Coastguard Boating Education Conference National Award Winners

by Joanne Glassford on 10 Nov 2011 Coastguard Boating Education (CBES) hosted its national conference on Saturday October 29th at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron in Auckland providing an opportunity for their large contingent of tutors and examiners to engage on new developments, and to share ideas. The theme was ‘Staying Relevant in Changing Times’.

Presentations and workshops centred on how widespread adoption of the internet and new technology was changing behaviour and having an impact on learner expectations and their access to education. Anticipating more change in the future, CBES was adding blended learning to its programme that will see tutors helping students to learn in an online environment. The shift to more flexible learning methods in the schooling system was one important driver of change. Another significant subject was the role of social media as a channel to direct and inform students on the range of options available to them.

The highlight of the conference is always the Awards dinner where the organisation and its stakeholders take great pleasure in celebrating and recognising achievement across a variety of categories.

This year’s 2011 award winners are as follows:

Youth Education Award Voyager NZ Maritime Museum
Enterprising Tutor Award Andrew Flanagan
Captain Mike Little Tutor of the Year Wayne Middleton
Outstanding Contribution to Maritime Safety Graham Cowling
Outstanding Contribution to Water Safety Brooke Archbold

These award winners have demonstrated a tremendous contribution to water safety in addition to being dedicated, inspirational and passionate in the promotion of boating safety within their respective communities.

CBES offers a range of courses from the introductory Day Skipper, Marine VHF Radio and Boatmaster to specialty courses and practical on the water RYA training. Information on course options and flexible learning can be found on the website wwww.cbes.org.nz. You will also find CBES on Facebook