Maritime Day this weekend!

Maritime Day 2024 is this Saturday, 2 November. Fremantle Ports has revealed the major on-water attraction will be the Royal Australian Navy’s submarine intervention gear ship, MV Besant.

The bright orange 83m Besant provides search and rescue support to Australia’s submarine fleet and the ship will be open for the public to go aboard.

A free public event at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, Maritime Day is on Saturday November 2, between 10am and 4pm

Manager Communications and Community Neil Stanbury said the day would celebrate all aspects of the maritime industry.

“We only hold Maritime Day every two years and it’s such a great day for families and, in fact, anyone who loves ships, harbours, boats and all things marine,” he said.

“A bonus is the opportunity to see inside the heritage-listed passenger terminal and admire the building’s large collection of art by renowned Australian contemporary artist Howard Taylor.”

In 2022, more than 8000 people attended Maritime Day.

Aside from around 80 exhibits inside and outside the passenger terminal, attractions this year include free harbour rides by Jetwave Marine on their vessels Orion and Nova, the port’s fascinating historical photo exhibition, displays by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force and a Switzer tug.

St Pats Op Shop will be doing cruise-era fashion shows inside, and there’ll be entertainment for both kids and adults.

“It’s an event where the industry really comes together,” Mr Stanbury said.

“Companies and organisations involved in the maritime industry, government agencies and many Fremantle community organisations come together on the day, so it’s a chance to talk with them about their roles and career opportunities in the industry.

Wooden boat displays will be in the forecourt, while Fremantle Sailing Club is scheduled to stage a yacht race on the harbour during the afternoon. For the day, entry to the WA Maritime Museum on Victoria Quay will be by donation.

In addition to free parking at the venue, a free shuttle bus will run every 30 minutes between E Shed and the passenger terminal.