Above Boardissue 3 SUMMER 2012|13 A bi-AnnUAl pUblicAtion of thE AUStRAliAn MARitiME collEgE

No to Bermuda Triangle!

Police uniforms provided to island nations

www.amc.edu.au

AMC IS A SPECIALIST INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

Above Board

AMC IS A SPECIALIST INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

AusAID Coordinator hangs up her hat

She’s given a young lady from southern Africa her first experience of snow, been to ultrasounds and has explained haemorrhoids. She has even helped with the purchase of a ceremonial dress and coffin lining, but when praised she just shrugs.

“It’s not something I really think about, I just do it,’’ she said.

Although Di has only been involved with the AusAID program since 2005, early next year she will officially retire after a career with AMC that extends back as far as 1988.

“I filled a variety of administration and team leadership roles before taking over AusAID from the prior coordinator, Dr Elizabeth Vagg. I’ve always worked with students and enjoyed it.”

AusAID is one of many Federal Government initiatives that provides funding to international students to undertake study

in Australia in priority areas of development for their home countries. The program pays the students’ course fees and provides a stipend for the duration of their time in Australia. They are also covered for basic health insurance and can apply for financial help with extra academic support.

AMC has been continuously involved with the AusAID program for 25 years.

“There was a stage when we were one of only nine institutes across Australia that were allowed access to AusAID students. Although it could be attributed to our unique education offerings, we still had to meet all of the key performance indicators. Our credibility in this area is huge,’’ Di said.

“We have AusAID students doing most of our courses, from diplomas right through to PhDs.”

Even if she didn’t hold her current position, Di would be

a vocal advocate of the AusAID program.

“It’s a form of aid that has far reaching and long lasting benefits. Although we are giving aid to foreign countries, the training is undertaken in Australia - therefore universities and local communities and businesses benefit too, both financially and culturally,’’ she said.

“The students benefit because, on top of receiving top-notch training in their areas of expertise, and a better grasp of English they get an eye-opener as to what happens here – how we live, the social differences and an awareness of the world that they may not have had before.

“This changes the generation

back home as well - with the whole community seeing the benefits of pursuing an education. These students are an inspiration to all.”

One of Di’s former AusAID students, a married lady from the Solomon Islands, gave birth to three little girls while she was studying for a degree in marine environment at AMC.

“She had amazing time management skills and went on to complete her degree with honours. She’s now back in the Solomons making a real difference,’’ she said.

AusAID students were an asset to universities in many ways.

“Each student’s contract is rarely less than $100,000 and upwards to $240,000. That adds up to a massive amount of money that is being injected into our college, the university and the local community.”

Di estimates that about 160 AusAID students have been through AMC in the past 25 years – and it’s growing. There were six students when she began in 2005, and there are currently 30 at AMC this year at various stages of their degrees.

The list of countries involved includes Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Chile, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Tonga, Kiribati, Cook Island, Samoa and Trinidad-Tobago. READ MORE PG. 2

STAFF in FocuS

Di Hazelwood is rarely lost for words, but ask her to tell you about her achievements as the AusAiD coordinator for the Australian Maritime college, and she clams up. AMc’s AusAiD coordinator Di Hazelwood.

Landlocked refugee discovers love of ocean

Lecturer awarded

scholarship

“it’s a form of aid that has far reaching and

long lasting benefits.”

New shore-based degree

AMC will soon offer a new degree that will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to manage shore-based maritime-related operations, installations and machinery.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Maritime Operations) differs from AMC’s sea-based qualifications in that it provides an alternative pathway to a wide selection of careers in the international maritime industry, without the requirement for sea service.

It is planned that the degree will offer five specialised areas of study:

• Shore Operations Nautical: provides an excellent introduction to harbour operations, marine management and maritime risk management.

• Marine Pilotage: focuses on bridge operations, human factors, shipboard safety, navigation and other skills needed to be a marine pilot.

• Marine Surveying: allows students to specialise in marine surveying supported by a strong selection of electives in advanced marine engineering.

• Shore Operations Engineering: has a strong focus on subjects such as engineering, control systems and shipyard operations leading to careers involving ship repair, dry dock operations and marine superintendency.

• Electro-Technical Officer: gives specialist education and training in electrical electronic repair and maintenance, control systems, offshore engineering, marine electrical powering systems and advanced automation.

Depending on the specialisation chosen, graduates can end up in a variety of jobs including Cargo Supervisor, Terminal Manager, Marine Investigator, Nautical Advisor, Crew Manager, Shipyard Consultant, Maritime Auditor, Coastguard or Customs Official, Mooring Master, Quarantine Official and Marine Insurance Assessor.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Maritime Operations) articulates directly into AMC’s new Master of Maritime Studies and MBA (Maritime and Logistics Management).

For more information visit www.amc.edu.au/seafaring

Board in focus

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A M C I S A S P E C I A L I S T I N S T I T U T E O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F TA S M A N I A

Di Hazelwood with a group of AusAiD students, on board the Bluefin.

Above Board is the bi-annual newsletter of The Australian Maritime College, circulated to around 10,000 alumni and other stakeholders worldwide.

Alumni contributions are welcome, there are also advertising opportunities - contact media@amc.edu.au

For course enquiries visit www.amc.edu.au/enquiry

cRicoS codE 00586b

2 a b o v e b o a r d | i s s u e 3

CONTINUED FROM PG. 1

Di has played ‘den mother’ to them all for the past seven years.

“I keep an eye on them and stop them from falling through the cracks. I provide pastoral care and keep them on track academically by finding them tutors,’’ she said.

Di takes charge of the five-week Introductory Academic Program (IAP) that is given to all AusAID students before starting their classes at AMC.

The orientation includes everything from academic skills, computing and English language training (including an introduction to the intricacies of Aussie slang); to lessons on housekeeping, budgeting and social etiquette.

“For example, I take groups shopping for fruit and vegetables. Some of our produce is completely foreign, especially varieties of spuds,’’ Di said.

But it’s the things Di does above and beyond the call of duty that make her special. Social outings taken as part of the IAP

program have often expanded into experiences that none of her AusAID charges will forget.

“We went on a fishing trip as part of the IAP earlier this year and none of the students wanted the day to end. They were unsure on how to clean and cook the ‘foreign’ fish that they caught, so I took them home and my husband showed them the Aussie style of filleting and cooking them, and then we shared a meal together,’’ Di said.

One of her more unusual requests for assistance came from a student who needed her advice and assistance with purchasing a ceremonial outfit and coffin lining to take home for the funeral of his son, who had just passed away.

“Not something you’d usually experience, but he was proud of what he was able to achieve and it was important to him,’’ she said.

It’s the sort of thing Di has become used to dealing with.

Di has also helped a student from Mozambique experience

the snow for the first time in Tasmania’s Central Highlands.

“She told me she had only ever seen pictures of it. So she got to make snowballs, and to be part of that kind of experience was pretty rewarding,’’ Di said.

In fact it was so rewarding for the student involved that Di still gets regular updates and family photos. She’s one of Di’s many success stories and is now doing a PhD at a university in Cape Town.

“I’m still in contact with around 60 per cent of the AusAID students that have been through here during my time. Most of them are still living in or near their country of origin and making a huge difference on the ground there. AMC has a great history of that,’’ she said.

“In Samoa, one of our former students is the Minister for Transport and in PNG a high percentage of their top maritime business and fisheries management people have been AMC trained.

“In the Solomon Islands, all of our former students are making a huge difference in the area of fisheries management.”

Of course, Di’s not shy of using her network of alumni for the benefit of the next cohort of AusAID students.

“I recently helped secure a cadetship for one of our seafaring students thanks to an AusAID connection.”

But it took a passing colleague to ask, ‘Have you told her about your walkway in New Guinea?’ before Di mentioned another of her achievements.

She made it one of her personal missions to approach local organisations, such as Rotary, to help fund projects in AusAID students’ countries of origin.

“I was humbled by an invite to the home of a fishing family in Pari Village on a visit to Papua New Guinea. They lived over the water, and you had to cross a rickety walkway, with planks moving, tipping or missing, to get there,’’ she said.

“When I got back to Australia I approached two local Rotary Clubs to see if they could help me get the money, and I took it back on my next trip to the area.”

Di got a couple of former AMC students to project manage the job, and now Pari Village has a brand new walkway that benefits 30 families.

Di has been so inspired by her time with the AusAID program that she is considering taking up volunteering for overseas aid programs in her retirement.

“You could spend your whole life doing projects. There is so much need in so many countries,’’ she said.

“It’s been a rewarding job in so many ways. I get a lot of satisfaction out of it.

“It’s opened my eyes to many different cultures and humbled me many times over with how much I have got, versus how much I think I need. There are people out there who are forced to get by with very little.

“It’s also shown me what sort of a person I am. I’m a little bit more compassionate than I thought I was.

“A nice surprise,’’ she laughed.

AMC will return to Fiji in March 2013 for the Fiji AusTrade Education Roadshow, and hopes to attend further roadshows in Indonesia and Vietnam.

AMC IS A SPECIALIST INSTITUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

AMC’s much loved AusAID Coordinator hangs up her New Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor Course

L-R Fauziah Azmi (indonesia ) Masters of Applied Science (Marine Environment) - graduated with First class Honours, Di Hazelwood and Valeria Dias (Mozambique)Masters of Applied Science (Marine Environment) graduated with First class Honours.

AMC Search recently added the Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor (V-103/2) course to its suite of internationally approved VTS courses.

The inaugural course was held at AMC over the period 8 - 19 October, and was attended by participants from major Australian ports.

V-103/4 On the Job Training Instructor (OTJI) will be offered in 2013, with the first course scheduled to run from 4 - 8 February.

Other upcoming courses

7 - 16 Jan: Certificate of Safety Training

14 - 25 Jan: Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Basic Operator

21 - 24 Jan: Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS)

29 Jan - 2 Feb: DP Basic (Perth WA)

30 Jan - 1 Feb: Fast Rescue Craft

30 Jan - 1 Feb: Maritime Resource Management

AMC Search runs the largest suite of maritime-related short courses in Australia.

The courses scheduled will represent only around half the programmes delivered each year. AMC Search also provides courses on demand to fit in with your business needs.

For more information please contact our General Manager of Operations, Catherine Wilson, on +61 (0)3 6324 9852 or visit www.amcsearch.com.au

Australia’s National Institute for Maritime Education, Training and Research

shore seatoR E S E A R C H R E P O R T | I S S U E 1

Research Report Cover.indd 1 27/06/2012 12:40:53 PM

Research report availableAMC launched its new-look research report Shore to Sea

earlier this year. If you haven’t already seen it, you can download a copy at:

www.amc.edu.au/researchreports or email marketing@amc.edu.au to request a hard copy in the mail.

The Australian Maritime College and the University of Tasmania have signed an agreement with an Argentinian national university in recognition of the high standard of its Naval Architecture degree.

Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (UNQ) has over 11,000 students distributed among its graduate and postgraduate courses.

The agreement allows students who have completed the first two years of a UNQ Naval Architecture degree entry into AMC’s Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) degree, with possible advanced standing equivalent to 10 units.

UNQ students who are granted advanced standing will be required to undertake six units of study in their first year and a standard full-time enrolment in their second and third years to meet the requirements of the AMC degree.

AMC will also offer a complimentary two-week refresher course for all UNQ students which will commence two weeks before their first semester of study.

The agreement will be in effect for three years.

For more information on AMC’s suite of maritime engineering degrees visit www.amc.edu.au/maritime-engineering

Argentinian uni agreement

i s s u e 3 | a b o v e b o a r d 3

AMC - a valuable asset

Mr Peachey has held senior positions in the Commonwealth’s agricultural portfolio where he was one of the first three General Managers of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree (Australian National University) and has undertaken further studies in economics and law.

He is also a member of the AMSA Board and the Seafarers Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Authority (Seacare); Australia’s representative on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); a member of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security (ANCORS) Advisory Board; and a member of the Australian Marine Science and Technology Limited (AMSAT) Board.

What do you believe is the Board’s role at AMC?

Following the integration of AMC and UTAS, the role of the AMC Board is more important than ever in maintaining the important AMC identity and brand, as well as continuing vital links with the maritime industry. I think the current mix of the Board ensures it is in an excellent position to undertake this role.

How would you describe the relationship between AMSA and AMC?

AMSA and AMC have a strong relationship that functions on many levels. Many of our staff with maritime skills are alumni of AMC, as are several of our senior executives, so there is considerable connection and affection for AMC within AMSA.

At another level we are the maritime safety regulator and national authority responsible for ensuring Australia meets its obligations under the International Convention on the Standards for the Training and Certification of Watchkeepers (STCW).

As Australia’s national maritime training institute, AMC is a training organisation recognised under AMSA Marine Orders that we regularly audit to verify that standards are upheld, which I am pleased to report they are.

We are also forging more research links with AMC which serve to strengthen our relationship.

Why is an education institution like AMC important to the maritime industry?

Compared to other industries in Australia such as mining, the maritime industry in Australia is on a smaller scale – although we in the industry know that without it none of our export industries could exist! But because the industry is relatively small and specialised, we do not have the broad range of training options available to the mainstream industries.

However, the maritime industry is fortunate to have a major investment by the Australian Government in the form of AMC, with all of its specialist infrastructure, equipment and people.

The industry needs to recognise and support that investment.

How do you believe AMC and its education partners can assist with the implementation of the Federal Government’s maritime reform agenda?

A key part of the government’s reform agenda is about rebuilding the Australian shipping fleet and the skills base needed to keep the industry not just viable but growing.

AMC obviously has a major role to play in training seafarers, but also other professions such as marine pilots, port operators, vessel traffic service operators, and those needed to develop and build new ports.

One of the main components of the national system for the safety

regulation of commercial vessels is a nationally agreed system for the training and accreditation of marine surveyors, and again, AMC can play a significant role here in delivering the people the future system needs to work.

What do you believe are AMC’s strengths?

AMC has an excellent reputation and brand in the industry and we must protect and develop that. It also has a comprehensive group of specialised assets for maritime training, academic research and applied research, such as for port developments.

When Mr Koji Sekimizu, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization visited AMC recently, he commented to me how rare this is and what a valuable asset it is. We need to recognise this and capitalise on this.

Of course, without the right people these facilities are just a lot of hardware and again, AMC is lucky to have the right people, and we need to foster them as well.

Where would you like to see AMC in five years’ time?

I hope to see AMC training more seafarers than ever, with future jobs available on Australian-flagged ships. I hope those seafarers that have trained at AMC are returning to undertake further study to position themselves for future careers ashore.

I would like to see a vibrant undergraduate community undertaking studies in fields sought after by our industry and an active research program.

I would also like to see strong links between AMC and the maritime community so that AMC is the first ‘port of call’ for professional and research services.

With Graham Peachey

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) chief Executive officer Graham Peachey has been a member of the Australian Maritime college’s Board since 2008.

BoARD in FocuS

The enthusiasm of two Australian Maritime College students for Tasmania’s oyster industry has been rewarded through a new industry scholarship.

Danielle Davenport and Lochlan de Beyer are the inaugural recipients of the Tasmanian Oyster Research Council (TORC) scholarships for undergraduate aquaculture students.

Danielle is undertaking a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with an aquaculture major, while Lochlan is studying for an Associate Degree in Aquaculture both at AMC’s National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability.

Danielle is keen to shape a future

in both commercial and research aspects of the industry. Lochlan, a self-confessed lover of oysters, is looking forward to learning the ropes so he can become a useful contributor to the industry.

TORC Chairman, Mr Ian Duthie, said: “The Tasmanian oyster industry is full of opportunities for young people, and this scholarship helps to open the door to these. TORC was impressed with the number and quality of applications we received, and we are looking forward to working with Danielle and Lochlan over the coming year and beyond”.

As part of their scholarship, Danielle and Lochlan will enjoy some hands-on experience with

Australian Seafood Industries – the company responsible for selectively breeding oysters for Australia’s oyster industry – and will also spend a week working on a commercial oyster farm.

AMC Associate Professor John Purser said: “The university really values this opportunity provided to our keen students. It is through University-Industry partnerships such as this that young Tasmanians learn about such a vital sector and are able to really add value to their studies.”

The scholarships are for one year and provide a cash payment to the students to assist with their studies.

Scholarship recipients find the world is their oyster

Matt cunningham, from Australian Seafood industries, with scholarship recipients Lochlan de Beyer and Danielle Davenport.

Calling all AMC graduates - we need you!You should have received a special alumni questionnaire with this edition of Above Board. If you didn’t, we really hope you will complete our survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AMCAlumni2012Your feedback is vital, and you could also win a bumper pack of AMC goodies.

Where are they now?Keeping you up-to-date with the career movements of fellow AMc graduates.

Suresh Emmanuel AbishegamGraduated in 1987 with a

Masters (Foreign Going Class One)

Currently CEO/MD of the Azimuth Group of companies which are involved in the shipping business (www.AzimuthShip.com).

This also includes Fortuna Technologies which is an IT company specializing in shipping software (www.fortuna.com.my) and Go Home Safe Ltd which is the leading company specialising in 3D animation for safety for the Oil & Gas Industry worldwide (www.gohomesafe.com).

Why not share your story? Visit www.amc.edu.au/alumni to complete our online form.

4 a b o v e b o a r d | i s s u e 3

And it’s a good thing he did. Now in his final year of an Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering, Tushar has become a very vocal advocate for the Australian Maritime College and the benefits of seafaring as a career.

Tushar started at AMC in 2010 with a four month pre-sea course. After that, like all cadets, he had to apply to a company to secure sea time to get qualified in his chosen career.

“I was lucky enough to obtain a position with Inco Ships Pty Ltd. I know I am very fortunate to be sponsored by a company. It gives

you real peace of mind,’’ Tushar said.

Inco Ships is an Australian-owned ship management company that primarily operates in the Australasian region. The company manages and operates ship types from conventional geared bulk carriers, through to complex self-unloading bulk cargo ships, fully automated powder cement carriers and large transhipment projects.

As a marine engineering cadet, Tushar’s main role is to observe and learn any type of machinery maintenance and repair on board the ship. Engineer Officers

are responsible for ensuring ship operations comply with international environmental regulations, maintaining engine room stores and recording use of parts and equipment. They are also responsible for electrical generation and distribution.

After graduating, once he has passed an oral examination with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Tushar will be able to work on ocean-going ships around the world.

Tushar said the combination of practical and theoretical learning suited him.

“When I started I had very little knowledge of machinery and engines, but when I went to sea I learnt quite a lot. When I came back to AMC for my second year everything made even more sense,’’ he said.

Growing up in Victoria, Tushar had no idea what he wanted to do when he left school but finished his Year 12 studies with admirable results.

“My Dad wanted me to become a doctor, but that was never going to happen. I don’t even like going to hospitals,” Tushar said.

Despite his father being a former chief petty officer with the Indian Navy, the concept of a career at sea didn’t occur to Tushar until after a year of travel, and a conversation with a family friend in India.

“I was really fascinated by what he had to say. I spoke to Dad and he approved, but warned me that it could be a pretty hard life,’’ Tushar said.

“So I did my research and decided that, although the Australian shipping industry isn’t the biggest in the world, it is one

of the greatest. Companies look after their employees and the contract terms are good too.

“At sea nothing is personal and everybody sort of works like a family. It makes you feel better about the career that you have chosen.

“And you’re not going to be always restricted to the sea, there are also plenty of opportunities onshore for someone with an Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering.”

Tushar said that his experience with AMC’s Student Crew had enhanced his time at AMC and had given him the chance to share his experiences with potential students at career expos and at AMC’s annual Open Day.

“I believe in this career. The money is great, but the security that comes with it is even better,’’ he said.

Tushar listed facilities like the AMC training vessel Stephen Brown, and the helpful and knowledgeable staff as some of the biggest benefits of his time at AMC.

“One of my lecturers gave me a great piece of advice. He said, ‘You are here to gain knowledge, not just pass exams. You’ve got a company who is paying you, not everyone is that fortunate, therefore you should put in your best effort’.”

And his mum?“My company only travels

around Australia, so she’s used to it now. I just buy her good presents,’’ Tushar said.

“I love my family very much and working with an Australian-based shipping company means that I can still call them every second day.”

STUDENT PROFILE: TUShAR ShARMA

Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering

commenced: 2010

Upcoming events15th Annual General Assembly for the International Association of Maritime Universities

The International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) will hold its 15th Annual General Assembly at the Australian Maritime College in 2014.

AMC was one of the seven founding members of the IAMU, which represented the five continents of the world. Since then, IAMU has significantly expanded its membership, and now boasts 52 institutions of the world’s maritime education and training universities/faculties as well as The Nippon Foundation as its members.

The association has recently held its 13th AGA in St John’s, Canada.

For more information on the IAMU visit www.iamu-edu.org

3rd International Symposium on Marine Propulsors

AMC and UTAS will host the 3rd International Symposium on Marine Propulsors at the Tramsheds Function Centre, Inveresk, Launceston, from 5 – 8 May 2013.

SMP’13 is the third in a series of international symposia dedicated to the design and hydrodynamics of all types of marine propulsors.

SMP’13 will also include as a mini symposium the 3rd T-Pod - Technological Advances in Pod Propulsion.

Environmental issues will be addressed through topics on green propulsion and the hydrodynamic aspects of renewable energy devices.

For more information on SMP’13 visit www.amc.edu.au/amc/events-conferences

AMC Careers & Employment Fair

Potential employers and their industry bodies are invited to have a free stand at AMC’s Annual Careers and Employment Fair on Friday 22 March, 2013. Presentations are welcome and interview rooms provided.

Register your interest at w w w. a m c . e d u . a u / ex h i b i to r -registration

New Master’s degree now available by distanceAMC’s National Centre for

Ports and Shipping has created an entirely new degree – the Master of Applied Science (Specialisation)*.

Four specialisations will be offered from 2013:

• Shipping Operations Management

• Shipyard Operations

• Maritime Safety

• Marine Engineering.

AMC’s existing Master of Maritime Studies program was developed as a vehicle for postgraduate maritime study but it is general and broad in nature rather than specialised and focused. The new Master of Applied Science complements AMC’s MBA (Maritime and Logistics Management) program in that it caters for those

professionals who are looking for a more specialised postgraduate program within the maritime space.

The new program – which incorporates a Graduate Certificate and a Graduate Diploma as entry or exit points - provides students with in-depth exposure to a broad range of technical, operational and commercial topics critical to effective and efficient maritime operations. The offer of four specialisations will enable students to select a named pathway to suit their own particular interest.

The program aims to provide:

• A pathway for professional development for those who are already involved in maritime operations.

• An opportunity for professional seafarers who are contemplating a shore-based career to broaden their knowledge and skill base.

• An entry point for professional and technical personnel interested in entering the maritime industries.

The Maritime Studies program has also been reviewed and revised – the named specialisations have been removed and it has now become a pathway for generalist maritime studies. Students will still be able to select units to make up a specialisation if they so choose – in fisheries or marine environment, for example. A new pathway to the award of Master of Maritime Studies has been introduced: students can elect to undertake a

Research Dissertation equivalent to one year of full-time research after the Graduate Certificate stage rather than completing a Graduate Diploma and standard dissertation.

Further information about the new program can be found on the AMC website – visit www.amc.edu.au/postgraduate-courses.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of either the Applied Science or the Maritime Studies Program, please don’t hesitate to contact the Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Alistair Broatch (email: a.broatch@amc.edu.au, phone +61 3 6324 9878).

* This degree is subject to final approval by the University of Tasmania Academic Senate.

Tushar Sharma had to promise his mum that he would never go to the Bermuda Triangle before she would give her blessing to his career at sea.

“i believe in this career. The money is great, but the security that comes with it is even better.”

i s s u e 3 | a b o v e b o a r d 5

Australia’s national centre for maritime education and training, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) provides an extensive range of maritime training courses, consultancies and publications through its wholly owned subsidiary company, AMC Search Ltd. AMC Search Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation, and has ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accreditation. Training programmes, some of which can be provided on client premises, include:

Course information, including scheduled dates, fees and content is available on the following website: http://www.amcsearch.com.au Alternatively, if you would like to discuss how AMC Search can meet your specific training needs, contact: Ms. Catherine Wilson General Manager, Operations Telephone: (03) 6324 9852 Email: C.Wilson@amc.edu.au

EXCELLENCE IN MARITIME TRAINING, CONSULTANCY AND RESEARCH

Dynamic Positioning (Basic & Advanced) Revalidation Deck, Certificate of Sea Safety Training Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting GMDSS Renewal Chief Integrated Ratings Ship Security Officer Tanker Safety Safe Bulk Loading Practice Fast Rescue Craft

Australia’s national centre for maritime education and training, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) provides an extensive range of maritime training courses, consultancies and publications through its wholly owned subsidiary company, AMC Search Ltd. AMC Search Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation, and has ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accreditation. Training programmes, some of which can be provided on client premises, include:

Course information, including scheduled dates, fees and content is available on the following website: http://www.amcsearch.com.au Alternatively, if you would like to discuss how AMC Search can meet your specific training needs, contact: Ms. Catherine Wilson General Manager, Operations Telephone: (03) 6324 9852 Email: C.Wilson@amc.edu.au

EXCELLENCE IN MARITIME TRAINING, CONSULTANCY AND RESEARCH

Dynamic Positioning (Basic & Advanced) Revalidation Deck, Certificate of Sea Safety Training Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting GMDSS Renewal Chief Integrated Ratings Ship Security Officer Tanker Safety Safe Bulk Loading Practice Fast Rescue Craft

Australia’s national centre for maritime education and training, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) provides an extensive range of maritime training courses, consultancies and publications through its wholly owned subsidiary company, AMC Search Ltd. AMC Search Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation, and has ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accreditation. Training programmes, some of which can be provided on client premises, include:

Course information, including scheduled dates, fees and content is available on the following website: http://www.amcsearch.com.au Alternatively, if you would like to discuss how AMC Search can meet your specific training needs, contact: Ms. Catherine Wilson General Manager, Operations Telephone: (03) 6324 9852 Email: C.Wilson@amc.edu.au

EXCELLENCE IN MARITIME TRAINING, CONSULTANCY AND RESEARCH

Dynamic Positioning (Basic & Advanced) Revalidation Deck, Certificate of Sea Safety Training Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting GMDSS Renewal Chief Integrated Ratings Ship Security Officer Tanker Safety Safe Bulk Loading Practice Fast Rescue Craft

Australia’s national institute for maritime training and education, the Australian Maritime College (AMC) provides an extensive range of maritime training courses, consultancies and publications through its wholly owned

subsidiary company, AMC Search Ltd.

AMC Search Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation, and has ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accreditation.

Training programmes, some of which can be provided on client premises, include:

Course information, including scheduled dates, fees and content is available at www.amcsearch.com.au

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss how AMC Search can meet your specific

training needs, contact:Ms. Catherine Wilson

General Manager, OperationsTelephone: (03) 6324 9852

Email: C.Wilson@amc.edu.au

EXCELLENCE IN MARITIME TRAINING, CONSULTANCY & RESEARCH

• Dynamic Positioning (Basic & Advanced)

• Revalidation Deck,• Certificate of Sea Safety Training• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting• GMDSS Renewal

• Chief Integrated Ratings• Ship Security Officer• Tanker Safety• Safe Bulk Loading Practice• Fast Rescue Craft

Born for the sea

Vikki Koumis was destined for a life at sea. Her Greek father was a seafarer before migrating to Australia and her

childhood was filled with stories of old Greek shipowners who transformed and ‘made’ the country’s shipping industry.

“I would go fishing with my Dad in the Melbourne Port area. We would sit on the wavebreaker under the West Gate Bridge, which is long gone, in a spot where the container terminal is separated from the tankers,” Vikki said.

‘’I knew then all I wanted to do was own ships of my own.’’

Vikki is in the process of making that dream a reality. She has recently set up a shipping company in Singapore, called Aussie Carriers Pty Ltd, that will concentrate on the dry bulk market sector.

“My investors are from Greece and they control seven bulkers and three contracts of affreightment. I am here to generate more business and expand my presence in the Asia-Pacific region,’’ she said.

“We have dry vessels and cargos of various sizes, including a contract of affreightment from Santana to Bahrain with iron ore; another with grains from Australia to the Persian Gulf; and a contract of minerals from Greece to Amsterdam.”

Vikki, who already had an Economics degree from Monash University in Melbourne, was one of the first students to undertake the AMC’s Bachelor of Business (Maritime Management) degree in 1999.

“I had tried to get work as a trainee in many shipping companies in Melbourne to no avail. It wasn’t until the managing director of PacRim, Michael Kudelka, gave me two hours of his time and some priceless information about the way I should approach my entrance into shipping, that I decided that AMC offered what I needed. So I successfully applied for two scholarships and came to Launceston,” she said.

One of Vikki’s scholarships was the DEETYA Equity Scholarship for Women in a non-traditional field. She said there were so few females enrolled in the maritime side of things, that AMC organised for UTAS female students to live with them on campus.

“It is traditionally a ‘boys business’, but I have never felt any different, either at AMC, or during my career.”

Vikki said that her career had now taken her all over the world.

“I initially worked with Oldendorff Carriers in Vancouver, a huge German shipowner/operator that today controls over 100 vessels. From there, I went to London and worked in one of the biggest shipbroking firms in the world, Simpson Spence & Young, where I was involved primarily on the oil analysis side and tried to break into the chartering side,” she said.

“Being a woman, without a shipping ‘family’ name it was a little more difficult to break into the ‘commercial’ side of the business so I was

patient. I pushed my way into a Greek shipping company in Athens, run by the Vafias family. The company, Stealth Maritime, had just broken into the tanker market, and I was hired to do the chartering for the three Aframaxes in the fleet.

“While I was with Stealth I was also lucky enough to go on a tanker sea voyage from Singapore to Zhoushan in China. This trip altered my idea of the industry and enhanced my love for what I do. I have since been on a few more voyages including bulkers from the Black Sea to Greece which all helps immensely during the day to day operations of ships.

”After Stealth Maritime I was hired to take over the commercial management of the tanker fleet of Polembros Shipping Limited where I held that position for seven years. In 2010 I decided to leave the company to

pursue my dream of my own company, having organised the finance with Greek interests and I then took some ‘well-deserved’ time off.”

Vikki spent five months travelling around the world.

“I volunteered with UNICEF in the Amazon rainforest and planted trees for a month, part of the reforestation program. I also did a little round the world tour and visited all my old companies prior to starting ‘Aussie Carriers’, knowing that the next few years were going to be super busy,” she said.

Vikki said living and studying at AMC was one of the best experiences of her life.

“Even after my stint in the Amazon jungle I can say, with my hand on my heart, that the best sky in the world is in Tasmania,’’ she said.

NAME: Vikki Koumis

COURSE: Bachelor of Business (Maritime Management)

BUSINESS: Aussie Carriers Pty Ltd

Did you know?Have you lost or damaged your Australian radio operator’s certificate of proficiency?

Did you know that the Office of Maritime Communications (OMC) is a specialist unit of the National Centre for Ports and Shipping at the Australian Maritime College?

On behalf of the Australian Media and Communications Authority, the Office is responsible for the management of all functions associated with marine radio examinations and certification services in Australia. OMC produces 6800 copies of the Marine Radio Operators Handbook a year.

For further information, contact the Office of Maritime Communications on 1300 365 262, or email amcom@amc.edu.au or visit www.amc.edu.au/omc

Vikki Koumis

The Australian Maritime College will host national and international experts in the field of fluid mechanics when it holds the 18th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference (AFMC) in December 2012. The Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society (AFMS) selected AMC to host the event on the strength of its presentation and a comprehensive site review.

AFMC is a prestigious biennial conference series covering the general field of fluid mechanics in all engineering and scientific disciplines. It has been running since 1962.The conference will be chaired by AMC’s Cavitation Research Laboratory Manager, Associate Prof. Paul Brandner.

“This is an exciting opportunity to internationally showcase the Australian Maritime College and the University of Tasmania, as well as host a memorable

conference following the successful 11th AFMC in Hobart in 1992,” Dr Brandner said.

More information on the conference contact Associate Prof. Paul Brandner on (03) 63249832, or visit the AFMS website at www.afms.org.au

AMC professor Barrie Lewarn will be one of the keynote speakers at the inaugural Maritime Logistics 2012 Conference.

The two-day maritime industry conference forms part of the official program for Pacific 2012, which is a major commercial maritime and naval defence showcase for the Asia Pacific region being held from 31 January to 3 February in Sydney.Prof. Lewarn’s speech, entitled ‘Striking a balance: Standards of training in a changing operating environment’ will address

maritime education trends, approaches to the skill shortage, and the use of technology and flexible learning techniques.Also, don’t miss the AMC/AMC Search stand at Pacific 2012. The combined stand will focus on promoting distance education, training, and research opportunities, as well as offering short courses, customised training, and access to research facilities.A variety of AMC and AMC Search staff will be available at the event. If you would like to make an appointment to discuss industry issues or training requirements please contact Lee Jennings on l.jennings@amc.edu.au

For more information on Maritime Logistics 2012 or Pacific 2012 visit www.informa.com.au/conferences/transport/maritime/maritime-logistics or www.pacific2012.com.au

UP-COMING EVENTS

1 6 A B O V E B O A R D | I S S U E 1

Amberley (Ambi) Fordcoxswains & MED 3 course

“My grandfather was so proud of me pursuing my desire to be on the water, especially as the first female from my family”

“I come from a maritime family, with my dad and grandfather both having had careers at sea. I was one of three girls, but given I was petrified of being on boats and sailing, I was often the one left at home when the family went out on the water.

I discovered my love of the ocean later in life after pursuing a career in dentistry for 11 years. I have now been sailing for six years, have been involved with numerous yacht races and will skipper in a race for the first time very soon.

I have always attended the Sydney Boat Show out of interest and at age 30 I decided that it was time to change careers to one on the water. After all, I have salt water running through my veins!

AMC has a worldwide reputation, so I was immediately drawn to their stand at the Boat Show. I would be crazy to study this course anywhere else. Having entered the Marine Engine Driver (MED) course as one of the few females, I was worried about my lack of engine knowledge, especially around the boys.

The biggest highlight so far is the day I got to construct a gasket on the Stephen Brown from start to finish and use all the power tools to do it. I was pleased as punch after all the work that I had put into it – so much so that the staff allowed me to take it home to keep!

The best part about studying at AMC is that our teachers can accommodate all levels of prior knowledge and experience within the class. Everyone in the class becomes good friends and the support across the whole course package (including admin and residential staff) makes it feel like you’re studying at home.

When I finish, I am circumnavigating Tasmania with my dad and then setting sail to live on the family yacht and seek work among the Whitsunday islands. My future plans for a career are hopefully going to include working on international yachts and sailing to many different destinations.”

The plan provides the overall framework that will guide Vocational Education and Training from 2012 to 2015.

Leveraging on the outstanding track record of VET at AMC, the plan will reinforce the international standards and skills required by the industry.

Deputy Director, VET and Industry Research, Dr Marcus Bowles said that, because of the industry focus, a three year plan was more suitable to VET than the traditional five years.

“Our primary objective is to serve industry. If you look three years over the horizon, the industry will have changed. It is our job to remain responsive to industry’s changing needs,’’ he said.

“The strategy is what the industry wants, locked into what the university does.”

Dr Bowles has spent the last few months in extensive consultation with key members of the Australian maritime industry. He’s been reinforcing the fact that, although now an institute of the University of Tasmania, AMC is still firmly

focussed on serving industry training and international regulatory requirements.

“One of my main points has been to reinforce the message that we are the provider of maritime vocational education and training with a national mandate, but the advantage now is that we do it in such a way that we can allow people to move along pathways and into degrees,’’ Dr Bowles said.

There is no shortage of student demand for VET places at AMC. However, Dr Bowles said that as a result of a changing industry, there had been less demand in the traditionally strong area of Integrated Ratings and more in the area of offshore oil and gas.

“So one of the key things we had to do was to make sure our strategy covered what we do, but for a different market. We have been building new opportunities without eroding the capabilities we have in our core areas,’’ he said.

Dr Bowles said that one of the biggest problems in the Australian maritime industry at the moment was a lack of training berths on Australian vessels, so to achieve full Integrated Rating status was often difficult.

“One of the solutions that we are considering is running general purpose deck-hand courses, that are essentially IR courses without the sea time,’’ he said.

“We would still have the same people, the same resources and the same capability being underpinned, but the market

is larger. For example, this would cater to people on vessel tenders servicing the offshore oil and gas industry, which are effectively in blue water but from an AMSA point of view aren’t classed as blue water vessels.

“Our aim is to increase the opportunities for these people to get meaningful work.”

The strategy also contains a set of long term goals, the biggest of which is a new training vessel, or ‘campus at sea’.

As part of its strategic initiative, AMC has joined forces with two interstate maritime training providers to raise the profile of seafarer training and support the Federal Government’s shipping policy reform.

AMC (Tasmania), Challenger Institute of Technology (WA) and Hunter TAFE (NSW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen and develop cooperation in maritime education, training and research.

“The partners in this coalition have recognised that if we come together, we can more effectively assist the industry and grow the market,’’ Dr Bowles said.

“We know that we need to collaborate more efficiently to meet industry training needs, wherever they may occur.

Dr Bowles said that a variety of other initiatives would see AMC continue to service industry demand, including the recent appointment of a

strategic advisory committee made up of key industry partners.

“They are now guiding us on where we need to have future courses and what we should be doing – this guidance couldn’t be stronger or more important,’’ he said.

One of the key aims of the plan is to deliver quality education and training no matter where industry is located throughout Australia.

Dr Bowles said that, while there were many advantages to having training located in Tasmania, AMC’s growth would come from diversifying its areas of delivery.

“Both e-learning and short course delivery and short courses in situ – taking courses to the market – are the three major strategies that we are working on,” he said.

All of these plans are dependent on AMC and its partners retaining access to appropriate funding - an issue that is currently under review by the Federal Government.

“We are currently working to ensure that the funding model will allow us to continue to meet industry demand,’’ Dr Bowles said.

“I think that the consensus will be that the industry needs to have some kind of funding mechanism to support growth. This kind of support will allow business to buy training that will help them meet demand.”

Dr Marcus Bowles welcomes industry feedback. Please contact him at mbowles@amc.edu.au

‘Campus at Sea’ key initiative in new VET strategyAMc’s new Vocational Education and Training Strategy has eyes on the future, but roots that are firmly grounded in the here and now.

AMC SEARCHS

Commercial arm of the Australian Mari� me College

Deputy Director, VET and industry Research, Dr Marcus Bowles

6 a b o v e b o a r d | i s s u e 3

Distance no obstacle for Canadian MBA student

ontario transport expert, Monica Blaney, is in her final year of an MBA via distance.

STuDEnT in FocuS

Maritime Engineering graduate presents thesis at ISOPE in Rhodes

Thanks to a joint industry research project, ocean engineering graduate William Koolhof has presented his final year thesis at the 2012 ISOPE Technical Conference held on Rhodes Island, Greece.

The annual conference is run by the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers and is the largest technical conference of its kind with peer reviewed papers.

The thesis, titled Numerical Study of the Hydrodynamic Coefficients of a Mid-Water Arch, is part of an ongoing collaborative research project between the Australian Maritime College and Technip. Technip is a world leader in project management, engineering and construction for the subsea, offshore and onshore oil and gas industry.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to be working on real projects at AMC, and to then have the opportunity to go into industry and see the work being applied firsthand is very rewarding,” Mr Koolhof said.

The research, conducted under the supervision of Dr Shuhong Chai (AMC) and Mr Henri Morand (Technip), quantifies the various hydrodynamic parameters for a mid-water arch. Mid-water arches are commonly used in the offshore oil and gas industry to aid flexible risers in the dynamic ocean environment.

The week-long conference brought together academics and engineers from around the world for over 150 sessions on topics involving everything from renewable energy to tank sloshing dynamics.

“Having a leading engineering company sponsor the research and take it further by supporting me in publishing the work at the conference was an excellent opportunity,” Mr Koolhof said.

“The conference was not only a great experience in building my presentation skills, but also a chance to get up to speed on the latest research in many different topics across both my industry and other offshore industries.”

I S S U E 2 | A B O V E B O A R D 7

Using yourVHF marine radio> Radio protocols and channels> Accessing weather information

www.acma.gov.au/vhfmarine www.amc.edu.au/handbook www.bom.gov.au/marinewww.maritime.nsw.gov.auwww.marinerescuensw.com.au

VHF MARINE RADIOAre you using the right channel?If you own or use a marine VHF radio it is important to know which marine radio channels to use and the correct protocols to follow. The ACMA has produced a number of free resources to help recreational boaters better understand their marine radios.

> A DVD package featuring two programs: VHF marine radio—how to use it and Using VHF marine radio for weather information (produced in collaboration with the BoM). You can view these online at www.acma.gov.au/vhfmarine.

> Dial stickers to serve as a handy reminder on your boat.

> Information cards and posters reminding boaters of the importance of using the correct channels. These can be used as training aids or point-of-sale promotional material.

To order your copies, contact mrowp@acma.gov.au.

In addition, all you need to know is available in the handbooks produced by the Australian Maritime College: www.amc.edu.au/handbook.

One week she wanted to train the tigers at Dreamworld, and the next she wanted to fly helicopters.

“There was a solid year there when I wanted to fly seaplanes. I have a fascination for flight and the ocean,’’ Caitlin said.

And it was this insatiable curiosity and spirit of adventure that led Caitlin, a former economics and maths graduate from the University of Queensland, to start her new journey at AMC.

Caitin is now in her second year of a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Naval Architecture) degree and said that she hasn’t looked back.

“All of the career options previously available to me seemed mind-numbingly boring, so after temping for a bit and doing some travelling, I started looking for something that I loved,’’ she said.

“I really enjoy understanding how things work and seeing how much goes into designing and building a boat. It opens your eyes to how complicated everything really

is. I love what I am studying at AMC, even though it is intense.”

But, a second degree and another chance at career satisfaction would have been a lot harder for Caitlin without the Civilian Defence Engineering Scholarship Scheme (CDESS).

CDESS is offered by the Department of Defence to students in the second year of a four-year engineering degree. Valued at $18,000 a year for three years, the scholarship also offers two 12-week paid industry work placements.

“I actively looked for scholarships. My family helped me when I did my first degree and this time around I didn’t want that. They have already helped me enough. So obviously I needed a scholarship to be able to come to uni and not have a huge amount of debt at the end of it.”

Directorate of Navy Platform Systems, Principal Naval Architect Martin Grimm, said that it was in the Department’s best interests to offer a scholarship program and nurture the future Australian

naval architecture and engineering workforce.

“Defence is competing for talented engineering graduates in a tight market,” Mr Grimm said.

“The scholarship program is aimed at attracting talented engineering students to a potential career in the Department of Defence as part of the Australian Public Service.“

The scholarship, which is traditionally offered biennially at AMC, is awarded to successful applicants based on their academic

performance. While a minimum credit average is required, Caitlin has set herself the goal of keeping a distinction average.

“The chance to see what the Defence side of naval architecture work is like will be really interesting. I hope to experience as many of the career pathways available as possible,’’ she said.

“Everyone that I have spoken to at Defence has been really helpful. I have also been appointed a mentor, Claire Johnson, who was awarded the first CDESS naval architecture

scholarship in 2008.”Caitlin said she didn’t find the

prospect of heading down a male-dominated career path daunting. Her advice to future female students is “have a go”.

“At the end of the day, if you do good work you earn what you get. It shouldn’t matter if you are male or female.”

Applications for the next CDESS Scholarship open again to second year naval architecture students in 2013.

Scholarship fosters spirit of adventureAMC student, Caitlin Hoey, was the kind of kid who wasn’t sure what she wanted to be when she grew up.

Caitlin Hoey will undertake paid work placements at the Department of Defence as part of her scholarship

WISTA launches Australian chapterThe Australian chapter of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) was launched in February.

WISTA operates in 33 countries around the world and aims to provide networking and educational opportunities for women in the shipping and trade sectors.

Major ship operators, commodities traders, brokers, insurers, charterers and logistics providers as well as port and terminal service providers are all represented in the Australian chapter of the association.

For further information on WISTA Australia visit www.wista.net.

UAE students enjoy ambassador visitUnited Arab Emirates ambassador, HE Ali Nasser Al Nuaimi, visited AMC in May to meet with Acting Principal, Neil Bose, and the UAE student cohort.

Around 35 AMC students originate from the UAE and are primarily enrolled in seafaring courses.

Researchers from the National Centre for Marine Conservation & Resource Sustainability have taken part in a raking trial of Launceston’s Tamar River to help restore its amenity for community benefit.

Dr Andrew Fischer, Martin Filleul and marine environment student Shane Walters monitored the 10-day trial, which was conducted by the Launceston Flood Authority.

The trial involved a rake fitted to the rear of a fishing vessel, scouring silt away from the mud banks. The Launceston Flood Authority is investigating raking as an alternative to dredging to improve the amenity of the Tamar River.

“The process of raking stirs up the sediment, and during a high tidal flow period this sediment would be picked up off the bottom and washed away,” Dr Fischer said.

“There are concerns that elevated levels of metals may get stirred up when the raking proceeds. We were involved in monitoring this activity to see what’s in the sediment, and to minimise the impacts that these contaminants may have on the Tamar’s water quality and ecology, and to human health.”

The AMC team took sediment cores and water samples from

the trial and sent them away to be tested. These results were then delivered to the Environment Protection Authority, which is responsible for issuing the raking permits.

“Human activity has changed the estuary from what it was,” Dr Fischer said.

“So I think this raking trial is the first step towards getting that function back and possibly restoring it for the benefit of user groups such as boaters, fishers and tourism operators.”

It is hoped that AMC’s involve-ment in the raking trial could turn into a larger project, including eval-uating the river restoration options that have been put on the table in terms of developing a lake or bar-rages.

AMC monitors river raking trial

Marine environment honours student Tommy cheo examines a sample of sediment core.

She was attracted to the AMC program because of its international reputation in the area of maritime business and logistics.

“I also like the flexibility of the long-distance program and the module concept where a student progresses through the Graduate Certificate, then the Graduate Diploma and finally the Master of Business Administration,’’ she said.

Ms Blaney already has two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Manitoba but said that her AMC qualifications had expanded her horizons within her role as a government official for the Canadian Ministry of Transport.

“My career has spanned the private and public sector. I started my career with the Canadian

National Railway (CN) where I moved around a lot and got experience working in operations, planning and marketing,’’ she said.

“After CN, I worked for the provincial government of Alberta, where I was the Manager Marine/Rail and Intermodal in the Policy Group. It was in this position that I started my studies at AMC.

“I then went to Alberta Transportation where I worked on municipal, provincial and federal files including provincial and federal legislations. I also managed analytical work related to the province’s freight transportation system and worked with stakeholders to improve fluidity and efficiency of the freight system, including supply chains and logistics channels.

“I joined the Policy Group of Transport Canada in 2007. The position advises the Minister of Transport and the Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. I am also responsible for analysis on the western Canadian freight transportation system.”

Mrs Blaney said that before commencing at AMC she was a surface transportation expert.

“The AMC program has enhanced my skills with a maritime component. I was fortunate that during my coursework I could take courses that were relevant to the work I was doing at the time, from Maritime Economics, International Trade and Maritime Law, to Port and Terminal Management,’’ she said.

“The program has most definitely helped my career, as it has increased my knowledge of global supply chains and logistics. Before I was more of a ‘continental supply chain’ expert focussed more on surface logistics.

Fitting distance education between raising two children and a demanding career hasn’t always been easy.

“I am fortunate that my employers have always understood and been accommodating in my need for some flexibility in taking days off for coursework. These ‘off ’ days are my vacation/leave days but it has been worth it to be able to complete the course load and maintain a distinction level,’’ she said.

AMC’s flexible schedule also helped.

“Even though Canada is almost opposite from Tasmania on the globe and also opposite from a south-north perspective, I have always been able to communicate with the long distance learning team (Heather and Lee-Anne), who have been extremely helpful to me,’’ she said.

“My professors have been very accommodating of the 13-14 hour time difference (depending on each country’s daylight savings time) and have been very easy to contact via phone and email.”

She said that she would highly recommend AMC to students interested in transportation,

logistics and/or international trade. “There cannot be trade without

transportation. Without maritime trade, globalisation would not have expanded as much as it did during recent decades,’’ she said.

Monica’s advice for those considering distance education with AMC

• When trying to combine a full or part-time job with distance study, you have to be focused and be very good at time management and organisation. I found the best solution was to ‘hide’ in a local university library with online access for a series of full days throughout the session to concentrate on my assignments.

• Don’t be afraid to communicate with your professors and advisors.

• Think big! AMC gives you the foundation and the future prospects are nearly unlimited.

• Don’t be a stranger (you can find me on linkedin). I am keenly interested in keeping in touch with alumni of the AMC from around the world. It is through networking and keeping in touch that we can all become more adept at understanding the myriad of issues facing us as globalisation continues.

i s s u e 3 | a b o v e b o a r d 7

Landlocked refugee discovers love of ocean

ocean Engineering student Dev Timsina at AMc’s Towing Tank.

Dorian Notman’s teaching expertise in the field of operations management has seen him travel to France to take part in the prestigious Toulouse Business School’s visiting professor program.

He delivered a unit on operations management to a group of 20 Aerospace MBA students during the two week visit. The students were all industry professionals sponsored by their companies and represented six different countries, including China and the Sultanate of Oman.

“Operations management is about the design of efficient and effective operations processes,” said Mr Notman, a Senior Lecturer in Logistics Management at AMC.

“Traditionally this would have been manufacturing processes but it could also be applied to the design of airline operations and maintenance and support operations; and those products that you are developing and supporting could be anything from an aircraft to marine and naval systems.

“The principles are the same and the approaches that you take are the same.”

Mr Notman received positive feedback from the students, who benefited from gaining an Australian perspective and a much broader view of aerospace and complex systems.

“We all tend to get used to our own organisations and cultures,” he said.

“From my experience (and being at AMC is adding to that experience), I can bring a different view and help students understand more clearly their own organisation’s operations, and help them improve those operations.”

Mr Notman has been involved with the visiting professor program for the past nine years and travels to France each year to teach his unit. He has also taught units on supply chain management and defence systems acquisitions at Toulouse Business School.

Aerospace MBA students gain Australian perspective

Dev Timsina had never seen the ocean before he moved to Tasmania to study at the Australian Maritime College in 2009.

Now the 26-year-old is on the cusp of a career as an ocean engineer, which means the ocean will effectively be his office. And he couldn’t be happier.

“When I first saw the ocean it was amazing,” Dev said.

“It was so nice. I just went in and stood to start with as I didn’t know how to swim. I can swim a little bit now.”

Dev was born in Bhutan, a landlocked country in South Asia bordered to the south, east and west by India, and to the north by China.

In 1992, five-year-old Dev and his family were evicted from the country by the Bhutanese Government in the name of preserving its Tibetan culture and identity. About one-fifth of Bhutan’s population, those who identified as

ethnic Nepalese, fled their home country to seven camps located in eastern Nepal.

Dev and his family lived in their camp for 18 years before they were granted humanitarian visas to come to Australia. Now his family, including his parents, five sisters and brother, have settled into their new life in Launceston, Tasmania.

“Tasmania is a good place, it is very beautiful,” he said.

During his school years in the Nepalese camp, Dev nurtured his talent for mathematics and physics. Pursuing university studies in civil engineering seemed like the next logical step.

He spoke to the University of Tasmania’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) officer, Brian Sweeney, about his options and this led to the discovery of another stream of engineering.

“Ocean engineering sounded new and interesting, so I applied for that as well as civil engineering.

I was accepted into both and chose to study ocean engineering at AMC,” Dev said.

Dev is in the fourth year of AMC’s Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Ocean Engineering) degree and will graduate mid-2013. Following this, he plans to work in the offshore oil and gas sector in Western Australia.

“I have really enjoyed my time at AMC, it has world-class facilities and to come here and study has been amazing,” Dev said.

“The best part has been making lots of friends from all over the world, including Malaysia, Singapore, Chile and Mexico.”

Dev’s positive experience has inspired other members of his family, with his younger brother planning to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in ocean engineering. Meanwhile, his cousin is currently studying Maritime Technology Management at AMC.

Fantastic opportunities for marine environment researchers

AMC’s National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability (NCMCRS) is looking for motivated researchers to join its dynamic team.

Newly appointed Graduate Research Coordinator, Dr Phil Crosbie, is the first point of contact for information on enrolment and candidature.

“There are opportunities in Aquaculture, including animal health, nutrition and behaviour, as well as in Marine Environment and Conservation.” he says.

Dr Crosbie (BAppSci Hons PhD) is a senior Research Fellow with NCMCRS who has been involved with the Centre since its inception in 2008, and prior to that with the UTAS School of Aquaculture as a student and a researcher.

He is currently working on parasitology and vaccine development for Atlantic salmon

with a focus on amoebic gill disease. His aim is to develop vitro culture methods for amoebae isolated from fish gills, and to investigate possible antigenic components of the amoebae that will assist in vaccine development.

Dr Crosbie said that there were a number of research projects currently available at the Centre, and also the possibility of conducting research at other facilities around Australia and overseas.

“NCMCRS is a very vibrant and dynamic environment with a strong research output and we welcome people who are keen to acquire and apply knowledge in various areas of expertise.”

For further information on graduate research opportunities at NCMCRS contact Dr Crosbie on +61 3 6324 3800 or email marinestudies@amc.edu.au

Logistics Management Senior Lecturer, Dorian notman.

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AMC’s Investigator Hall and a shared lawn mower helped to cement a friendship that has survived the tyranny of distance and come to rest in a shared house in Perth.

Tim Pickard and Chris Russell met at AMC in 2009. Tim was in his second year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering), and Chris had just started a Bachelor of Business (Maritime Logistics Management). They lived across the hall from each other in Investigator Hall, AMC’s on-campus accommodation.

Both men consider studying on campus an advantage.

“I think that studying on campus is a massive advantage for academic pursuits and social development,’’ Tim said.

“I found it helpful to study and work on assignments with class mates. Talking through a piece of work with others is always beneficial,’’ Chris said.

They agreed that the ‘open-door policy’ of many of AMC’s lecturers was an asset.

“The lecturers were all very approachable. They all made time to discuss problems and assignments and provide additional guidance when requested,’’ Chris said.

Studying and living on campus also provided some great networking and friendship opportunities for the pair.

“I now have friends all over Australia and globally that I’m still in regular contact with. As I travel frequently for work, I find myself meeting up with AMC alumni in various parts of the world,’’ Chris said.

“Living on campus made life so far from home (North Queensland) much easier. I am still in contact with a lot of

the friends I made at AMC now that I am working in the offshore industry,’’ Tim said.

Tim is a project engineer for Subsea7 – a seabed-to-surface engineering, construction and services contractor to the offshore energy industry worldwide. Since finishing at AMC in 2011, he has worked on a project installing subsea assets off Darwin, overseen the fabrication of pipe pieces onshore and worked on a survey vessel, overseeing barge operations.

“I then moved on to a construction vessel and helped install the pipeline piece I had seen fabricated,’’ Tim said.

“My job in all these different roles is to make sure that the procedures, written by my colleagues in the office, are correctly followed offshore.”

Chris is Project Operations Coordinator for Westlink Logistics. The company undertakes sea and land logistics projects for some of the biggest corporations in the world. His time is split between sites in Australia and overseas.

“I manage and supervise the planning and delivery of logistics projects. This could include doing anything from drawing up stowage and ships plans, to acting as port captain in China while supervising the loading of a vessel, or working in Port Hedland running the unloading and tracking of 200 tonne locomotives for mining companies,’’ he said.

Both men credit their time at AMC with providing them appropriate job-ready skillsets for their current careers. In Tim’s case he said that sometimes just the title of AMC graduate was enough to open doors.

“In the maritime/offshore industry

the AMC name is second to none. Numerous clients and colleagues know someone from AMC, or completed studies there themselves. It is a great business relationship builder,’’ he said.

Chris said that he used things that he learnt at AMC every day.

“The assets and cargo involved in the shipping industry amount to millions of dollars, so even one mistake can be costly. AMC helped me to develop the skills needed to deliver the best possible outcome in any situation,’’ he said.

Both Tim and Chris were involved with AMC’s Student Association (AMCSA) in 2010 – Tim as President, Chris as Vice President/Treasurer.

“2010 was a great year for the AMCSA. We had record membership numbers and made a small profit, which was reinvested back into the bar and student activities,’’ Chris said.

“AMCSA was great to be a part of. At times it was hard work, but that was balanced by the fun we had at various events.”

Tim said running a business like AMCSA at the age of 23 was something he would never forget.

“I learnt a lot about people and working as a team to achieve a common goal,” he said.

After a stint in separate share houses in Tasmania (albeit sharing joint custody of a lawnmower), and time spent living on opposite sides of Australia, Chris and Tim have both wound up basing themselves in Perth.

“A large number of AMC alumni live in Perth and a lot of us have regular contact. Many of us work away often, so we are always keen to catch up when we have some time off,’’ Chris said.

Both men said that they would not hesitate to recommend studying as AMC to others.

“The combination of small classes and lecturers with practical experience really helps improve the capabilities of AMC students,’’ Tim said.

Chris said that AMC’s diversity of cultures gave students the opportunity to learn in a dynamic environment.

“I enjoy the work I currently do and am constantly learning something new, which would not have been possible if I didn’t study at AMC.”

8 a b o v e b o a r d | i s s u e 3

Friendship stands test of time

Maritime Engineering Graduate Tim Pickard, is now based in Perth, Western Australia.

AMC lecturer awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarship

Maritime Engineering Lecturer Dr Jessica Walker has been awarded the prestigious 2012 Fulbright Tasmania Scholarship.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Scholarship is the largest educational scholarship of its kind. Aimed at promoting mutual understanding through educational exchange, it operates between the US and 155 countries. Dr Walker is one of 25 talented Australians to be recognised as a Fulbright Scholar in 2012.

The Fulbright Scholarship has taken Dr Walker to the United States Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland for 12 months to undertake research into the renewable energy technology, tidal power.

“Unlike other renewable sources such as solar, wind and wave, tidal power is predictable as it relies on lunar gravitational forces rather than the weather. This makes it easier to integrate into the electricity grid,” she said.

“However there are two potential performance issues in the operation of tidal turbines: the roughening of the turbine blades due to impact, cavitation or scour due to particulates, and the fouling of the turbine blades by marine growth.”

In Maryland, Dr Walker is carrying out detailed testing of a prototype horizontal-axis tidal turbine to obtain performance curves and flow field maps under roughened and biofouled conditions.

“This data will be invaluable to turbine designers in predicting long term performance of turbines in actual marine environments, and researchers who can utilise the data in validating models of turbines for ongoing design optimisation,” she said.

Dr Walker will return to her lecturer’s post at AMC in August 2013.

Dr Jessica Walker with a tidal turbine rotor

The hard work of 11 Pacific Patrol Boat business management students has been recognised at a graduation ceremony at the Australian Maritime College.

The group – from the Pacific Island nations of Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Tonga, Kiribati and Solomon Islands – learnt valuable frontline management skills including leadership and budgeting during the eight-week course.

The major project for the course involved stocktaking and distributing old uniforms donated by Tasmania Police.

AMC Search Project Manager, Lochie Brown, said almost 100 uniforms had been rebadged and would be used by police and defence agencies in the Pacific Islands.

“These island nations don’t have huge financial resources and it’s great that the uniforms will help them out,” Mr Brown said.

“All of this work was done in the evening – the graduates have achieved a lot and should be extremely proud of the work they’ve done.”

Tasmania Police Northern District

Commander, Richard Cowling, said the organisation welcomed the chance to make better use of its old uniforms as well as assisting the island nations.

“This course is a great opportunity for the students to develop their project management skills, and the use of the uniforms also increases their self esteem and pride.”

Graduate Ngaffin Kera, of the PNG Defence Force, thanked all parties for helping make the project a reality and looked forward to seeing the uniforms in action back home.

Police uniforms provided to island nations

Standing L - R: carole Le bas (Taspol), Lochie Brown (AMc Search), cathy Wilson (AMc Search), Akeimo Panapa (Tuvalu), Leon darko (Taspol), ngaffin Kera (PnG), Terence Beri (PnG), Erica Reimers (Marshall islands) Semisi ulakai (Tonga), Tetapo Mailemua (Tuvalu), Fred Dobunaba (PnG) commander Richard cowling, Lauti Taumoefolau (Tonga), John Patai (Solomon islands). Kneeling L – R: Shane Heine (Marshall islands), Ruka Ratieta (Kiribati)

ALuMni in FocuS

MLM Graduate chris Russell, is now coordinating projects in Australia and overseas.