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THE OCEAN SHIP Engaging with the marine environment

Tall Ships Victoria invites you to attend a Scoping Workshop at the Royal Society of Victoria, Melbourne, on 20-21 September 2007 THE PROJECT Tall Ships Victoria Inc (TSV), established to The outcomes sought from the Workshop promote all aspects of presence and are: activity in Victorian waters, has developed a • To determine the scope of the project marine science-based project to: • To identify major stakeholders and 1. Engage and foster interest in science, sponsors and science careers among senior secondary and tertiary • To commission a business plan and students design specifi cations. 2. Focus on the growing need for a greater Overseas speakers have been invited to knowledge of environmental change attend to present their experiences with similar projects, to review the operation of 3. Use communications and information sea science education ships in the USA technologies to reach a broad spectrum over the past 35 years, and to outline a of the population which might not joint venture between a city council and an otherwise engage with today’s science international staffi ng agency company, who 4. Meet the growing demand among adult built and operate a modern clipper ship. audiences for active engagement with The full workshop program will be circulated topical issues related to science and the shortly. environment The TSV project is based on a purpose- built and substantial vessel – a traditional WHY SUPPORT THIS PROJECT? square-rigged ship – designed to conduct Environmental change science programs at sea and to become a There is a substantial, growing and highly visible icon for Australian science and sustainable global interest in education environmental awareness. Flexible design related to topical issues in environmental will allow long-term planning of programs science and policy, particularly in relation to for the national and international tertiary marine and coastal areas. education markets, corporate, government and industrial sectors and for the general Science education public. The ship will be an ambassador for There is a current and predicted need to the stakeholders and provide for active attract high quality students into science participation in research projects and in the programs and careers. This can be unique combination of “edu-tourism” and supported by immersive authentic research adventure opportunities available on a large with educational experiences for senior ship. secondary and tertiary students. Knowledge transfer passengers’, with telecommunications for Demand for marine-based education tele-presence to shore via the internet. creates opportunities for knowledge “To go to sea as a science student, a transfer, through access to expertise in the potential science student, or an adult sciences and other areas of scholarship interested in what the ocean can teach and broad engagement with universities, us, aboard a purpose-built to institutes, government, corporate and conduct marine research, provides an community organisations. intensely personal interaction with the ocean; an educational experience and an Marine science adventure of a lifetime.” Because marine and environmental sciences are at the heart of the TSV A marine science icon concept, educational needs can be met “All the world loves a sailing ship”. The in an innovative manner for all levels of Ocean Education Ship will attract attention learners, from secondary through to adult, wherever she goes. Substantial and by defi ned periods of immersive, interactive distinctive, the ship will attract public and engagement with the topics in an authentic media attention, representing Australian and structured program aboard a mobile science discovery and education, becoming hands-on ‘classroom’ – a ship. a highly visible icon for Australian science. The combination of traditional maritime Maritime trades technology with modern computer-based If built locally the Ocean Education Ship communications can showcase Australian would provide valuable training opportunities science, education and industry and, with for TAFE students and maritime trades apprentices followed by sea-going training a sailing ship as the vehicle, have irresistible for offi cers and crew. public and media appeal. Why a sailing ship? A sailing ship is intrinsically ‘environmentally friendly’. THE SHIP • Use of sail minimises fuel consumption. The Ocean Education Ship – a mobile • Progress is affected by the weather classroom and laboratory – is a square- and by ocean currents, requiring an rigged, auxiliary powered sailing ship understanding of these natural forces as accommodating up to 70 students or part of the curriculum. guests, plus crew, instructors, invited speakers and leaders; as well as • Participation in the working of a sailing laboratory and other teaching facilities for ship is a powerful attraction for active and active student participation. The ship’s adventurous learners and quickly develops accommodation will be suitable for ‘cruise team skills and personal confi dence. THE OPERATING PROGRAM Research cruises a difference – making a contribution to the Tertiary students – An accredited twelve- environment, science and Australia’s future. week semester including four weeks of shore-based training, including introduction Potential Edu-tourism themes include: on a sail-training vessel, followed by eight • Water use and re-use weeks at sea aboard the Ocean Education Ship. The shore-based curriculum will • Environmental management provide the background to the research • Global warming – the role of the sea program to be undertaken by each student while at sea. • Pollution Secondary students – Guided tours of • The future of the sea (eg. coral bleaching) the ship during port visits with a lecture or • Food from the sea demonstration included. Limited cruises at sea designed to introduce secondary • Drugs from the sea students to environmental issues and to the • Immigration (sea-bourne migrations) potential of a science education and career. • Languages: distribution and evolution Edu-tourism • History along the route A themed cruise centred around a guest • Cultural links (eg. Pacifi c Island expert who follows a theme during a voyage; usually of short duration, up to fi ve Populations) days at sea. • Genetics (what can we learn from the sea) Active participation ‘working with scientists’ • Astronomy research voyages, where individuals pay • Changes in the weather for the opportunity to travel as passengers to assist and observe scientists in marine • Marine wildlife (eg. bird and whale science projects. A ‘working’ holiday with migration)

Register for the Workshop using the enclosed registration form, or download a form at www.tallshipsvictoria.org

For more information, please contact: Peter Harris 0427 829 134 [email protected] Alan Edenborough 0403 892 701 [email protected] Tall Ships Victoria Inc. PO Box 7390 Beaumaris VIC 3193