Safe Pass Process numbers not required for UK Nationals

With effect from 7 November 2024, UK nationals may apply to register for a Safe Pass course using their National Insurance Number (NIN).

Previously all non Irish nationals had to apply for a process number by giving detailed contact and working site information and this, in practice, had to be done in advance of applying for a Safe Pass course.

We assume that this initiative by SOLAS is to reduce the pressure on the process application system by the sheer number of UK nationals who were applying for process numbers to allow them partake in the Safe Pass programme.

We hope that this will eliminate incidences of persons being turned away on the day of Safe Pass training when they arrive without an Irish PPS Number of a SOLAS issued Process number as numbers cannot be processed retrospectively.

Have you ever been turned away as a UK national without a PPS number? Do you value the new scheme whereby a UK National Insurance Number will now b e accepted for Safe Pass training. Have your say!