Ship Handling Training & Research Centre
Port Ash provides training in ship handling for Masters, Ship’s Officers and Pilots, using experienced Pilots as instructors.
Port Ash manned ship-model simulator is a purpose built facility. It specialises in the practical aspects of ship handling and the control of ships at low speeds in confined and shallow waters with and without tug assistance.
The Centre utilises manned ship- models to provide practical hands on training on its purpose built 2 Ha (5 acre) port, at Port Ash, located 35 minutes north of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
The Team at Port Ash

Captain Clifford Beazley AM MNI
Managing Director
Cliff commenced his seagoing career in 1959 as Midshipman with Alfred Holt and Company, Blue Funnel Line, UK.
Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he then sailed as 3rd officer with MacAndrews Line, before emigrating from England to Australia in 1964.
Cliff then joined Howard Smith Ltd as third officer, and served for 10 years on tankers and bulk carriers, the last 3 years in command.
In 1973 he joined the Newcastle Pilot service, which at that time was owned by the Maritime Services Board of NSW.
He served for 27 years as a Pilot, the last 8 years as a Check Pilot for the Port of Newcastle.
In 2000, Cliff retired as a Check Pilot from the Newcastle Port Corporation, and then went on to establish Port Ash.
Port Ash commenced operations in 2001, thereby providing manned ship model training in Australia.