Students in running for dream job

Rotary Daybreak's David Scham and Mark Spencer launch the Coffs Harbour Rymarine Program with graduate Ken Demaschke at Coffs Harbour's Pet Porpoise Pool.

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• Students dive into marine biology study

SCORING that ideal career working outdoors, underwater or by the ocean is a very real possibility for students studying on the Coffs Coast.

Just ask Ken Demaschke, who gets the daily pleasure of training dolphins and seals at Coffs Harbour's iconic Pet Porpoise Pool.

As a school student weighing up his future, Ken took part in the highly regarded Coffs Harbour Rotary Rymarine program helping teenagers towards careers in marine environments.

Set to run again next month, organisers say the program could be at risk of not going ahead if it doesn't attract enough interested participants.

"It was a great experience to find out what possibilities are available after school in coastal locations like Coffs Harbour. I'd recommend it," Ken said.

Movie producer Andrew Wight, who helped to write the 3D cave-diving action thriller Sanctum, has been booked as the special guest to speak about his underwater experiences.

Another highlight of the program is a snorkelling session in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, under the control of qualified dive masters from Jetty Dive Centre.

"The program is a fantastic opportunity for young people with an interest in marine studies or marine careers to learn more about the pathways that are available to them, find out about the roles of coastal marine agencies, and get a hands-on experience with marine mammals and plants," Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Daybreak president David Schama said.

Rymarine acts as a stepping stone for Year 10 and 11 students, helping them towards marine careers and marine biology studies.

Its major supporters include the Australian Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, the Solitary Islands Marine Park Authority, NSW Water Police, the Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group, Australian Customs, Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour, the Coffs Harbour Fishermen's Co-operative and the Pet Porpoise Pool.

The program is open to 15- and 16-year-old students and will run from Thursday, October 27, at 5pm to Sunday, October 30 at 1pm.

The cost is $390, including accommodation, food, travel to various field trips and snorkelling in the marine park.

Application forms can be completed online and further details can be sourced from Allison Davidson on 6658 1607.