No Boat Licence?Get it in Melbourne at Leisurefest

by BW Media on 26 Aug 2008 The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association will be training and testing would-be boaties to get their boat and PWC licences at Melbourne Leisurefest, from 2nd to 5th October.

Two of the Coast Guard’s top trainers will deliver a total of eight sessions throughout the event, from Thursday 2 October to Sunday 5 October at Sandown Racecourse.

Victorian Training Commodore Ron Sheppard and Geelong Flotilla Commander Peter Barrow will run sessions at 10.30 am and 1:30 pm daily.

Each session comprises two hours of presentations and discussion followed by the test and marking.

Successful participants will receive a handbook and a certificate of completion which they can present at any Vic Roads to buy their Recreational Boat Operator License.

The cost for the training and test is $70 for a boat licence and $90 for boat licence plus PWC, and all proceeds go to the Coast Guard to do its vital voluntary work in helping keep the waterways safe.

Ron Sheppard has been running these courses since Victoria introduced boat licenses in 2002, and previously trained people for NSW licenses.

“Personally I have trained in excess of 1000 people with a success rate of 95 per cent,” he said.

“If you are interested in taking part you don’t need to pre-book – just go to the Vintage Reception Room located in the Grandstand in the middle of the Leisurefest site and you’ll find us there.”

Melbourne Leisurefest runs from Thursday 2 October to Sunday 5 October at Sandown Racecourse, Springvale, from 10am to 5pm daily. Developed from the RV & Camping Leisurefest, it is a joint venture by the Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Victoria (CTIAV), Boating Industry Association (BIA) of Victoria and Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 pensioner concession and senior’s card holders and children under 15 are free.