20 August, 2020

A former Moruya jeweller has anchored his career in new waters, pursuing his passion for maritime with the help of TAFE NSW.

More than two decades after studying to be a jeweller at TAFE NSW Enmore Design Centre, father-of-two Adam Rehardt decided to nail his colours to a new mast, completing a Certificate II in Maritime Operations under the guidance of TAFE NSW Moruya teacher and legendary local seaman Captain Col Tritton.

Mr Rehardt is volunteering at Marine Rescue NSW to build up his sea hours as he sails towards a full-time career in maritime.

The Australian maritime sector has an estimated annual revenue of $6.88 billion, according to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, with the industry’s 7700 professionals averaging a gross weekly salary of $2123.

Mr Rehardt worked as a jeweller in his family store, The Moruya Jeweller, before purchasing the business from  his father in 2007. The born-and-bred local closed the store in 2019 and completed a Certificate II in Maritime Operations and TAFE NSW Moruya.

“I’ve always been around the ocean and  into scuba and free diving, and I’m also very passionate about the environmental side of the ocean,” he said. “I was looking through a TAFE NSW brochure one day and saw the maritime course and just enrolled on the spot.

“To learn under Captain Col was awesome; the course was so hands-on and has a thirst for passing on as much knowledge as he can so that I can relaunch my career.

“He helped me get a voluntary position at Marine Rescue NSW, which allows me to drive a multitude of vessels in different situation and to also give back to the community.”

Mr Rehardt hopes to use his training and experience to secure a maritime position with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Captain Tritton, who has almost 50 years’ ocean experience as a Navy diver, Customs official and with the Water Police, said the Certificate II in Maritime Operations allowed graduates to take a commercial vessel up to 15 miles out to sea.

“This is a commercial ticket which means that graduates can find work in a number of areas, including on charter boats doing fishing trips or whale watching tours,” Captain Tritton said.

“Adam was a fantastic student and it’s great to see him furthering his experience and contributing to the community through Marine Rescue NSW.”

To find out more about studying Maritime Operations at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Media and Communications – Business Partner, 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428.