Seven graduate with Rescue Vessel Skipper Certification
Marine Rescue
Seven students from Mossman High School recently graduated with their Rescue Vessel Skipper Certification after completing their training with Marine Rescue Port Douglas. They were presented with their certificates by the Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui.
The students are all members of Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland and the program, which ran on Fridays through the academic year, is done in co-operation with Mossman High School.
The seven graduates are: Keeda McMahon, Olivia Castles, Emily Donoghue, Jessie Logan, Keegan Clarke, Fletcher Van Der Straaten and Daniel Harrington.
Shortly after the ceremony, Keegan and Olivia found themselves on their first rescue mission as rescue skippers with Olivia at the helm. Port Douglas Marine Rescue had just been called by a five-metre vessel at the mouth of the Daintree because they could not start their engine – a dangerous situation with dusk falling. A tow back to Port Douglas would save the day.
Marine Rescue Port Douglas is on call 24/7 covering the waters out to the outer reef.
Chief Trainer Doug Forno told the gathered families of the students about the rigours of the training: surviving at sea; fighting fires onboard; work health and safety; seamanship; vessel handling and obtaining a radio licence that will enable the students to engage in rescue operations MV Port Douglas and MV Mossman.
He said it would now be a short step for these students to work aboard a vessel and get commercial certification.
“You are on the first step of the ladder. It is a terrific stepping stone for people your age.
“Whether you go into the marine industry or not, you have the skills for life,” said Forno.
The principal of Mossman High School, Michelle Lyons, said, “The course is a great opportunity for students that they would otherwise not get. The students could make a career out of it or come back as volunteers in marine rescue.”
She said the course cemented school-community relations.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui stressed the importance of community connections and the need for younger people to join Volunteer Marine Rescue. She hoped that the program, which is in its third year, will run for many years to come.
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