Through its Rymarine program, the Rotary club has provided a platform for the past three years for Year 10-11 students to have access to people involved in marine-based industries in Coffs Harbour.

The club’s new generations director Mark Spencer said the four-day residential program from October 29 would illustrate some amazing choices students had in the marine field.

“Coffs Harbour is the ideal place for such a program because of the nearby islands, the wildlife, the National Marine Science Centre and the wonderful organisations we have here,” Mr Spencer said.

“This is a hands-on program. “There are field trips to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, lectures at the National Marine Science Centre, talks from Customs and water police representatives and a tour of the (Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s) Co-Op.”

Participating students will study the anatomy of fish and be treated to a kayaking adventure with National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Mark Flanders, who will provide a marine-related cultural background to the area and take students on a tour of Muttonbird Island.

Shark expert Ian Gordon will be another presenter during the program, which concludes with a dinner at the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club.

The program is limited to just 18 students, who will stay at the YHA Youth Hostel in Coffs Harbour and be chaperoned at all times, according to Mr Spencer. The cost is $320 a person.

Mr Spencer said the cost of the program had increased slightly this year to accommodate increased fees of some of the services provided.

“We’re hoping we might be able to get some sponsors to help out,” he said. “Perhaps someone could help with sponsoring the cost of one student.”

He said Jetty Dive was one such business who supported the program.

“Jetty Dive will be involved this year and will take the course participants to one of the nearby islands for snorkelling,” he said.

Anyone interested in taking part in the program, or interested in becoming a sponsor, should contact Mark Spencer, phone 6658 5505 or email mark@markspencer.com.au