SeaLink Marine & Tourism is proud to celebrate a pioneering training initiative led by our SeaLink Whitsundays team, designed to address industry-wide crew shortages while creating valuable career pathways for local students.

On Friday, 19 September 2025, 17 Year 11 and 12 students celebrated their graduation from a year-long, specially tailored Coxswain course, delivered through the Queensland Government's Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) initiative in partnership with the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre (WMTC).

The graduating students were from Proserpine State High School, Saint Catherine's Catholic College and Whitsunday Christian College. Notably, Jessie Orr from the 2024 cohort who travelled weekly from Mackay to complete the course, highlighting the program's regional reach and reputation.

Students gained critical sea-time and hands-on experience aboard the multi award-winning Red Cat Adventures fleet, addressing one of the most common barriers to achieving a Coxswain license.

“We wanted to ensure these students were trained in real-life situations, building their confidence and capability before stepping into the industry,” said Asher Telford, General Manager, SeaLink Whitsundays. 

“Pairing hands-on experience with the demands of live operations we're not only accelerating their skill development but also reinforcing the value of teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and safety culture,” he said.

By opening up these opportunities, we're showing young people that maritime is an exciting and globally respected career path; one that can take them anywhere in the world,” Mr Telford continued.

Across the year, WMTC trainers delivered classroom sessions covering seamanship, navigation, vessel handling, engineering, collision regulations, and shipboard safety—skills that will serve students in careers spanning tourism, superyachts, fishing, and the oil and gas industries.

WMTC Training Coordinator, Deb Duggan, praised the students for their achievements: “They've had a challenging but rewarding year, and it's been inspiring to see their growth and confidence on the water. Their achievement extends beyond individuals, strengthening our regional maritime community by producing skilled, job-ready cadets who support local operations and demonstrate what focused, industry-linked training can achieve”

The official qualification, a Certificate II in Maritime Operations – Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal, is issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and allows graduates to command a commercial vessel under 12 metres in inshore waters.

This innovative training pathway highlights SeaLink's commitment to supporting local communities, developing the next generation of maritime leaders, and ensuring the resilience of regional tourism.

For more information about SeaLink Whitsundays, or to book an adventure, visit:
•    www.sealink.com.au/whitsundays 
•    www.redcatadventures.com.au
•    www.jetskitour.com.au