Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre has assisted to build the skills and careers of seven individuals, including high schools students and Volunteer Marine Rescue volunteers, by putting them through an international marine safety course, fully funded.
Four volunteers of the Airlie Beach Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) and three high school students were given the rare opportunity to undertake the highly-regarded Certificate of Safety Training (STCW95) course, fully funded by the centre.
The Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre is a part of the Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach.
Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre, Instructor Chris Green, who is a qualified Master Class 1, said the course would open up many career opportunities to work on commercial vessels operating in international waters, including superyachts.
“Some of it (training) is rigorous, however they all did extremely well – it’s great to see locals having an interest in a maritime career,” Mr Green said, “And it’s great the centre made it available to these unique people”.
Among the students was Volunteer Marine Rescue senior crew member, Dean Foster, who said the STCW95 training will be vital to the VMR with its sea survival and emergency procedure focus.
“It really prepares you,” Mr Foster said.
“Not only will it help the VMR and community, it’s wonderful to work closely with the Whitsunday Sailing Club.”
Meanwhile, Year 11 student Lukas Bergermann, said he was planning to do even more maritime training in the future.
With a goal to be a marine engineer, Lukas said it was great to see the club giving the opportunity to young people.
“It will be an advantage for our futures in the marine industry,” he said.
The Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre was awarded the Whitsunday Tourism Education and Training Award in October this year.
