Hi, I am Sue and I have Mick to thank for introducing me to the wonderful world of boats.
When Mick & I first met in Brisbane, he introduced me to his new yacht and took me sailing. Other than sailing a 16 footer on Pittwater in Sydney, where I grew up, I had not had much opportunity for a social life. As a mother of two active sons and having to take care of them on my own, I relished this new environment. I soon learnt much about the ocean and loved cruising and fishing.
When Mick & I settled in Hervey Bay we had the ideal setting for getting out on the water more often and Mick dedicated much time to volunteer work on the rescue vessels at Hervey Bay Air Sea Rescue (as it was known then). There came a time when Mick was away more often than he was home on weekends helping others on the water and life became a bit lonely. I decided that if I could not beat it I would join it so signed up as crew with what is now called Hervey Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue group. I found I was in my element. I loved helping people and I had the opportunity to learn more and more about boating.
I took TAFE courses and obtained work on commercial vessels. In time I qualified for my Commercial Coxswain Licence.
Continuing my volunteer work with VMR and Coast Guard, I became very frustrated with the lack of prevention. With Mick, I helped start the Power Boat Squadron and presented Sea Safety Seminars (free to the public). I invited guest speakers to give presentations on speciality subjects including correct marine radio use and procedures, outboard motor maintenance, electrical spikes, sun-smart clothing for kids, how to use your GPS and much more.
Navigation courses and boat licence courses were introduced and were very well attended. In those days it was a one-stop shop. You could get all the training you needed in theory, on-water practical - sit the assessments and be issued with your boat licence by a Queensland Transport Customer Service Officer on-the-spot - ON A WEEKEND.
With the changing Regulations in 1996 I had to do it all on my own. So I registered a business name, cajoled Mick in to signing our home back over to the bank and bought a boat and car to be able to continue the training services. It was a struggle, financially, at first but with the patience of a few supporting businesses in Hervey Bay (thanks Allan & Jim) we worked through the slow times and have charged ahead.
As business increased and Mick became more involved in presenting courses. It got to the point where Mick had to give up his other work and commit himself full time to the business with me.
Our boat licence courses are now personally delivered throughout the Fraser Coast, Burnett Region, North to Yeppoon, west to Chinchilla, Emerald and Clermont.
We now are building a team of competent, experienced people to offer this training Queensland-wide. From Tweed Heads, out to Longreach (and further soon) and up to Cairns and Kurumba.
On the 1st July 2005, Maritime Safety Queensland introduced the new BoatSafe System. We were able to gain our accreditation in just one week. (This is a great feat if you knew how much I hate paperwork and how much there is to do to become an Accredited BoatSafe Training Organisation)
We care about people and will stick with you for as long as YOU need to get up to speed to get your licence and, more importantly, learn what you need to be 'safe on the water'.
