Education Boatshed
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure's Marine Safety section manages the Marine Education Boatshed.
The Marine Education Boatshed is a marine education support centre developed to provide a unique natural environment to primarily support school-based curriculum in delivering marine safety.
It uses small craft and other marine based programs as education tools to place students in the marine environment to further enhance their marine safety learning.
Programs are linked to the Department's initiatives and satisfy many objectives in all areas of the school curriculum.
Boatshed objectives
The objectives of the Marine Education Boatshed are to:
- Anticipate future needs in Boat Safety Education.
- Develop support material and act as a resource centre for boating safety. Resources include qualified staff, library, videos and DVDs, training aids and facilities.
- Assist in promotion of Boating Safety to the public.
- Promote Boating Safety in schools and other educational institutions.
- Train the trainers in the area of Boat Safety Education.
 |
"Marine safety programs are linked to the Department's initiatives and satisfy many objectives in all areas of the school curriculum." | |
Programs currently running at the Boatshed
1) Survival Swimming
2) Canoeing Snorkelling
The boatshed has 12 canoes and 24 sets of snorkelling equipment. Some schools utilise this equipment for introductory marine training and marine science studies for year 9 and 10 programs. Canoeing and Snorkelling have proven to be a great way to introduce boating safety to these younger students.
3) TL3 National Power Boat / Recreational Skipper's Ticket
The Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST), a safety initiative of the Department is the basic unit of powerboat training in Western Australia, the course is nationally recognised.
Students who complete this training are able to demonstrate a minimum level of theoretical and practical skill in the handling of small powerboats.
The YA National Powerboat Scheme (YANPS) is a more comprehensive powerboat training course that covers additional factors to the RST. The YANPS is compulsory for those students wishing to complete a Seatrek.
4) Seatrek Program
A Seatrek is an expedition involving five metre sailing boats equipped to sail along our spectacular coastline.
These expeditions may be as simple as a two-day sail up the Swan River or as complex as a five-day expedition through Shark Bay.
A fleet of six fully self-contained boats accompanied by a support vessel, cater for 24 students and 2 staff members.
An extensive training program is required to complete a Seatrek including emergency response, first aid, radio procedure, navigation and boat handling. Great emphasis is placed on planning and preparation as well as personal safety.
The Seatrek is the culmination of a series of instruction programs, which includes:
The Seatrek provides students with a unique opportunity to challenge themselves and apply the marine safety skills they have learnt. As a result the marine safety skills are re-enforced and enhanced for life.
The boats are strong motivators. They foster development in teamwork, co-operation and self-reliant decision-making.
Seatrek give teachers and students practical voyage planning skills and experience in the hard and soft skills introduced during the YA National Powerboat Scheme.
 |
"Teachers and student teachers develop marine skills and Boating Safety Education is passed on to the students as part of the schools curriculum." | |
Users of the Marine Education Boatshed
Through the Marine Education Boatshed, the Department has provided a facility and the skilled staff so that schools and universities can incorporate marine safety into their curriculum. Teachers and student teachers develop marine skills and Boating Safety Education is passed on to the students as part of the schools curriculum. This facility is managed as a resource centre for qualified educators and provides assistance and support to teachers seeking to become trainers. Groups that are currently utilising the facility include:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Edith Cowan University
- University of Western Australia
- Department for Planning & Infrastructure
- Scouts and Guides
- Yachting Association of Western Australia
- Sea Search and Rescue Groups
Teachers and Lecturers vary in the way they incorporate the courses into student programs. Courses may be as part of:
- Marine Studies
- Marine Science
- Outdoor Education
- Physical and Leisure Education
- Alternative Upper School
- Vocational Programs
- Youth at risk programs
- Under Graduate Studies
- Post Graduate Studies
Conclusion
DPI has a vital role in fostering Boating Safety Education. The Marine Education Boatshed is pivotal to this role providing "hands on" ability for the Department to promote Boating Safety. The Marine Education Boatshed provides services essential for the development of Marine Safety Education.
