Master Class
Geraldton’s Master Class training vessel repowered and refitted
In October 2021 Dongara Marine was awarded a contract to undertake a significant upgrade on Central Regional TAFE’s Maritime Training Vessel Master Class. This followed an open tender process run by Western Australia’s Department of Finance on behalf of the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Conduct of the upgrade was timed to minimise disruption to the TAFE’s activities.
With our long association with the maritime industry in the Mid West region of Western Australia, including the commercial fishing fleets, Dongara Marine was very pleased to lead the upgrade. It enabled us to contribute to the development of the region’s maritime workforce by providing Central Regional TAFE with a significantly enhanced training platform.
Further benefits passed into the region’s industry though our use of local suppliers and subcontractors. In this case significant work packages were undertaken by Geraldton Marine Electronics and Pages Electrical.
The project was one of the first undertaken in our new facility on the Geraldton waterfront, and it has made undertaking refit and upgrade projects such as this far more viable and efficient for clients.
Master Class is used to deliver maritime-related training through Central Regional TAFE’s Batavia Coast Maritime Institute in fishing boat operations, boating services, and marine engine drivers. It also supports on-water activities for components of other training programs such as aquaculture, tourism, coastal conservation, and land management in the region.
As such, the revamped Master Class will directly support local employers by providing skilled workers with industry relevant skills and boost opportunities for people in the Mid West region to train and work locally.
The major overhaul of the 20 year old training vessel has provided students have a first-class industry standard learning environment.
The floating specialist classroom – usually moored in Geraldton’s Fishing Boat Harbour not far from our shipyard – was removed from the water and then spent a number of months in our facility being refitted and upgraded. This included repowering with new Caterpillar engines as well as new gearboxes, hydraulic system, electrics, air-conditioning and navigational systems. A full blast and repaint was also undertaken, as well as a variety of other interior and exterior enhancements.
Master Class was originally built by Perth-based boatbuilder Seaquest in 2002 from an original custom design by Global Marine Design.
“The $2 million revamp of the Master Class maritime training vessel is part of the State Government’s largest ever investment to upgrade TAFE campuses. Providing students … with the most up to date and industry relevant equipment means they’ll be job ready for future employment opportunities. The revamped floating classroom will benefit the local maritime industry vital to Geraldton and the entire Batavia Coast for many years to come.”
Hon. Simone McGurk - Minister for Training
