Port of Melbourne Corporation
Home > Education > 

Schools On Board

Students with captain in captain's office

Schools on Board is an exciting education program that links local
students and schools to container ships, giving them unique opportunities and experiences.

Students have the opportunity to go on board a container ship at the Port of Melbourne’s Swanson Dock East terminal, together with a guided tour typically hosted by the captain and crew.

It is a hands-on learning experience that explains how imported everyday objects get delivered to their homes and how important containerised cargo is for Australian exports.

Captain with students on ship

After the ship visit, students are invited to the purpose-built
Port Education Centre. Right in the heart of the port on the Yarra River, it is opposite Swanson Dock, the port’s international container terminal.

This is unique access to some of the operations of Australia’s largest container and general cargo port – a rarely seen part of Melbourne.


Who can take part

Upper-primary and lower-secondary school students in the port’s surrounding communities:

  • City of Port Phillip
  • City of Maribyrnong
  • City of Hobsons Bay
  • Docklands

                                                        PurposeView from ship's bridge

                • It fosters a better understanding of the role of the port, shipping and international trade.
                • It stimulates interest in different or little-known career paths by adding real-world experience to students’ curricula.

 


 

SupportersStudents walking up gangway

Schools on Board is made possible through the support of the following companies.

Swanson Dock East terminal operator:

 International shipping lines:

More information

Port Education Brochure (PDF, 970kb)

Port Education Officer

Tel: - Direct +61 3 9683 1361
Tel: - Port Education Centre +61 9645 3000          
Email: ported@portofmelbourne.com