MRQ Mackay

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Boaties, the rules have changed – are you lifejacket ready? 🛟 New lifejacket laws are already active across Queensland waters – but from 1 July 2025, they’ll be enforced.

Here's what you need to know 👇
✔️ Kids under 12 must wear a lifejacket when underway – on any size vessel
✔️ Solo boaties on vessels under 4.8m? Lifejacket on
✔️ On the water between sunset and sunrise on a small boat? Lifejacket on
✔️ Crossing a coastal bar on an open boat less than 4.8m? Lifejacket on

These rules apply to a wide range of craft – including sailboats, pedal boats, rafts, sea/surf kayaks and more.

To find out more - sail over to our mates at Maritime Safety Queensland - https://bit.ly/407c8nK ⚓ Lifejackets are essential, but remember, if it’s not on, it can’t save you.

Thank you to Reef Marine for having our team at their boat sale Saturday and Sunday cooking snags all the proceeds from to BBQ and Raffle prize donated by Navigator Seafood will be put to use for our Volunteers at the Base on a few extras that we are not normally supplied with. BIG thank you to our own volunteers MRQ Mackay Who gave up their weekend to help out.

Let’s talk about getting home in one piece, under your own power.

You owe it to yourself, your crew, your family, the operators of other boats and to the rescue crew that may have to come out in all kinds of weather, putting their lives at risk, to not get in
trouble due to negligence.

You need to have a firm grasp of the international rules and regulations for the prevention of collision at sea.

Do you know what that light that’s flashing 3 times just North of Flat Top Island means?

What about the one that’s flashing 6 short and one long between St. Bees and Scawfell?

There’s a dredge operating at the mouth of the harbour, on one side he has 2 balls one above the other, on the other side, 2 diamonds. What’s that all about?

Which side of a channel should you be on?

When 2 boats are approaching each other, who has right of way?

Is it ok to travel at any time of day without a lookout if you’ve got an autopilot?

The International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) publish and regularly update the International Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea.

These rules apply to any boat in international waters or operating on any navigable waters in Australia. Navigable waters include lakes, dams, rivers, reefs, billabongs, estuaries, coastal waters, seas and oceans.

If you ignore them and are involved in an accident, you can be stuck with the cost of cleaning up your mess, repairs to vessels and infrastructure and possible criminal prosecution.
Were someone to die, you could face a long spell at His Majesties pleasure.

Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

If you are short handed and travelling through crowded waters, look up the information about any safe anchorages along your rout.

Cary ground tackle suitable for the size of your boat and the expected depth of the water, allowing for tides and worst case weather conditions.

If you’re under way,
DO NOT.
EVER.
Set your autopilot and not maintain a lookout.