The Australian Maritime College (AMC), the national institute for maritime education training and research, is set to farewell the MV Bluefin this week.
AMC Principal, Commodore Malcolm Wise said the vessel had been an important part of AMC’s fleet throughout her more-than-40-year career.
“The Bluefin will soon set sail from the AMC berth at Beauty Point in northern Tasmania for the last time,” Commodore Wise said.
“She has been sold privately to a US-Australian family and will begin her voyage before Christmas, ready to start her next chapter in North America as a recreational vessel.
“Bluefin’s ageing equipment, systems and technology meant she was no longer able to support training, research and commercial activities with AMC. After consultation with staff, the College announced the plan to sell the vessel one year ago.
“We play a key role in supporting the maritime industry by training a workforce ready for jobs on contemporary vessels, so we are focusing on how to continue do this to the highest quality into the future.
“We will continue to provide the most comprehensive seafaring and marine engineering training in Australia through a variety of modern methods,” Commodore Wise said.
“These include utilising our cutting-edge simulation training technology and other vessels in the AMC fleet, and the development of new and enhanced shore-based training options. “We’ll provide sea-time to students on very large, modern ships through industry partnerships, and we’re continuing to explore and develop these opportunities including with local organisation TT-Line, the providers of the Spirit of Tasmania’s cross-Bass Strait journeys.
“Contemporary education is critical and so is the student experience that training at sea delivers – we will continue to provide our students with these things after we farewell the Bluefin.”
Staff, alumni and community members gathered at Beauty Point on Thursday 21 December to wish the Bluefin fair winds and following seas for her future voyages and many adventures to come.