Boat Licence and Jetski licence Instructor Gold Coast Qld

Karla Del Herbert-Evans profile

It has been my passion to follow my love for the ocean since my first nautical adventure in 1985. I knew I would become a mariner when I first set sail on a friend’s yacht, a gorgeous 48ft timber ketch, the "Aurelia III", on its maiden voyage from Sydney to the Gold Coast. I then chose to live aboard and travelled the east coast of Queensland for the next 3 years!

My first brush with the fury of the high seas confirmed my passion

"The trip was terrifying with cyclonic conditions, on a vessel pushed to its limit, whose equipment kept failing. With insufficient preparation done by skipper or crew (of which I admit I was one), there were many lessons to be learned.

Obviously the skipper had underestimated the weather forecast neglecting to anticipate the swiftly deteriorating conditions. Once we were out in the blue yonder, all bar crossings on the south eastern seaboard were closed and there was nothing to be done but trust our Skippers vast navigational experience and ride it out.

We battened down the hatches, held a course heading and stayed afloat somewhere out there between Australia and New Zealand literally hanging on by our toe nails.

The other crewman, terribly ill from seasickness was rarely able to leave his bunk. We managed to navigate through the Gold Coast seaway 5 days later and to my amazement, it was the most exhilarating experience of my life and I did not get seasick once, hence the realization that I was destined to be a true mariner!"

I have had many thought provoking maritime journeys since, and have worked on charter vessels, navigating, diving and fishing the eastern seaboard of Australia, from Sydney to Lizard Island, Cairns to the Solomon Islands and Aruba in the Dutch West Indies of the Caribbean.

I was very fortunate to have crewed for 12 years with some of the best skippers and crew in the business during the Black Marlin Game Fish Seasons since1987. Working in all areas on many vessels including, live-aboard game boats, yachts, catamarans, mother ship cruise boats and their tender’s i.e. outboard tillers, centre consoles, inflatable dive boats and Jet skis.

I gaining my Open Master Class 5 Captains ticket in 1995 and have since worked locally with water taxis, "Riviera" and other private yachts and have become familiar with the Gold Coast's abundant canals and waterways.

I navigated day and night tours in the charter boat tourism industry from Marina Mirage for 3 years and was Master onboard "Marcrista" a 50ft ocean yacht.
I was also Master and crew of a 60ft Catamaran "Pelican Too" that was available for snorkel and dive charters in Aruba DWI.

I am a current member of the North Burleigh Surf Club as an active volunteer Surf Life Saver practising up to date Public Safety and Aquatic Rescues.

Since the introduction of the new boating regulations I now have the opportunity to offer comprehensive education to all new mariners. Giving you the skills and knowledge to confidently undertake basic navigation, boat handling and understand the safety requirements and your responsibilities to the law. As your professional trainer I am happy to pass on my knowledge and upon issue of your “certificate of competency”, I look forward to shaking your hand and enjoy the smile on your dial as you head off to experience your own nautical adventures.

Karla Del Herbert-Evans

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Phone Karla Del Herbert-Evans on 0412 550 570
to book a boat licence or jet-ski licence training and assessment.
Alternatively you can email Karla directly.

Location:

Capri Marine Centre, Shop, 12 On the Water, Isle of Capri Shopping Centre, St Peters Place.