A boating Education Program for Students

The Menai High Boat Smart Program was initiated by science and marine teacher, Greg McNeill, in Greg is the current President of the Marine Teachers’ Association of NSW. The original plan was to have a training vessel available for school students to learn the basics of boating, equivalent to the Maritime General Boat Licence log book requirements.

In early 2010 the RMYC-Port Hacking provided the perfect venue for the Boat Smart Program to be based. The RMYC, with its safe ramp and sheltered marina and stunning veranda views has provided the ideal classroom and perfect introduction to practical boating for these students.

The one day program requires students to: safely launch a vessel from a trailer row a tender conduct a dinghy capsize and rescue exercise drive a boat return a boat to its trailer flush an outboard wash a boat.

During the course students also discuss maritime employment and boating regulations with local Maritime Boating Officers and run through basic small outboard operation.

The Menai High Boat Smart Program has now been considered a pilot program by the BIA and NSW Maritime with its contribution to boating and water safety. The program is now planned to be extended into 4 new regions along the coast of NSW in partnership with these organisations.