Naval Service Reserve
| Naval Service Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Irish: Cúltaca na Seirbhíse Cabhlaigh | |
|
Naval Service Crest | |
| Active | 1 October 2005–present |
| Country |
 Ireland |
| Branch | Naval Service |
| Type | Naval Reserve |
| Size | 141 active personnel (Nov 2015)[1] |
| Part of |
 Reserve Defence Forces |
| Website |
www |
| Insignia | |
| Cúltaca shoulder insignia |
 |
The Naval Service Reserve (NSR) (Irish: Cúltaca na Seirbhíse Cabhlaigh) is the reserve force of the Irish Naval Service. It is one of two elements of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the other element being the Army Reserve. 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).
Organised in five units, one each in Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick, and another specialist unit, as of November 2015 the NSR had a strength of 141 personnel of all ranks.[1] 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. All Naval Service Reserve members fall under the Naval Service Executive Division (Seaman's Division).
Enlistment is open to all EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 35, provided they are ordinarily resident in Ireland, can pass a medical examination, fitness examination, and are of good character, 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, fully volunteer 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.
Up to 14 days 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.
References
- 1 2 "Written Replies Nos. 437 to 450 - Defence Forces Reserve". Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Hansard). 13 January 2016.