factsheet_licensing_reg_safety by Myboatingshop.com

Licensing, registration and safety equipment February 2011

Information on licensing, registration and safety equipment for recreational boats. Licensing In Queensland, a marine driver licence is required to operate a recreational boat which is powered by a motor greater than 4.5 kW (over 6 hp) and you must have a separate licence to operate a personal watercraft.

Where to find a BoatSafe training provider

On the spot fine

A current list of accredited BoatSafe training providers is available on the Maritime Safety Queensland website under the ‘Licensing’ link.

Training and assessment services are provided by accredited BoatSafe training providers in most areas in the state, however, special arrangements exist in some remote locations to meet the needs of bona fide residents.

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Queensland recreational marine driver licences are valid for life. Your licence details are recorded in a central database which is accessible by on-water enforcement officers.

Valid marine licences Valid licences issued by Maritime Safety Queensland to operate a boat include: • recreational marine driver licence • recreational ship master’s licence • speed boat driver’s licence • current commercial marine licence as master – for example, Coxswain.

Valid equivalent marine licences Licences that are issued by other safety authorities within the Australian Government or other entities recognised by Maritime Safety Queensland include: • current boating licences issued in other states (excludes junior licences) • current Small Vessel Operators Certificate (to operate a fishing ship less than 10 metres in length issued by the Queensland Seafood Industry Association).

Obtaining a Queensland recreational marine driver licence To obtain a Queensland recreational marine driver licence you must: • be aged 16 years or older (younger and unlicensed people are encouraged to gain experience in boat operations under the supervision of an appropriately licensed skipper). • demonstrate you are competent to navigate and manage a recreational boat by successfully completing an approved BoatSafe licence training course. You must complete the Medical Fitness Disclosure Statement and present it to the BoatSafe training provider at enrolment for the BoatSafe course. If you are unable to complete the Medical Fitness Disclosure Statement due to concern about your medical fitness, you should contact Maritime Safety Queensland on (07) 3120 7354. For more information or for a copy of the Medical Fitness Disclosure Statement go to the ‘Licensing’ link at www.msq.qld.gov.au. • provide satisfactory evidence of identity – a photographic Queensland driver licence (current or expired less than two years) is acceptable. After you have successfully completed an approved BoatSafe training course, present the statement of competency (a copy will not be accepted), a completed licence application form (available on the Maritime Safety Queensland website) and acceptable evidence of identity at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. Note: A statement of competency is only valid for six months. If you do not present the statement and obtain a licence within this time you will need to complete the training course again. You must be 16 years or older to be issued with a recreational marine driver licence. If completing your BoatSafe course under the age of 16, ensure you take into consideration the 6 month expiry date of the statement of competency before enrolling in the course.

Connecting Queensland www.tmr.qld.gov.au

Recognition of prior learning The process to recognise prior learning caters for those who can provide evidence of other relevant qualifications, training or experience in boat operations. If this relates to your situation please contact an approved BoatSafe training provider for consideration and assessment under the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

Personal watercraft including jet skis All personal watercraft operators must hold a personal watercraft licence (PWCL). Possession of a recreational marine driver licence (RMDL) or valid equivalent marine licence is a prerequisite for personal watercraft licence training, assessment and issue. You can find more information about obtaining a PWCL and operating personal watercraft in the RideSmart brochure, online at www.msq.qld.gov.au, or by contacting your nearest Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.

Your marine licence All new and replacement Queensland car driver’s licences issued since July 2006 have included a recreational marine driver licence indicator (the letters RMDL or PWCL appear). RMDL holders can also request a confirmation report through the Department of Transport and Main Roads website – click on the ‘Services online’ link. There is a fee for this service.

Suspension of licence Maritime Safety Queensland or the courts may cancel or suspend a person’s marine licence for serious marine safety or drink driving breaches.

Unlicensed drivers Unlicensed persons may drive a boat (where a licence is needed) provided a licensed driver is onboard and is able to take immediate control. Unlicensed drivers are not allowed to tow a person (such as a water skier).

New Queensland driver licence cards The Queensland Government is introducing more secure, more durable and more credible licences, authorities and proof of age cards to replace the current laminated cards and marine licence confirmation reports. The new cards use smartcard technology and are extremely hard to tamper with or duplicate. The Department of Transport and Main Roads began transitioning to the new cards in late 2010. When the cards are introduced, a marine licence indicator will be put on the back of your driver licence if you hold one. A blue Marine Licence Indicator Card will be given to applicants who do not hold a vehicle driver licence. Cardholders will transition to the new cards when their existing licence or authority expires. Both laminated cards and the new cards will be recognised licences, authorities and proof of age cards (provided they are current) until the rollout is complete.

Transport and Main Roads

Registration All boats fitted with a motor of 3kW (over 4HP), including yachts fitted with auxiliaries, must be registered when on the water in Queensland.

On the spot fine $

200

Recreational boats 15 metres and over Applications for new registration, transfer of ownership or change of ship particulars for boats 15 metres and over must first be endorsed by Maritime Safety Queensland before they can be processed by a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. Also, all boats 15 metres or more in length now require insurance sufficient to pay for potential pollution clean up, salvage and wreck removal.

insurance for boat owners in a comprehensive policy or as part of a special policy.

Safety equipment As part of your general safety obligation all boat owners and operators are required to make sure the boat is safe, appropriately equipped, crewed and operated in a safe manner. All boats must carry: • an EPIRB when operating beyond smooth and partially smooth waters when more than two nautical miles from land • a signalling device when operating between sunset and sunrise.

Registered boats

Boat identification

All boats requiring registration must carry the regulated safety equipment. Safety equipment which carries a manufacturer’s expiry date, such as flares, EPIRBs and inflatable life jackets, must be serviced by the manufacturer (or authorised service agent) by the expiry date or replaced before the nominated expiry date.

All registered boats must display the allotted registration symbols. All symbols must be clearly visible in plain characters, be legible from at least 30 metres, and be either light on dark background or dark on light background. Size of the symbols depends on the boat:

Additional safety equipment recommended in the safety standard should also be carried to satisfy the general safety obligation. The standard allows boat owners and operators to choose the equipment best suited for the type of boat and intended voyage.

More information on registering and insuring boats 15 metres or over can be found on the Maritime Safety Queensland website.

• boats not capable of planing – 75mm minimum character size on both sides or on the stern • personal watercraft – at least 100mm high, displayed on both sides and easily seen while the craft is underway • boats capable of planing – 200mm high minimum character size on both sides. The registration label must be attached to the exterior of the boat in a conspicuous place above the waterline on the port (left) side.

Non-registrable boats Non-powered craft and boats not requiring registration are not required to carry the regulated safety equipment, although they are strongly encouraged to do so. They must, however, carry a signalling device and an EPIRB when operating in certain areas.

If the boat’s registration number is displayed on the stern, then the label must be displayed on the stern. If the boat’s registration number is displayed on the sides then the label must be affixed to the port side near the registration numbers.

It is recommended that non-registrable boats carry the equipment in the safety equipment table. For example, a boat powered by a 3hp motor operating near a river mouth is not required to carry an anchor – it is only recommended. However, if the boat was swept out to the river bar and capsized, it could be found that person failed to meet their general safety obligation because they did not carry an anchor to prevent such an accident, given the obvious risks.

Transfer or cancellation of registration

Compulsory wearing of life jackets

It is the responsibility of the boat owner to notify the Department of Transport and Main Roads of the cancellation, transfer of registration or any significant change of machinery (for example, a more powerful motor) on their boat. When a registered boat is sold, it is the responsibility of the new owner to lodge an application for transfer of the registration within 14 days. The registration of a boat may be cancelled if the boat is no longer used in Queensland, is being withdrawn from service or no longer meets registration requirements.

Tenders Tenders to registered recreational boats are exempt from registration providing they are used within two nautical miles of the mother boat. All tenders should be adequately equipped to satisfy the general safety obligation. Tender owners and operators need to be aware that regulation also specifies the safety equipment to be carried in certain circumstances. The tender must be marked with the word ‘tender’ and the mother boat registration numbers, at least 75mm high, on the exterior of the tender, or if this is not possible, marked on the inside of the boat in the largest characters practicable. On the The tender may be marked with the owner’s name or spot fine business name if it is used for more than one of the $ owner’s boats.

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Note: Boat registration does not include third party liability. Reputable insurers offer third party liability

Connecting Queensland www.tmr.qld.gov.au

When out on the water in open boats under 4.8 metres in length it is compulsory for: • children under 12 to wear an appropriately fitted life jacket when the boat is underway (not anchored or made fast to shore or aground) • all persons to wear an appropriately fitted life jacket while crossing designated coastal bars (see chartlet below). For more information on the compulsory wearing of life jackets, contact your local Maritime Safety Queensland regional office or visit our website at www.msq.qld.gov.au.

Water limits The table shows that the safety equipment a boat is required to carry depends on the area of operation. Smooth waters – includes rivers, creeks, streams and lakes, waters within breakwaters or revetments and within half a nautical mile from land within partially smooth limits and other waters specified in legislation. Partially smooth waters – partially smooth waters specified by Maritime Safety Queensland in legislation. Beyond smooth and partially smooth waters – are areas beyond these limits. Maps outlining smooth waters, and above partially smooth waters in Queensland can be accessed from a Maritime Safety Queensland regional office, the Maritime Safety Queensland website, the Queensland Tide Tables annual publication, the Beacon to Beacon Directory, boating safety charts or the BoatSafe Workbook.

EPIRBs All boats operating beyond smooth and partially smooth waters must carry a 406 MHz digital EPIRB if more than two nautical miles from land. You must register your 406 MHz beacon with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). You must also advise AMSA of any change of ownership and boat details. Registration is free and can result in a more efficient search and rescue effort. Battery World, in an agreement with AMSA is providing a collection service of the redundant 121.5 MHz EPIRBs at no cost. By dropping your old EPIRB into a Battery World store you can be certain that the unit is decomissioned correctly and the harmful components recycled to reduce their environmental impact.

Navigation lights Boats and PWC operating from sunset to sunrise must carry and use navigation lights. Navigation lights must also be displayed during daylight hours in periods of restricted visibility. For more information on the correct navigation lights for your boat refer to the Collision Rules brochure, the Maritime Safety Queensland website, the Queensland Tide Tables annual publication or the BoatSafe Workbook.

Capacity labels A capacity label displays the maximum number of people that can safely travel in a boat, and must be permanently displayed and clearly visible on powered recreational boats near each steering position. A capacity label is not required for recreational sailing ships, whether powered or not. Capacity labels are not required if your boat has either a manufacturer’s plate or an Australian Builder’s Plate, but only if these are clearly visible from each steering position on the boat. You should still consider placing a capacity label on your boat as it provides a more visible reminder of the boat’s safe passenger carrying capacity. Capacity labels are available from Maritime Safety Queensland regional offices, Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres and through the Maritime Safety Queensland website.

Connecting Queensland www.tmr.qld.gov.au

Safety equipment for recreational boats and personal watercraft (PWC) All equipment must be in good working order, and not past the expiry date for replacement or service (EPIRB, fire extinguisher, flares and inflatable life jackets). • Non-registrable boat means recreational boats with an engine or auxiliary of under 3kW (4hp). Requirements or recommendations listed also apply to international or interstate boats operating in Queensland. • Registrable boat means recreational boats with an engine or auxiliary of 3kW or more (over 4hp). Requirements or recommendations listed also apply to international or interstate boats operating in Queensland. • Tenders do not require registration if operated within 2 nm of the primary boat. Tenders that are not registrable 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. Item

Smooth water nonregistrable boat

EPIRB (406 MHz) Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. When operating more than 2nm from land. Must be registered with AMSA. Registration must be renewed every two years.

Partially smooth waters

registrable boat

PWC

nonregistrable boat

Beyond smooth and partially smooth waters

registrable boat

PWC

nonregistrable boat

registrable boat

PWC

required

EPIRBs must have a printed expiry date and be replaced or serviced by the manufacturer (or authorised service agent) by this date; must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZ 4280.1:2003; and must be registered in the name of the owner/master with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

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

required

PFDs /life jackets • One of the appropriate size for each person (12 months and over) onboard, except if a person is wearing an inflatable diver jacket and the vessel is engaged in diving activities. • Children under 12 must wear the PFD when underway in an open boat under 4.8m. • Skiers or people being towed - PFD type 2, 3 or wetsuit with inbuilt flotation approved as PFD type 3 in smooth waters - PFD type 2 in partially smooth waters

PFD type 1, 2 or 3 recommended

PFD type 1, 2 or 3 required

PFD type 2 or 3 required

PFD type 1 or 2 recommended

PFD type 1 or 2 required

PFD type 2 required

PFD type 1 recommended

PFD type 1 required

PFD type 2 required

• Except in a river, creek or stream, or waters contained within breakwaters or revetments if the boat has positive flotation*, and grab handles, lines or a secure hold for each person onboard. • PFD not required for a tender to a recreational boat if used within 1km of the primary boat and tender has a positive flotation statement * in the approved form

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

• PFD not required for a tender to a recreational boat if used within 1km of the primary boat and tender has a positive flotation statement * in the approved form

• PFD not required for a tender to a recreational boat if used within 500m of the primary boat and tender has a positive flotation statement * in the approved form

* A positive flotation statement is a certificate, in the approved form, from a manufacturer or an accredited marine surveyor. It is not required to be carried on board, but an enforcement agency may ask the owner to provide proof of its existence. V sheet

recommended

required

recommended

required

Flares two red hand flares and two orange smoke flares.

recommended

required

recommended

required

recommended

required

recommended

required

Fire fighting equipment all boats over 5m. Must be capable of extinguishing a fire quickly and effectively.

recommended

required

RideSmart sticker must be visible from steering position.

required

Capacity label except sailing ships. Must be visible from all steering positions.

required

Capacity label can be either an Australian Builders Plate or a label issued by Maritime Safety Queensland. Not required for international or interstate boats operating in Queensland. Navigation Navigation chart and a liquid damped compass appropriate to the operational area, or other directional finding or positioning equipment. Anchoring For boats less than 5m, the cable can be chain or rope. For boats over 5m, the cable can be chain of at least 2m attached to anchor and rope. Length of chain/rope should be appropriate for the depth of water you are anchoring in. Pumping/bailing equipment

recommended

• under 5m, one anchor with 18m cable • 5-8m, one anchor with 27m cable • over 8m, two anchors with 37m cable each

recommended

• under 5m: suitable bailing equipment • 5-8m: bilge pump 45L/ minute capacity • over 8m: bilge pump 70L/minute capacity

recommended

• under 5m, one anchor with 27m cable • 5-8m, one anchor with 27m cable • over 8m, two anchors with 37m cable each

recommended

• under 5m: suitable bailing equipment • 5-8m: bilge pump 45L/minute capacity • over 8m: bilge pump 70L/minute capacity

recommended

• under 5m, one anchor with 27m cable • 5-8m, one anchor with 27m cable • over 8m, two anchors with 37m cable each

recommended

• under 5m: suitable bailing equipment • 5-8m: bilge pump 45L/minute capacity • over 8m: bilge pump 70L/minute capacity

Manual propulsion oars or paddles (boats under 6m)

recommended

Drinking water enough for everyone onboard for the trip

recommended

Connecting Queensland www.tmr.qld.gov.au