Discover the MV Wyuna pilot vessel

WATCH VIDEO FOLLOW THE MV WYUNA

MV Wyuna. Ferguson Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow, Scotland, built the ship in 1953. They constructed it for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots as a pilot cutter. Her role as a pilot cutter was to sail with pilots on board to meet ships entering Port Phillip Bay. The Wyuna’s workboat would take pilots to the vessel needing a pilot. The authorities would stop the vessel in the water. The vessel itself would provide shelter.

In the early 1970s, the pilot service began using fast launches. These allowed pilots to board while ships were still moving. The Australian Maritime College is in Launceston. It’s in Tasmania. It purchased the Wyuna as a training vessel in 1979. She continued in that role until 2004. Then, Mineralogy Pty Ltd acquired her as a lodging ship.

The Western Port Oberon Association purchased her in September 2013. They gave her to the Victorian Maritime Centre at Crib Point. She berthed at Beauty Point, Tasmania, for a time. After 18 months of repairs, she will move to Docklands. It’s in Melbourne, Victoria. This berth became unavailable. So, the vessel docked at Inspection Head Wharf in Beauty Point.

In January 2016, they towed the vessel into Bell Bay and anchored it there after a period. The Western Port Oberon Association plans to display the vessel. It will be next to HMAS Otama. Once we secure funding for a wet berth, this will occur.

In 1952, the Port Phillip sea pilots built the ship on the River Clyde in Scotland. They modelled it after the Queen’s yacht, Britannia. The vessel still shows the skill of her Scottish builders. She is in great condition for her age. The vessel had a diesel-electric propulsion system. This was a cutting-edge design at the time. In 1953, they commissioned the “Wyuna” into service. It was 63 metres long. It had twin screws and was diesel-electric. It was a pilot cutter. “Wyuna” served until November 1979. It was then sold to the new Nautical College at Launceston to use as a training ship. Pilots get on and off ships at sea by a system. The ship stops with the wind and sea to its side. The pilot cutter would round the ship’s stern. It would move into the lee and lower the 18ft workboat. The workboat, with a crew of two, would transfer the pilots to and from their ships. In the early 1970s, researchers worldwide did a study. They aimed to find a better system for putting pilots aboard ships. The system would replace “Wyuna”. They made a decision in favour of the launch system. They placed an order for new 13-metre ones to replace Wyuna. MV Wyuna joined in 1979. It joined the Launceston Maritime College. It served as a training vessel. The ship docked at Beauty Point on the Tamar River. She met the growing need to train young sailors. Both the Merchant and Royal Australian Navy had this need. So did the fishing industry. Wyuna’s old engines made her swap with Bluefin certain. A sale took place next. Then, Clive Palmer, a wealthy miner, purchased Wyuna. He intended to house his workers on a project in northern Queensland. The proposed project failed. The ship became useless. Mr Palmer gave up the ship. He gave it to Gillian Swaby, a Perth entrepreneur. The intention was to convert the ship into one of the finest classic motor vessels. She recognised the ship’s historic value. She was keen to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

Australia’s prized relic is from the post-war era of shipping. It has a rich history. This ship holds a unique place in the history of Australian ships. She stands alone, the last of her kind. Australia has a very poor record. It fails to preserve our maritime history. Other ships like it have already made their last journey. They went to the breaker’s yard. We all must preserve our maritime history. It’s for our future generations. From 1952 to 1984, the first ship seen at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay was a little, trusty ship. It had the pilot on board. This lovely little ship served the country well. She deserves the title. It is for an Australian Maritime Historic Asset. The ship is a pilot ship for Victoria. This tells a special story. Victoria is a pilot. Her role makes the ship’s history worth preserving. It ensures that future generations will see their value. The Victorian Maritime Centre is careful to fix ships. They care for it with great attention. They preserve memories of our past at sea. Future generations can board. They can relive the nostalgia of a bygone era. A top businesswoman in Western Australia donated MV Wyuna. The Victorian Maritime Centre will exhibit it. It will be part of their display.

It will become a floating museum where tour guides will take groups on a tour of the ship. The tour will be a voyage of discovery. It will highlight the colourful history. Volunteers will give visitors information. This includes details about who built her and where. The statistics cover the propulsion system and how it works. They also cover how much fuel she carries and the range. The Port Phillip pilot ship played a vital role. It had the duties of a working pilot ship. It’s difficult to get alongside ships to transfer the pilot. Later, it was a training ship for the Launceston Maritime College. How many students were on board? Where did they go? What tasks did students do? How long were the cruises? The ship will also be available for smaller functions. These include seminars, training, and meetings. They also include the occasional private event. The lack of open space limits event types. But, in some ways, it adds to the atmosphere.