Maritime Inscription

The Naval Service Reserve (NSR) () is the reserve force of the Irish Naval Service. It is one of three elements of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) of the Irish Defence Forces, the other two being the First Line Reserve and the Army Reserve (AR). The NSR was established on 1 October 2005 to replace and reorganise the previous naval reserve organisation, ''An Slua Muirí'', which in turn replaced the fore-runner Maritime Inscription founded in 1940 to act as a Port Control authority during The Emergency (WWII). Originally formed at Dublin's Alexandra Basin, its headquarters was in Portobello barracks, now known as Cathal Brugha Barracks.

Organisation

Organised in five units, one each in Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick, and another specialist unit, the Technical Support Unit. As of August 2024 the NSR had a strength of 97 personnel of all ranks. The reserve supplements the crew of vessels of the Irish Naval Service during patrols of territorial waters and overseas visits, as well as conducting stand-alone operations within their respective ports, such as security duties, sighting reports and intelligence gathering. All Naval Service Reserve members fall under the Naval Service Executive Division (Seaman's Division).

Enlistment is open to EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, provided they are ordinarily resident in Ireland, can pass fitness tests, an interview, medical examination, are of good character and obtain a security clearance, and also to non-EU citizens who have been continuously legally resident in the Republic for at least three years.

The NSR is a part-time voluntary organisation, and trains members in aspects of nautical and military disciplines to supplement and aid the permanent Naval Service. Periods of enlistment vary and is initially for four years. Progression through the ranks is possible including a commission and promotion to the rank of Lt/Cdr (see Irish Naval Service#Personnel and ranks).

Up to 6 weeks paid training may be undertaken by a reservist each year (further sea training possible when demand arises). Reservists are liable to be called up on permanent service by ministerial order in times of emergency.

NSR personnel formed part of the crew of the '' LÉ Eithne'' which was deployed to Cork as a testing centre in support of the HSE, as part of Ireland's response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in early 2020.

In 2021 it was reported that the Naval Service would acquire four motor launches to be built by FM Marine Services Ltd for the Naval Service Reserve. The 30 tonne boats are due to have a crew of four and can be armed with two general purpose machine guns. The boats are planned to be based at Dublin, Cork, Waterford, and Foynes/Limerick. The boats are to be named after the children of Lír, and the first named ''Fionnghuala'' was launched in December 2024.

Ranks

Prior to 2002 ranks for NCOs in the Naval Reserve were in blue instead of gold. Since 2002 naval reserve personnel have worn the same rank insignia as their non-reserve counterparts.

Weapons

See also

* Army Reserve (Ireland)

References

External links

Irish Defence Forces website - Naval Service Reserve

Irish Naval Service
Department of Defence (Ireland)
Military units and formations established in 2005
2005 establishments in Ireland

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