Last week our Year 11 and 12 Marine and Maritime Studies students travelled to the Abrolhos Islands, 60 km off the coast of Geraldton, for a week of amazing SCUBA diving. The students were treated to a fantastic array of tropical fish species, coral reefs and were able to dive in locations that very few people have the privilege to do so, arguably some of the best dive locations in the country. At the same time students are able to enhance their skills and gain further credit on their diving qualifications.
The Islands are also host to one of the earliest and bloodiest events in Australia Maritime history with the shipwreck and mutiny upon the Batavia in the 1600’s. Artefacts and relics still dot the sea floor and surrounding Islands. Students are led around some of the Islands to see these artefacts and hear the gruesome history of the Batavia.
Opportunities to learn about our marine environment and industries occurring on the Abrolhos are also provided. Speaking to conservationists who were night trapping and monitoring bird populations, working with pearl farmers as they remove glistening pearls from locally farmed oysters, catching crayfish in the pristine environment are just a few of the many highlights for our students, that provide a glimpse of future employment possibilities.
Diving over pristine coral reefs, camping in a remote location and finding out how things are “done in the bush” is an experience they will long remember with great fondness.
The Marine and Maritime Studies teachers run the excursion for those ATAR and General students who have an enthusiasm for this type of adventure. It is carried out in conjunction with professional diving instructors provided by Batavia Coast Dive Shop in Geraldton, with Geraldton TAFE providing the Skipper and crew and most importantly a large vessel, again showing our students the possibilities that this program can provide. Combined with a guided tour of the Geraldton TAFE Aquaculture program, highlighting further study and career pathways, the Abrolhos Islands Expedition is an invaluable learning experience for all of the students that attend.
