TEENS have become starry-eyed for all the right reasons thanks to training hosted by Raby Bay Volunteer Marine Rescue.
Base spokesperson Carsten Thomsen said about 25 T.S Norfolk Australian Navy cadets, aged between 12 and 18 years, directed their gaze to the skies to learn more about celestial navigation as part of a workshop held on September 15.
Mr Carsten said the evening’s focus was to teach students practical navigation strategies, which included lessons on chart work and maritime symbols, followed by a practical charting exercise.
“The cadets...navigated from Cleveland Point to North Stradbroke Island, which included mapping the course, identifying local tidal and weather effects, along with overall passage planning, including course speed and time of arrival,” he said.
The workshop, which was organised by volunteer marine rescuer Mike McGrath and delivered by former Royal Australian Navy Commander Graeme Rogers, took place in the base’s new training room.
The room was installed earlier this year as part of the base’s $600,000 makeover.
Acting commanding officer of the T.S Norfolk cadets, Raelene Stephensen, said the workshop experience was an invaluable learning opportunity for students.
“The kids are very lucky and the training room is an amazing facility,” she said.
“To have the instructor an ex-Navy commander of 30 years experience made it really great.”