Maritime students at South West TAFE now have a state-of-the-art training boat to learn on, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney visited Portland today to launch the vessel and announce almost $480,000 of funding for the Certificate II in Maritime Operations, covering the cost of the boat and associated equipment.

The boat, named the Aqua Jack, will allow maritime students to gain the experience and skills they need to get jobs in sectors such as tourism, aquaculture and commercial fishing that are vital to the economy of south-west Victoria.

This funding will allow different training on the boat, including emergency response practice such as person overboard retrieval, navigating using electronic systems like radar and GPS, radio training, ship maintenance, steering, pumping and propulsion systems.

As well as supplying skilled workers for these sectors, graduates of the course will also be qualified for volunteer maritime roles in the coast guard and marine rescue.

Consultation with emergency services and peak industry bodies also underscored the importance of securing the new boat for the course, to bring training in line with the latest national standards.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $1.3 billion to rebuild the Victoria’s TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.