School students learning about boating and safety at the Department of Transport's Marine Education Boatshed in East Fremantle have access to two new training vessels.

At a special blessing of the two new five metre sailing boats, Department Coordinator of Safety Education Laurie Adams said the craft would be used for the popular Seatrek program which gave students an opportunity to learn the skills required to safely navigate the WA coastline.

Mr Adams said Seatreks were an opportunity for students to test their marine safety skills after completing extensive training in sailing, radio procedure, navigation and advanced power boat handling.

"The students experience open sea voyages ranging from a one day sail to an eight day expedition through Shark Bay or around the coastal areas between Fremantle and Mandurah," Mr Adams said.

"For many students a Seatrek is a unique and memorable experience which reinforces the importance of safety on the water and provides valuable life skills." 

The Recreational Skipper's Ticket is compulsory for students undertaking a Seatrek and the program meets aspects of the requirements of the WA Curriculum Council's Outdoor Education  and Marine and Maritime Technology courses of study and Endorsed Programs, which are part of the WA Certificate of Education.
 
The Boatshed promotes safe boating techniques and practices through hands on learning opportunities and last year 3,550 students were given the opportunity to develop proficiency in swimming, canoeing, snorkelling, safe powerboat procedures and managing open sea voyages.

Mr Adams said since 1998, more than 28,000 students had learnt essential marine safety skills through the Boatshed’s training and competency programs.

"The Boatshed successfully delivers the safe boating message to the very youngest members of the State's boating community," Mr Adams said.

The two new vessels boost the number of craft in the Boatshed's Seatrek training fleet to eight.

MEDIA CONTACT: Bronwyn Hillman 0408 098 220

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