irish Institute of Master Mariners, who have supported this competition for older Sea Scouts since 1995.