NEWS - Coast Guard offers license training at Melbourne Leisurefest

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association will again be training and testing would-be boaties at this year’s Melbourne Leisurefest RV, camping and boat show (from October 1 to 4). 

Three of the Coast Guard’s top trainers will deliver daily sessions on the four days of the show, from Thursday to Sunday, at Sandown Racecourse.

Geelong Flotilla Commander Peter Barrow, Deputy Squadron Commodore Barry Cordwell and Safety Beach Flotilla Commander Cliff Lees will run sessions at 11am each day. A session comprises three hours of presentations and discussion followed by the test and marking.

Successful participants will receive a DVD of the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook and a certificate of completion which they can present at any VicRoads office to buy their Recreational Boat Operator License.

The cost for the training and test is: $70 for the boat operator session and test; or, $90 for the boat operator plus PWC endorsement. All proceeds go to the Coast Guard to do its vital voluntary work in helping keep the waterways safe.

People wishing to participate in the session will need to provide proof of identity, such as a current Victorian driver’s license, but failing that you will need photo ID such as a passport or student card, proof of residence as in a bank statement or letter from your school, Medicare card or proof-of-age card.

For show patrons interested in taking the course, visit the Leisurefest Organiser’s Office for direction to the training room.

Melbourne Leisurefest is at Sandown Racecourse, Springvale, and was developed from the RV & Camping Leisurefest as a joint venture by the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria (CTIAV), Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria, and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).

Admission prices are: Adults $12; Pensioner Concession & Seniors Card holders $10; Children (under 15) Free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.melbourneleisurefest.com.au

Photo: The Coast Guard team is again offering boat licence training at Melbourne Leisurefest.