Qld safety campaign targets festive boating season

A Maritime Safety campaign is now under way to improve boating behaviour and safety on Queensland’s open waters.

A capsized boat off Eshelby Island in the Whitsundays. Picture: VMR Whitsundays

A maritime safety blitz is now under way on Queensland waters and runs until late January.

The campaign was announced by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) General Manager Kell Dillon in reaction to recent criticism of boating safety laws by Burdekin MP Dale Last.

“Enforcement officers from MSQ and partner agencies will conduct an intensive boating safety compliance campaign from December 10 through to the Australia Day public holiday,” Mr Dillon said.

“This campaign will focus particularly on ensuring boaties are properly planning their trips and complying with lifejacket requirements.”

He said the MSQ’s efforts were focused on raising boaties’ awareness of the ‘fatal five’ boating factors: a failure to keep a proper lookout; a failure to carry and use safety equipment (particularly life jackets); speeding; alcohol and drugs use; and poor planning.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay and RACQ CQ Rescue crews get together about once a month for marine rescue training. Picture: Contributed

Mr Dillon said his service had already taken delivery of four new high-speed vessels while watercraft-mounted Maritime Enforcement Team will target waterways with compliance problems.

In reaction to criticism of boating safety standards by Burdekin MP Dale Last, Mr Dillon pointed out that anyone wanting a recreational marine driver‘s licence (RMDL) must complete Queensland BoatSafe training.

Volunteer Marine Rescue units have been experiencing record demand for help, especially in the Whitsundays.

This training involves online or face-to-face theory training, a 50-question multiple choice theory assessment with 100 per cent pass requirement, a practical driving component and assessment.

BoatSafe trainers were also audited and their numbers had reduced, Mr Dillon said.

“We have conducted 131 “in person” audits over the past two years,” he said.

“Since December 2020, the number of BoatSafe authority holders has reduced from 240 to 105.”