If you’ve taken a course with SMT, there’s a good chance you’ve met David Peberdy as your trainer. Dave is one of our cornerstone trainers, teaching a wide range of courses, including MED2, MED3, Coxswain Engineering, DMLA, ESS, Master 24, Wader Safety, and First Aid.

Dave holds impressive qualifications, including a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from Monash University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Maintenance Management. His seafarer credentials are equally remarkable, with an Engineer Class 1 (Motor and Steam) qualification.

With over 40 years of experience at sea as an engineer, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. He began his maritime journey in the 1980s, back when he fondly recalls it being “fun” and less regulated. Over the years, his career has spanned various maritime sectors, including cargo ships, oil and gas production, supply vessels, and more. These days, Dave works on Hobart’s harbor tugboats, where he maintains and operates the vessels to ensure they meet shipping schedules.

In addition to his engineering career, Dave has found great satisfaction in training and surveying. His teaching journey began as a SCUBA instructor, where he discovered the joy of helping people succeed in challenging courses. He later expanded into First Aid and Domestic Commercial Vessel training. Dave takes pride in teaching learners to understand vessels thoroughly, emphasizing that being an engineer is far more than just changing the oil.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys traveling, diving, motorbikes, camping, good food, and visiting his favourite Hobart pubs. He is also a passionate supporter of the Black Dog Institute and actively participates in Variety’s Tas Bash as a medic, official car driver, and fundraiser.

Dave’s vast experience, combined with his dedication to sharing knowledge, makes him an invaluable part of our team and a mentor to all who train with him.