By Roselle Tenefrancia
Lorna Kennedy recently completed boat handling training with Karla Herbert-Evans of Nautical Training and Marine Services, together with her two sons, 17 year old Ethan and 14 year old Damon. “Seeing my 14 year old son following Karla’s instruction driving her Nautical Training boat at 20 Knots! It’s the best Christmas present ever! Lorna expresses her elation seeing her youngest confidently drive the training boat.
According to Lorna, “As a family, we decided to start boating and needed practical advice for the correct and appropriate ways to handle our new Whittley boat.
Karla Herbert-Evans, owner of Nautical Training, conducted the boat handling training with the Kennedy family. The training included close-quarter manoeuvring, knots lines and hitches, use of spring lines and docking approach and departure.
The Kennedys’ training started from the Coomera Marine Precinct, towards Tipplers, then down the Broadwater to the Spit, Wavebreak Island and beyond.
Lorna shares a few of the more challenging aspects of the training. “During the training sessions we were made to understand the importance of planning the trip, understanding weather, tides and wind on a day out and how important it is to get a boating day right. We also understood the value of becoming more confident with choppy conditions, waves and wash from larger vessels and becoming confident with docking.”
When their Whittley Cruiser 2180, with outboard, electric winch, Garmin Plotter and Navionics arrived, Lorna recalls, “how the boat salesman was very impressed with our newly learnt skills on boat delivery day.”
On the topic of Nautical Training, Karla emphasises, “Knowing your boat well and how to operate it in various conditions is very important, regardless of how old your licence is. Training and updating skills that are pertinent to your boat is key to safe boating. It is equally beneficial to master operating your boat, particularly docking in challenging conditions.”
Lorna, Ethan and Damon were very satisfied with the training, and plan to continue using Karla for future boat licensing and handling. “I was delighted with Karla’s professional approach to our training. She kept safety as a priority and focused on building our confidence on the water with the vessel, encouraging all of us to push ourselves and learn important aspects of boating,” said Lorna.
As a Boatsafe Training Provider since 2006, Karla continues to offer comprehensive education to all new and experienced mariners. Her mission is to give you skills and knowledge to confidently undertake basic navigation, boat handling and further understand the safety requirements and your responsibilities under the law. As your professional trainer, she is keen to pass on her knowledge. Upon the issue of your Certificate of Competency or Achievement Award, looks forward to shaking your hand and enjoy seeing your smile as you head off to experience your own nautical adventures.
For further education about your boat, Karla recommends the Advanced Practicals and Offshore Navigation Course. To book these courses, or a boat licence and jetski licence training and assessment as well as AMSA Exemption 38 courses.
Contact Karla directly: karla@nauticaltraining.com.au PH: 0412 550 570.
Published in print July-September 2022
