Page 22 - Signal Winter 2019

| FROM CONCEPT TO DELIVERY |
From Concept to Delivery
SIGNAL talks to Lieutenant (Naval Service) Cian Lyons about his role as Marine Engineering Officer aboard the LÉ George Bernard Shaw. This is a vessel with which Lt Ryan has a unique knowledge, having been heavily involved in the design and construction of the vessel in the UK. He provides unique insights into the nature of this construction and the capabilities which the P60 class offer the Defence Forces.
I was commissioned in September 2008 with the 46th Cadet Class. In 2010, I completed a Degree in Marine Engineering in the National Maritime College of Ireland, followed by the completing of both Naval and Department of Transport Certificate of competencies in Marine Engineering. Throughout this period of study I rotated through all 9 ships of the ships of the Naval Service (NS). In January 2012 I was posted to LÉ Ciara as Marine Engineering Officer and served onboard for 4 years. After a short period ashore serving in Planning Inspectorate & Maintenance Management Unit I was posted to Babcock Marine Appledore Shipyard, Devon, Unit Kingdom, in September 2016 to oversee the building of New Ship Build Project AS197 (future LÉ. George Bernard Shaw). LÉ George Bernard Shaw was delivered to the Irish Naval Service on the 11th of October 2018 and I continue to serve onboard as the Marine Engineering Officer. This role consists of all aspects expected required of a Defence Forces Officer i.e. head of department, and the multiple responsibilities that go hand in hand in keeping a 2250 gross tonnage vessel fully operational not only on a day to day basis but also to ensure 35 years of continued service is achieved.
What is your current role and how does the position rotate in terms of sea and land-based appointments?
My current role is serving onboard LÉ George Bernard Shaw as the Marine Engineering Officer. The Marine Engineering Officers role for all vessels consists of normal officer roles which include being a member of the Command Team, leadership, personnel management, administration, and training. In addition to these traditional roles the Marine Engineering Officer is responsible for the operation, condition, cleanliness, performance, security, maintenance and good order of the Main Engines and all Auxiliary
Machinery, Bow Thruster, Steering apparatus, Cranes, Davits, Refrigeration equipment, Motors, Alternators, Sewage Plant, RIB engines, Ventilation System and all other equipment in his/ her charge. The secondary roles which are also filled include Damage Control Officer, Energy Management Officer, Technical Account Owner and Unit Safety Officer. Due to the nature of the new ship build and its delivery I acted as LÉ George Bernard Shaw’s Technical Warranty Manager onboard.
A Marine Engineering Officers sea and shore rotation consists of 2 years at sea followed by 2 years ashore. In the context of Sea based appointments a Marine Engineering Officer will always fill the Marine Engineering onboard a Naval Vessel. However, in terms of land based appointments that can be filled vary hugely, they include Naval Dockyard, Main Technical Stores, Fleet Operational Readiness Sea Training, Technical Training School, Fleet Support Group, Planning Inspectorate and Maintenance Management.
What are the best aspects of your role and what have particular career highlights been to date?
The best aspect of my role is the responsibility of ensuring that the vessel, in the case of LÉ George Bernard Shaw which has a build to the sum of €68,000,000, which has resulted in a vessel that contribute towards protecting Ireland’s interests at home and abroad, at and from the sea for the next 35 years. This ability would not be possible without the smooth functioning of the Engineering Branch team were personal regardless of specialised skills (Engine Room Artificers, Electrical Artificers, Hull Artificers and Mechanican’s) are required to work in unison. It is the fostering and development of this unique relationship between skilled personnel, teamwork and machine that I find most rewarding.
My career highlights to date have been returning the salute on behalf of An t’Uachtrain Na hEireann during the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in 2011 in Cork Harbour onboard LÉ Eithne whilst completing a sail past of the fleet parade, my first posting as a Marine Engineering Officer onboard L.É. Ciara and above the filling of the role as Onsite Project Manager (Superintendent).I’m also very proud of my role as Marine Engineering Officer of LÉ George Bernard Shaw.
Tell us about your own role in terms of working on the construction, delivery and deployment of L.É. George Bernard Shaw?
On deployment to Babcock Marine Appledore in September 2016 I filled the role as Onsite Project Manager (Superintendent). This role consisted of being present on site on behalf of the Naval Service and Department of Defence in order to insure that the requirements of the ship building contract were fulfilled. This build
22 | | WINTER ‘19 |