Boat and personal watercraft licences

 

You must have a marine licence to operate a boat that has an engine power greater than 4.5kW.

You don't need to carry your licence with you on the water, but you must have proof of identity with you.

You can verify your licence online.

 

In Queensland, a boat (also known as a Queensland regulated ship) must only be used for recreational activities, or for school, surf lifesaving or community activities—not for business, trade or commerce. To operate a personal watercraft, you must have a recreational marine licence and a personal watercraft licence.

 

If you have a supervisor with a valid marine licence on board, you can operate a boat or personal watercraft without a licence. The licensed supervisor must be able to take immediate control in case of trouble.

 

You can only operate a boat or personal watercraft that is towing a person—for example, someone water skiing or riding a tube—if you have a valid marine licence.

​

General Guide

​

You’re the skipper, you’re responsible! Be a responsible skipper, before you head out on the water follow these simple tips:

• check that your boat is serviced and in a seaworthy condition

• have the required safety equipment on board, not expired and in good condition and easily accessible

• tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return

• have the correct marine licence and know how to handle the boat

• know the navigation rules and follow them

• wear your lifejacket–if it’s not on it can’t save you.

​

Freshwater boating tips

 

• Freshwater does not necessarily mean calm water – have your safety equipment on board and be prepared for any conditions. Always check the weather.

• Freshwater is less buoyant than salt water and the water temperature is usually colder. This increases the risk of cold water shock to the body and reduces the ability to function - so wear a lifejacket.

• If you are using an electric motor on your boat, make sure the battery is fully charged before every trip and have a back-up.

• If you are canoeing and kayaking, travel close to the banks to avoid high traffic area and be aware of wash from larger boats.

• If you are boating, riding your PWC or water- skiing, remember to consider other waterway users and be aware of your speed, wash and freshwater hazards.

• Keep a proper lookout at all times.

• Heavy rain can cause strong currents and bring debris and flotsam to the waterway. Drought can cause a big drop in the water level and expose submerged objects like old fences, sticks, trees, rocks and sandbanks. Slow down when boating close to shore and avoid hitting underwater hazards.

• Rivers can have blind spots at river bends or caused by land, tree and overhanging branch obstructions.

• Don’t go alone and tell someone where you are. Freshwater areas can be remote and miles wide with no quick access to shelter or assistance if you run into trouble.

​

SMOOTH WATERS SAFETY EQUIPMENT

 

As most boats in our area are for boats not requiring registration these are the safety rules for them all others please visit the link at the bottom.

 

All equipment must be in good working order. For EPIRBs, fire fire extinguishers, flares and inflatable life jackets, check the service expiry or replacement date. Make sure yours are current.

• Boats not requiring registration means recreational boats with an engine or auxiliary under 3 kW. Requirements or recommendations listed also apply to international or interstate boats operating in Queensland.

• Boats requiring registration means recreational boats with an engine or auxiliary of 3 kW or more. Requirements or recommendations listed also apply to international or interstate boats operating in Queensland.

• Tenders do not require registration if operated within 2 nautical miles (nm) of the primary boat. Tenders that do not require registration are not required to carry safety equipment other than a light for signalling. Operators should consider equipping a tender with safety equipment appropriate to the location of operation.

• PWC means personal watercraft for example a jet ski.

• Required means equipment that must be carried. Recommended means equipment that is suggested to be carried to meet the General Safety Obligation.​

​

​

Life Jackets

​

Level 275, 150, 100, level 50 or level 50 special purpose recommended 

• One of the appropriate size for each person (12 months and over) on board, except if a person is wearing an inflatable diver jacket and the vessel is engaged in diving activities.

• Children under 12 must wear the lifejacket when underway in an open boat under 4.8m.

• Lifejackets must be worn when crossing designated coastal bars in open boats under 4.8m.

• Skiers or people being towed

+ At least level 50 or level 50 special purpose, or wetsuit with inbuilt flotation approved as level 50 special purpose in smooth waters. + At least level 50 in partially smooth waters and beyond

If the boat has level flotation**, and grab handles, lines or a secure hold for each person onboard, a lifejacket is not required in a river, creek or stream, or waters contained within breakwaters or revetments.

• Lifejackets not required for a registered* tender if used within 1km of the primary boat and tender has a level flotation statement** in the approved form.

​

* Also includes boats/tenders that are required to be registered but are not.

** A level flotation statement in the approved form, is an Australian Builders Plate that indicates the boat has level flotation

​

Signaling device - Required

 

For example a torch, or fluorescent light, or lantern or cyalume stick. Required when operating between sunset and sunrise.

​

Recommended Items

​

​

Anchoring For boats less than 5m, the cable can be chain or rope: one anchor with at least 18m of cable

​

Pumping/bailing equipment: less than 5m: suitable bailing equipment

​

Secondary propulsion« (boats under 6m). Recommended

​

Drinking water Enough for everyone on board for the trip. Recommended

​

​

Personal watercraft  

 

It is compulsory for all PWC riders to hold a personal watercraft licence (PWCL) in addition to a recreational marine driver licence (RMDL). A supervised unlicensed driver is not allowed to carry passengers. A supervising PWCL holder must wear the kill switch safety lanyard when the PWC is being driven by an unlicensed driver. To obtain a PWCL you must be aged 16 years or older and pass an approved BoatSafe course. A valid recreational marine driver licence is a prerequisite for the PWC licence.

​

PWC riders and passengers must wear a lifejacket at all times.

​

Kids and PWCs

It is great fun to involve the whole family in your boating and PWC adventures. A couple of quick points about kids and PWCs. You should:

• operate your PWC only with the child seated behind you, never between you and the handle bars

• only have passengers who can place both feet at the same time firmly in the foot wells of the PWC

• have the correct number of people on board for the number of seats available. It is no longer considered safe to count children under 12 years of age as half a person. Three seats means 3 people – no matter the age.

​

Water skiing

Water skiing involves towing people behind a boat on skis, bare feet, inflatable toys, boards and parasailing. The skipper of the boat or PWC is responsible for the safety of others and must be appropriately licensed. They have a general safety obligation to:

• make sure the boat is capable of towing skiers have the correct safety equipment for skiers and passengers

• operate the boat as safely as possible and check the area is safe for skiing

• have an observer onboard.

 

Observers

You must not drive a boat towing a skier unless there is another person, the observer, on board.

The observer must be 13 years or older and competent to watch the skier at all times.

They must immediately tell the skipper if:

• there is a danger, or potential for danger to the skier

• the skier signals the observer

• the skier has a fall or mishap

• a vessel is approaching from behind.

 

Lifejackets for skiers

When water skiing, the skier must wear a life jacket at all times:

• at least Level 50S (special purpose) or a wetsuit with inbuilt flotation approved as a Level 50S in smooth water limits

• at least Level 50 in partially smooth water limits.

It is compulsory for all children under 12 years, in open boats under 4.8 metres whilst underway, to wear an appropriately fitted life jacket at all times.

​

Canoes, kayaks and surf skis

 

Canoes and kayaks create little or no noise and have a small profile on the water, often making them difficult to see, and they often appear stationary. It is essential to be seen all the time as speedboats and larger boats can create wash capable of capsizing the boat. Travel close to banks to avoid high traffic areas. Where possible travel in a group, keep the group together and adopt a one/all stop attitude. Wear a lifejacket.