Thirty-two officers and sailors literally hit the road last month to present certificates to the winners of the inaugural RAN's Diverse Media High School Competition.

They also wanted to say thanks to students who took part, to the teachers who helped and those who judged the entries.

Representing the Centenary of Federation Committee, the 40 men and women went as far afield as Forster in the north, Wagga in the south-west and Bombala in the south.

Hundreds of schools in both NSW and the ACT took part in the competition.

Students attending independent, Government and Catholic high schools were invited to form themselves into teams of four.

Using any media, ie text, art, photography, even dance, the students were invited to research and then present the RAN of the past, the present and the future.

The entries were judged within the individual schools and then on a district basis.

Hundreds of excellent entries were received.

The prize for the winning students was a day at sea on an RAN or visiting warship with at least one night spent on board.

A total of 210 winning students took part in the Youth Sea Day.

The students buddied with more than 200 Australian Naval Cadets for the seagoing experience.