Work has started on a major overhaul of Central Regional TAFE’s(opens in a new tab) maritime training vessel, with a $2 million refurbishment to ensure students have a first-class industry standard learning environment.
The floating specialist classroom — usually moored in Geraldton’s Fishing Boat Harbour — has been dry-docked as the ageing vessel is upgraded, including new engines, gear boxes, hydraulic system, electrics, air-conditioning and navigational systems.
The tender was awarded to local boat builder Dongara Marine. The vessel is used to deliver maritime-related training through Central Regional TAFE’s Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, in fishing boat operations, boating services, and marine engine drivers. It also supports on-water activities for components of other training programs such as aquaculture, tourism, coastal conservation and land management in the region.
Students are expected to be training on the newly updated vessel in March 2023. The $2 million project is part of the State Government’s record $215.8 million investment in TAFE capital works projects, upgrading TAFE campuses across Western Australia.