11 newly qualified Ordinary Ratings had their passing out parade at the Naval Service Headquarters on Hawlbowline Island yesterday.
The class of ten men and one woman completed 22 weeks of intensive training, and will now advance to specialist training.
The Defence forces, including the Navy, have been struggling to hire new recruits, with the Irish Mirror reporting that more sailors are leaving every year than joining - blaming poor pay and long hours at sea.
Defence Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that 12 naval patrol-days had to be cancelled in January alone.
