TAFE Gippsland and the Victorian Government will today unveil a new maritime training vessel, at our SEAMEC campus in Lakes Entrance.
The twin-hulled catamaran vessel – the bar-ba-ka – enters TAFE Gippsland’s training operations, courtesy of funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional and Specialist Training Fund (RSTF).
Minister for Boating & Fishing Hon. Melissa Horne, visited TAFE Gippsland’s SEAMEC campus this morning to officially launch the new training vessel.
TAFE Gippsland’s chief executive officer, Mr Grant Radford, said the new training boat will assist TAFE Gippsland in responding to the maritime industry’s needs.
“This new training boat will allow TAFE Gippsland to expand the current and future training opportunities and needs of this important marine and boating sector in East Gippsland,” Mr Radford said.
“The bar-ba-ka will be an important and attractive asset for TAFE Gippsland’s delivery of Maritime training courses well into the future, and it will provide an enhanced training experience for our students.”
Formerly with Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority, the bar-ba-ka now sports the TAFE Gippsland brand in bold blue colours after a refit at Williamstown Docks in Melbourne.
The bar-ba-ka is an efficient, diesel-powered aluminium catamaran (twin hulls). These features provide excellent stability and seaworthiness, and a range of more than 750 nautical miles, allowing it to operate in all Victorian marine waters up to 100 nautical miles offshore.
The vessel will be moored at TAFE Gippsland’s SEAMEC campus under the watchful eye of maritime trainer, Mr Brad Lancaster.
For all media related enquiries, call;
Neil Lawson - Communications Coordinator, TAFE Gippsland
Phone - 0419 425 804
Email - nlawson@tafegippsland.edu.au or news@tafegippsland.edu.au