HORDES of recreational boating enthusiasts were on deck at Bulahdelah Bowling Club last weekend to complete the theory component required for obtaining their boating licences. 

The full day session was conducted by Roads and Maritime Services Boating Education Officer, Gavin Beck, and covered many topics including safety equipment, maintenance of inflatable lifejackets, weather, communications, speed and night safety.

The large crowd also examined emergency situations such as person overboard, carbon monoxide, fires and hypothermia.

The day was an initiative of the Bulahdelah Fishing Club to assist members and locals get their boating licences.

“I knew many people wanted their licence, so we organised to run the course locally to save them having to spend the day out of town to do it,” Coordinator Melissa Smith said.

The participants’ knowledge of all things boating was put to the test at the end of the course, with an exam the final part of the day.

“I learnt a fair bit and feel a lot more confident now about going out on the waters,” 13-year-old Dylan Smith from Hawks Nest said.

“I learnt about where to drive in the channels, about directions and a bit more about boats.”

Having successfully passed the theory component, the participants now need to satisfy the practical experience requirements.

This involves using a logbook to show competent boat driving skills or by completing a practical boating training course.

Melissa said due to an overwhelming demand, a further theory course will be run locally on 18 June.

 

By John SAHYOUN