2016-2017 Edition Boating &Fishing Recreational Queensland Guide www.gbrmpa.gov.au 2016-0028 Water sports...... 48 Contents Water skiing ...... 48
Key contacts...... 2 Water skiing safety tips...... 49 Fisheries Queensland...... 2 Sail boats and sail boards ...... 50 Maritime Safety Queensland...... 3 Rowing...... 50 Queensland Water Police...... 3 Canoes, kayaks and surf skis...... 50 National parks, marine parks, fish habitat areas Kitesurfing...... 50 and wildlife...... 3 Boating offshore...... 50
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority...... 3 Bar crossings...... 51 Boating in Queensland Bar crossing rules (under 4.8m)...... 51
Changes to the marine safety laws...... 8 Bar crossings can be dangerous ...... 51 General safety obligation...... 8 Boating on freshwater...... 51 Australian Builders Plate ...... 8 Carbon monoxide hazard...... 52
Registering a boat...... 10 Pollution...... 52 Marine driver licence...... 12 Fuels, oils and chemicals...... 52 BoatSafe – How to obtain a licence...... 12 Sewage...... 53 Alcohol and drugs...... 12 Marine Parks in Queensland Marine incidents...... 12 Marine Parks Zoning...... 54 Speed limits ...... 13 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning...... 55 Safety equipment...... 14 Know your zones in Moreton Bay Marine Park...... 57 Life jackets...... 14 Great Sandy Marine Park...... 60 Life jacket checklist...... 16 Fishing in Queensland ...... Distress flares 16 Recreational fishing rules for Queensland...... 61 ...... EPIRBs 18 Recreational fishing in Queensland waters...... 61 ...... Fire fighting equipment 19 Size and possession limits...... 61 ...... Navigation equipment 19 Measuring fish...... 61 ...... Other equipment 19 Catch and release...... 62 Marine radio ...... 20 Compliance...... 64 Licences and certificates...... 20 Miscellaneous prohibitions...... 65 Mobile phones...... 20 Fishing ethics ...... 65
Coastal distress marine radio network...... 20 Fresh waters...... 66 Safety equipment for recreational boats and No take species...... 66 personal watercraft...... 22 Freshwater fishing gear ...... 66 Water limits...... 27 Bait...... 68 Safe operation ...... 34 Freshwater closed seasons...... 68 Navigating checklist...... 34 Freshwater closed waters...... 69 How to avoid marine incidents...... 34 Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS)...... 70 Collision rules...... 36 Noxious fish...... 71 Channels...... 36 Non-indigenous fish ...... 71
Giving way...... 36 Tidal waters...... 72 Overtaking...... 38 No take species...... 72 Sailing boats...... 39 Tidal fishing gear...... 72 Sound signals...... 39 Spearfishing, spear guns and underwater breathing Navigation lights...... 40 apparatus ...... 73 Minimum required lights...... 40 Skin and fillet removal...... 74 IALA buoyage system...... 42 Tidal waters closed seasons...... 75 Ship navigation area tips...... 45 Tidal waters closed waters...... 75 Navigating with a Global Positioning System (GPS). . . . . 45 Crabbing ...... 77
Boating weather ...... 46 Marine plants...... 79 Extreme weather events and cyclones...... 46 Size and possession limits - Tidal waters ...... 82
Personal watercraft...... 46 Size and possession limits - Fresh waters...... 91 Personal watercraft registration...... 47 Pre-trip item checklist...... 96
This handbook should only be used as a guide, and the legislation is determinant. You should review the law if you have any doubts. The information in this edition is current at the time of printing.
1 Key contacts Published by: Fisheries Queensland Customer Service Centre ...... 13. 25 23 Email: callweb@daf .qld .gov .au Website: www .fisheries .qld .gov .au Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol Formerly Inflight Publishing Pty. Ltd. Publisher: Patrick McElligott Report suspected illegal fishing to the Fishwatch Hotline: 1800 017 116 PO Box 670, Stones Corner, QLD 4120 Shark Safety Hotline: 1800 806 891 Telephone: (07) 3891 7793 Whale Hotline: 1800 806 891 Facsimile: (07) 3891 7702 Warwick Email: [email protected] 604 Yangan Road, Warwick www .ttmediagroup com. au. (07) 4660 3666 or 13 25 23 Gold Coast 40-44 Sea World Drive, Main Beach (07) 5635 6900 or 13 25 23 Redland Bay 26-40 Delancey Street, Cleveland (07) 3825 0445 or 13 25 23 Brisbane (Pinkenba) Marine Operations Base, McArthur Avenue East, Pinkenba (07) 3330 4210 or 13 25 23 Mooloolaba 18-20 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba Editorial Coordination: (07) 5444 4599 or 13 25 23 Fisheries Queensland Noosa GPO Box 46, Brisbane 4001 2 Russell Street, Noosaville Customer Service Centre phone: 13 25 23 (07) 5449 7555 or 13 25 23 Email: [email protected] Kingaroy Website: www .fisheries qld. .gov .au 214 Goodger Road, Kingaroy (07) 4160 0700 or 13 25 23 Hervey Bay (services Gladstone) Buccaneer Avenue, Urangan (07) 4125 3989 or 13 25 23 © The State of Queensland (Department of Bundaberg Agriculture and Fisheries) 2016 Enterprise Street, Bundaberg (07) 4131 2365 or 13 25 23 http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/2.5/au You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the Yeppoon work, as long as you attribute the authors. John Howes Drive, Rosslyn Bay (07) 4933 6404 or 13 25 23
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) advises Mackay that the summarised information in this guide should not be relied 30 Tennyson Street, Mackay on as a complete or accurate representation of the legislative (07) 4967 0724 or 13 25 23 requirements. Users may access copies of the Fisheries Act 1994 Airlie Beach and other fisheries legislation via the internet at www.legislation.qld. Combined Marine Operations Base, gov.au and should seek their own legal advice. DAF disclaims all Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach liability for all claims, loss, damages, cost or expense of whatever (07) 4946 7003 or 13 25 23 nature, howsoever occurring as a result of reliance upon the information contained in this guide. Townsville 9-15 Langton Street, Garbut (07) 3330 4536 or 13 25 23 2 Ingham Karumba* 7 Haig Street, Ingham Lot 75, Yappar Street, Karumba 4891 (07) 4776 1611 or 13 25 23 (07) 4745 9281 A/H 1300 551 899 Cairns Thursday Island* 38-40 Tingira Street, Portsmith, Cairns Hastings Street, Thursday Island 4875 (07) 4035 0700 or 13 25 23 (07) 4069 1351 A/H 1300 551 899 Port Douglas # Office is closed on Mondays 9 Ashford Avenue, Port Douglas (07) 4099 5160 or 13 25 23 * Telephone enquiries only. Karumba 8 Palmer Street, The Point, Karumba Queensland Water Police (07) 4745 9142 or 13 25 23 Gold Coast ...... (07) 5509 5700 Weipa Brisbane ...... (07) 3895 0333 Kerr Point, Evans landing, Weipa Redland Bay ...... (07) 3829 4129 (07) 4069 8114 or 13 25 23 Sunshine Coast ...... (07) 5457 6711 Maritime Safety Queensland Hervey Bay ...... (07) 4125 3900 Gold Coast Gladstone ...... (07) 4971 3222 40–44 Sea World Drive, Main Beach 4217 Yeppoon ...... (07) 4933 7990 (07) 5585 1810 A/H (07) 5539 7373 Whitsunday ...... (07) 4967 7222 Brisbane Townsville ...... (07) 4759 9777 MacArthur Avenue East, Pinkenba 4008 Cairns ...... (07) 4057 3577 (07) 3632 7500 A/H (07) 3305 1700 Thursday Island ...... (07) 4069 1520 Sunshine Coast# Parkyn Parade (Old Pilot Station), The Water Police are responsible for crime Mooloolaba 4557 (07) 5373 2310 A/H (07) 3305 1700 prevention on the water and facilitate search and rescue activities in conjunction with the Gladstone Australian Maritime Safety Authority . Level 7, 21 Yarroon Street, Gladstone 4680 (07) 4971 5200 A/H (07) 4971 5200 Please note: All noise complaints must be directed to your local government. Bundaberg Floor 2, 46 Quay Street, Bundaberg 4670 For marine emergencies including search and rescue (07) 4132 6600 A/H (07) 4971 5200 telephone 000 . Hervey Bay Buccaneer Avenue, Hervey Bay 4655 National parks, marine parks, fish (07) 4194 9600 A/H (07) 4971 5200 habitat areas and wildlife Mackay Ph. 13 QGOV (13 74 68) Floor 3, 44 Nelson Street, Mackay 4740 www.npsr.qld.gov.au (07) 4944 3700 A/H (07) 4956 3489 Report marine strandings on Airlie Beach 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). 384 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach 4802 (07) 4841 4500 A/H (07) 4956 3489 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Townsville 60 Ross Street, South Townsville 4810 Authority (07) 4421 8100 A/H 1300 721 263 Townsville head office Cairns 2–68 Flinders Street, Townsville 4810 100–106 Tingira Street, Portsmith 4870 (07) 4750 0700 (07) 4052 7400 A/H 1300 551 899 www.gbrmpa.gov.au Weipa* 1 Iraci Avenue, Weipa 4874 Report marine park offences: (07) 4069 7165 A/H 1300 551 899 1800 341 211 (24 hr) 3 ONLINE BOAT-JETSKI LICENSES 1. LOG ONTO www.boatlicence.net.au CLICK THE LINK AND COMPLETE 2. BOOK A PRACTICAL 3. PRESENT YOUR PAPERWORK TO QLD TRANSPORT www.boatlicence.net.au
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You’re the skipper, you’re responsible! Boating in Queensland Be a responsible skipper, before you head out on the water follow these simple tips: Changes to the marine Check that your boat is in good condition Have the required safety equipment on safety laws board, in good condition and easily Queensland marine safety laws have changed accessible on 01 September 2016. Most boat owners and Tell someone where you are going and skippers will see little or no changes to existing when you intend to return rules . Recreational ships will continue to operate as they currently do, with only a few changes Have the right marine licence and know how affecting vessel owners and operators. to handle the boat Know how to use your marine radio General changes for Queensland regulated Check the weather before you go out ships Know the rules of the sea-road and follow them • In line with national changes, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) EPIRB Lifejacket – wear it! If it’s not on it can’t save registration label will no longer need to be you . attached to the EPIRB . The EPIRB will still need to be registered with AMSA. Australian Builders Plate • A Ride Smart sticker will no longer need to be The Australian displayed on a personal watercraft (PWC). Builders Plate (ABP) is required for • A Capacity Label will no longer be required to new and imported be displayed on a PWC or a Ship. recreational boats • Personal flotation devices (PFDs) will now built from 1 July be referred to as ‘Lifejackets’ for national 2006 . consistency . The Australian • The registration application form will change Builders Plate (ABP) is to include the registration of both recreational required for new and ships and other Queensland regulated ships imported recreational with the application process only differing for boats built from 1 July ‘prescribed other Queensland regulated ships’. 2006 . • You can now check the registration status of a It provides essential ship, the ship’s purpose of use and other safety information details such as the description of the ship about a vessels online . operational capability in a standard format. Vessel owners who are upsizing motors on General rules and recreational boats and/or altering the performance by design may not be meeting their requirements general safety obligation if the engine power is General safety obligation greater than the manufacturer’s The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act recommendation on the ABP . 1994 imposes a safety obligation on all vessel Don’t go overboard! owners and operators (skippers and PWC riders) Overloading your boat is one of the easiest ways to operate vessels safely at all times . to capsize it and compromises the safety of everyone on board. By allowing more people on You’re responsible for making sure the vessel board a boat than its maximum capacity, the risk is safe, properly equipped and maintained of capsizing significantly increases. and operated in a safe manner . Placing an ABP or capacity label adjacent to a This includes loading within the vessel limits, boat’s steering position means skippers are people, cargo and stores, and making sure constantly reminded of their boat’s the vessel is adequate for the waters you recommended loading capacity in good intend to use it . conditions (fair weather conditions in smooth waters). 8 STAY ON THE WATER FOR LONGER
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The onus of safety rests with the skipper at all A second hand boat times. When using the boat in exposed waters or Because the boat is older and may have been in rough conditions, the skipper should consider modified by previous owners, be sure to check reducing the number of persons taken on the that: trip . All skippers must comply with the ABP . • it can safely go where you want to go, take who Responsible skippers check the maximum you want to take and do what you want to do . number of people and weight load of a boat, as • Lifejackets meet the current standard well as the maximum engine weight and power. • Flares or EPIRB are in date; Know how to safely load your boat by: • If tiller steered, a safety lanyard is attached to • storing heavy items low and central in a place the cut-off switch for the motor . where they cannot move around Buy with confidence. Consider getting a person • distributing the weight, including passengers, with marine experience like a boat surveyor or evenly around the boat builder to inspect the boat and give you a non- • compensating for the weight of extra fuel. biased report. You and your boat For more information about choosing the safe boat (old or new) visit A new boat www .qld .gov .au/transport/boating . All new boats must have an Australian Builders Plate affixed. If not check with the dealer before Boat owner responsibility purchasing. Boat owners are responsible for their boat from If safety equipment has been supplied, double purchase to disposal. As a boat owner you are check the safety equipment table (page 22) to responsible for ensuring your vessel remains ensure you have all the required equipment. Lifejackets are vital items – consider if you need seaworthy, is not a hazard to navigation, and is not to upgrade to better quality or inflatable lifejackets a marine pollution risk . Don’t allow your vessel to which can be worn with comfort all of the time. become derelict. If the boat is fitted with an under floor fuel tank, Insurance for vessels over 15 m ensure a water trap fuel filter has been fitted. It will help ensure that fuel does not become Legislation requires all ships over 15 metres contaminated resulting in engine problems while (for example 15.01 metres) in length to have out boating. insurance sufficient to pay for potential pollution clean-up, salvage and wreck removal.
Registering a boat All boats fitted with a motor or auxiliary of 3kW or more require registration when on the water in Queensland . Registration forms must be lodged with a THEDepartment LURE SHOP of Transport 15 and Main VHP Roads [NEW] customer service centre . Fees are calculated CATEGORY:according to the boat length (exemptions and FISHINGconcessions do apply in some cases).
• Local advice, charter bookings • Bait, ice, tackle & boating supplies • VHF and UHF radios and acc. • Marine and land electronics • Batteries – boat, 4WD, deep cycle • Chandlery and trailer parts • Spearfi shing and snorkelling • First Aid supplies• Firearm and ammo dealer • Pigging and archery supplies • Ice boxes, tarps, swags, etc Phone: 4069 5396 • Fax: 4069 6677 • Mobile: 0427 623 398 Email: fi [email protected] Web: www.thelureshop.net.au• Local advice, www.facebook.com/thelureshop charter bookings • Bait, ice, tackle & boating supplies 10 • VHF and UHF radios and acc. • Marine and land electronics • Batteries – boat, 4WD, deep cycle • Chandlery and trailer parts • Spearfishing and snorkelling • First Aid supplies • Firearm and ammo dealer • Pigging and archery supplies • Ice boxes, tarps, swags, etc OpEN 7 DAYS Phone: 4069 5396 • Fax: 4069 6677 Mobile: 0427 623 398 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thelureshop.net.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelureshop
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• Vessels not capable of planing, (for example canoes with motors, yachts) must have symbols a minimum of 75mm high on both sides or on the stern . 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. Registration may be cancelled if the boat is no longer used in Queensland, is withdrawn from service or no longer meets registration requirements. Third party insurance is not included in the cost of registering your vessel. Independent advice The registration label must be attached to the should be sought about insurance as required. exterior of the boat in a conspicuous place above For more information about boat registrations visit the waterline on the port (left) side. www .qld .gov .au/transport/boating . Your boat will be allocated registration symbols. These must be clearly visible in plain characters Tenders in a contrasting colour to the hull of the boat. The Tenders are exempt from registration provided size of the symbols depends on the type of boat they are used within two nautical miles of the and must be able to be read from a distance of primary boat. The tender must be marked with 30 metres . the word ‘tender’ as well as the primary boat’s registration symbols (at least 75mm high) on the • Vessels capable of planing must have symbols exterior of the tender. If this is not possible, they a minimum of 150mm high on both sides. must be marked on the inside of the boat in the • Personal watercraft (PWC) registration symbols largest characters possible. The tender may be must be displayed on both sides at least 100mm marked with the owner’s name, if it is used for high, easily seen while the craft is underway. more than one of the owner’s boats.
11 Boating in Queensland
Marine driver licence Are your boating skills up to date? The average marine licence holder has their A valid licence is required to operate all licence for 10 years before they register a boat. recreational boats powered by a motor of more Inexperienced or out-of-practice skippers are a than 4 .5kW in Queensland . major cause or marine incidents . Practice makes Unlicensed drivers may drive a boat (where a perfect. You can refresh your boating skills at any time by re-doing your BoatSafe course. licence is needed) provided a licensed driver is on board and is able to take immediate control. For more information about boat registrations visit www .qld gov. .au/transport/boating . Unlicensed drivers are not allowed to tow a person (such as a water skier). To obtain a recreational marine driver licence Alcohol & Drugs you must be aged 16 years or older and pass an The skipper of a recreational boat must have a blood alcohol limit of less than .05 . Skippers approved BoatSafe course or have a recognised should be aware that the limit is still .05 when and valid interstate or overseas marine licence . your boat is at anchor, unless the boat is securely Marine licence forms must be lodged with moored in a marina, to a jetty or wharf or on a a Department of Transport and Main Roads swing mooring. customer service centre . You will receive a Police can ask you to provide a saliva sample to printed receipted showing you have a marine detect the presence of drugs. There is a zero licence . If you have a valid Queensland Driver’s tolerance for boating under the influence of drugs. licence, a new licence will be sent to you in the mail with your marine licence/s printed on the The skipper is also responsible for the safety of passengers and their alcohol consumption. back. If not, you will be sent a marine licence People on board need to take care because indicator card . studies have shown that boat passengers are just as likely as skippers to be involved in incidents such as capsizing the vessel or falling overboard as a result of drinking alcohol. Remember that the effects of alcohol are increased while on the water due to the sun, wind, and constant motion. Reflexes and BoatSafe is a competency-based scheme to response times to emergencies are slowed and ensure marine licence applicants meet the swimming ability deteriorates considerably. minimum level of skills and knowledge before Alcohol and drugs affect your coordination, obtaining a licence. When you enrol in a judgement, vision, balance and reaction time – BoatSafe course, you must complete a Medical increasing your risk of having a marine incident. Fitness Disclosure Statement and give it to the BoatSafe trainer . Don’t multiply the risks – think before you drink For a list of BoatSafe training providers in your Marine incidents local area visit www .qld .gov .au/transport/ boating . All marine incidents must be reported to a shipping inspector on the approved form within Queensland recognises other states’ marine 48 hours. Shipping inspectors and forms are licences . If your home state does not have any available at Maritime Safety Queensland, licensing requirements, you should obtain a Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol and marine licence before boating in Queensland. Queensland Water Police offices.
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12 Boating in Queensland
Reportable incidents include: • boats anchored, moored to the shore or aground • The loss of a person from a boat • jetty, wharf, pontoon or boat ramp • The death of, grievous bodily harm to, and injuries to a person caused by a boat’s • people in the water operations • The loss or abandonment of a boat 30 metres • A collision with a boat • The stranding of a boat • Material damage to a boat • Material damage caused by a boat’s operations • Danger to a person caused by a boat’s operations • Danger of serious damage to a boat • Danger of serious damage to a structure 30 metres 30 metres caused by a boat’s operations. If in doubt about whether an incident is reportable — report it . Why reporting is important The reporting of marine incidents is vital to the 30 metres development of safety standards, education and on-water compliance programs that will benefit all waterways users . Except PWC’s which must not operate at more Reporting a marine incident may also help you than 6 knots within 60 meters of people in the if you decide to make insurance claims on any water. See page 46 for all PWC rules. damage. Some insurance companies may require a marine incident report to validate claims .
Speed limits Speed limits may apply . For safety reasons, it may be necessary to reduce your speed, stay below these limits and operate for the conditions . See page 36 for information on Ask your marine supplier for Aurora Inshore Distress Signal Kits safe speed . Distress Flares A 6 knot speed Parachute Rockets Line Throwers | Manoverboard limit applies Life Smoke | Survivor to all boat Location Lights | Seamark Dye Safety Grab Bags | Poly Bottles harbours, Bird Scare Line | Cyalume Lightsticks marinas and Life Jacket and Life Buoy Lights canals in Waterproof Matches Queensland . Drew Marine Signal & Safety Australia Distance off Ph (03) 9650 1488 │ Fax (03) 9639 8811│[email protected] A speed limit of 6 knots within 30 metres of: www.aurora-marine.com
13 Boating in Queensland
Wash Lifejackets must display information about Wash can create serious safety hazards for other which Australian Standard (AS) applies. The boats, especially in marinas and anchorages current standard is AS 4758 (AS 4758), which where there is an expectation of calm conditions . has replaced AS 1512–1996, AS 1499–1996 Wash can also create damage to: and AS 2260–1996 . Lifejackets that meet these previous standards are still acceptable for use if • Pontoons they are in good condition. • Jetties • Vessels moored to these structures Level 100 - open waters • Vessels in shallow water or anchored on a foreshore • Shorelines and river banks. Even at slow speeds your boat will create wash. Responsible skippers look behind and ensure your wash is kept to a minimum . Be aware of the impact wash can have on other waterway users .
Unlawful operations A person who is the owner or master of a ship • AS 4758 compliant lifejackets will be marked must not operate the ship within 30 metres of a ‘Level 100’, ‘Level 150’ or ‘Level 275’. diver in the water if a code. A flag is displayed in • AS 1512–1996 compliant lifejackets will be the vicinity of the diver . marked ‘PFD type 1’. • will keep you face up in a floating position in Safety equipment calm water Having the right safety equipment on board and • Can be used in smooth, partially smooth and knowing how to use it is essential – it will save open waters your life in an emergency. • Not for use by personal watercraft (PWC) riders, What you are required to carry depends on skiers or people being towed. the size of your boat, whether it needs to be registered and where you’re operating. Level 50 - partially smooth waters Page 22 provides a list of the minimum safety equipment to be carried on all recreational boats and PWCs .
Be prepared for the unexpected! Recommended safety equipment is optional but responsible skippers should be consider carrying the equipment at all times– particularly by unregistered boats. Safety equipment includes parts that can deteriorate over time . This lowers their usefulness or makes them unusable. You must check your safety equipment regularly to ensure it’s in good condition. Some items will need to be replaced • AS 4758 compliant lifejackets will be marked or serviced by the expiry date or according to the ‘Level 50’. manufacturer’s recommendations . • AS 1499-1996 compliant lifejackets will be marked with ‘PFD type 2’. Lifejackets • may not rotate you to float face up, but will Lifejackets are a vital piece of safety equipment. return you to the surface . Think of them like your seatbelt on the water. • Can be used in smooth or partially smooth All lifejackets are designed for different purposes, waters . wearer ages, sizes and weights. So choosing the • Can be used by PWC riders beyond smooth and right life jacket is important. partially smooth waters . 14 Boating in Queensland
Level 50 Special purpose (50S) - smooth waters
• AS 4758 compliant lifejackets will be marked ‘Level 50 special purpose’. • AS 2260-1996 compliant lifejackets will be marked with ‘PFD type 3’. • May be a wet suit with built in buoyancy • Must follow the manufacturer’s serving periods • may not rotate you to float face up, but will and instructions return you to the surface • Can be used in the waters allowed by its • Not suitable for use beyond smooth waters. buoyancy level.
Inflatable lifejackets Coastal and SOLAS • Not recommended for use when waterskiing, • Not recommended for use when waterskiing, tubing or riding a PWC tubing or riding a PWC • Must be gas inflated (must not rely solely on • Designed to keep the body afloat for long oral inflation) periods
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15 Boating in Queensland
• These lifejackets have more flotation than a Distress signals, flares & EPIRBs Level 100 lifejacket and have reflective tape If you are in an emergency on the water and and a whistle to attract attention need help you can use distress signals, flares and EPIRBs to show you are in distress and need • Can be used in all waters. assistance . Signalling devices are Compulsory wearing of life jackets compulsory for all boats It is compulsory to wear a life jacket: operating between sunset and sunrise . A torch, • when crossing a designated coastal bar* in an fluorescent light, lantern open boat that is less than 4.8 m in length. or cyalume stick are all suitable as long as they • if you are under the age of 12 (from 12 months generate enough light to be seen by other boats and up to, but not including, 12 years of age) in and prevent a collision and attract attention . an open boat that is less than 4.8 m in length Other distress signals include marine radio, and under way flares, V sheet or a mobile phone. • When riding a PWC, waterskiing or tubing. Flares *The designated coastal bars are listed on page 51. Flares are a way for a boat in trouble to attract the attention of other boats or aircraft in the area. All vessels and PWCs (excluding tenders not requiring registration) operating beyond smooth water limits must carry orange smoke and red hand flares as part of their safety equipment.
If you’re not wearing it, it can’t save you – Wear it!
life jacket checklist Do you have the right lifejackets for your whole trip? Are your lifejackets suited to your activity? Do you have enough lifejackets for everyone that will be on board and are they Always read the instructions and familiarise yourself with them before storing your flares on the right size? board. Store flares in a dry place where they will Are your lifejackets in good condition? be readily accessible in an emergency. If you will be boating at night, do your lifejackets have reflective tape to help other see you better at night? Do you have a ‘LIFEJACKET’ sticker on your boat to show others where the lifejackets are stored?
16
Boating in Queensland
Flares have a lifespan of three years and must Safety Authority – registration is free and must be replaced prior to the expiry date . be renewed every 2 years Boaties are reminded to dispose of old flares • have proof of current registration correctly . Visit www .qld .gov .au/transport/boating For more information on EPIRBs visit for flare disposal locations in Queensland. www .beacons .amsa .gov .au . Boaties should be aware that personal locator EPIRBS beacons are not acceptable substitutes for An EPIRB is a small EPIRBs . electronic device that, when activated, can help search Search and rescue authorities respond to all and rescue authorities activations – you must only activate the EPIRB pinpoint your position . in an emergency. If you accidentally activate Once activated, EPIRBs an EPIRB or no longer require help you must continuously send out a tell them immediately by radioing your local signal for at least 48 hours. volunteer marine rescue organisation or calling All boats, including tenders Rescue Coordination Centre’s 24-hour emergency must carry a 406MHz number on 1800 641 792. To avoid accidental Emergency Positioning activations store EPIRBs in an accessible place Radio Beacon (EPIRB) when away from gear and passengers. operating more than 2 An EPIRB must be serviced or replaced nautical miles from land or the partially smooth according to the manufacturer’s water limits . recommendations before it expires . EPIRBs must: Boaties are reminded to dispose of old EPIRBs • comply with the Australian Standard correctly . Battery World stores around Australia 4280.1:2003 will accept and dispose of expired EPIRBs for • be registered with the Australian Maritime a small fee. Do not dispose of your beacon in
18 Boating in Queensland general waste as it will end up in landfill and Reef Anchor could be activated inadvertently. Designed for coral or rock by using prongs that can Firefighting equipment straighten out, creating less All registered recreational boats environmental impact . over 5 metres in length must carry firefighting equipment that can extinguish a fire quickly and effectively . Ensure you buy your firefighting equipment from an authorised dealer who can work out the best type of extinguisher for your needs. sea Anchor Fire extinguishers must be A small drogue acting like a parachute, serviced at specified intervals or replaced dramatically slows the rate of drift . according to the manufacturer’s advice before • Manual propulsion equipment. Boats under it expires . 6 metres in length should carry oars or paddles in case of an emergency. If the boat Navigation equipment has fittings for rowlocks, carry the correct All boats operating in partially smooth waters length oars with rowlocks securely attached. If and beyond should carry some form of navigation not, the paddles should be long and of equipment for example, charts, compass or GPS. sufficient strength to do the job. GPS verification marks are installed at selected • Drinking water. All boats should carry boat ramps for boaters to check the accuracy of on board GPS navigation equipment. Visit sufficient drinking water for everyone on board www .qld .gov .au/transport/boating for GPS for the duration of the trip . verification mark locations in Queensland. Check out Maritime Safety Queensland’s free Boating Maps for selective waterways at www .qld .gov .au/transport/boating .
Other important equipment It is recommended that all boats carry suitable: • Pumping and bailing equipment. For boats under 5 metres, buckets are considered suitable bailing equipment. Boats 5 metres and over require a bilge pump. Let R Marine Crawley help you really relax • Anchoring equipment. All boats should carry a suitable anchor with a minimum of 2 metres Dedicated exclusively to the luxury Riviera and Belize of chain and a length of line suitable for the marques, R Marine Crawley offer a relaxing choice of depth of water . luxury motor yacht purchase options. With a full valet service department, premium brokerage danforth Anchor division and a fun-filled calendar of weekend escapes Most commonly used by and coastal cruising adventures, you will be spoilt with small craft as it has excellent choice and service. holding power in mud and sand . Ben Crawley - Dealer Principal Shop 1A, Runaway Bay Marina 247 Bayview Street, CQR or Plough Anchor Runaway Bay QLD 4216 Used by larger, heavier [email protected] boats. Office 07 5529 5007 Mobile 0421 054 182
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19 visit www.rocna.com. your local distributor or information, please contact so if you’d like further is a guideline only,This chart up to 275kg (606lb). sizes not featured here, vessel – including larger to suit just about any There’s a Rocna anchor GUIDELINE. ROCNA SIZE ROCNA. DESIGNED BY A SAILOR FOR visit www.rocna.com. your local distributor or information, please contact so if you’d like further is a guideline only,This chart up to 275kg (606lb). sizes not featured here, vessel – including larger to suit just about any There’s a Rocna anchor GUIDELINE. ROCNA SIZE FELLOW BOATIES. Boating in Queensland ROCNA. DESIGNED Marine radio Mobile phones Legendary kiwi yachtie Peter Smith has ROCKAlthough SOLID. commonly carried on boats, mobile Marine radios are essential safety equipment BY A SAILOR FORbeen designing, building and sailing racing phones are not seen as a substitute for marine and can be the only way to communicate with radio or emergency radio communications. and cruising yachts since the early 1960’s. Vessel Length other boats or marine rescue groups and receive
1T = 1000kg (metric tonnes).sizing is conservative, Our intended to provide an anchor adequate for use in all conditions most navigation warnings and weather updates. FELLOW BOATIES. Recommended Chain Blade Surface Area Blade Surface ROCNA MODEL Coastal distress marine radio network Anchor Weight Responsible skippers should know how to With over 100,000 nautical miles of cruising Pete 45m 40m 35m 22m 20m 14m 11m 10m 30m 28m 26m 18m 16m 24m 12m 4m 8m 6m 9m 7m 5m operate a marine radio, the distress and safety MaritimeLegendary Safety Queensland kiwi yachtie has a 24 hours Peter Smithexperienced has the same anchoring problems that are
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | listening watch service to cover most coastal 148ft 131ft 115ft 98ft 92ft 85ft 79ft 72ft 66ft 59ft 52ft 46ft 39ft 33ft 30ft 26ft 23ft 20ft 16ft 13ft 36ft ROCK SOLID.frequencies and how to properly format and transmit distress and safety messages. watersbeen between designing, Cooktown and building the New South and sailingstill racing prevalent today – needing to carry a variety of Wales border on VHF channels 16 and 67 for anchors to suit various seabeds, yet still the distressand andcruising urgency calls. yachts since the early 1960’s. Vessel Length 6mm Licences and certificates anchors dragged. 4kg 1T = 1000kg (metric tonnes).sizing is conservative, Our intended to provide an anchor adequate for use in all conditions most 460cm ² ≤ ½ T ≤ 1T ≤ 2T Volunteer marine rescue organisations play an Recommended Chain 4 Blade Surface Area Blade Surface ROCNA MODEL | | Under federal regulations, operators of VHF and /”6mm 1/4” l 6kg 9lb Anchor Weight importantWith over role 100,000 in delivering nautical the coastal miles distress of cruising Pete 35m 45m 40m 22m 20m 10m 30m 28m 26m 18m 16m 14m 11m 24m 12m 4m 8m 6m 9m 7m 5m MF/HF radios are required to hold an operating marine radio network service . They maintain a He was fed up, and in the New Zealand tradition certificate . Many Coast Guard and Volunteer experienced the same anchoring problems that are | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
148ft 131ft 115ft 98ft 92ft 85ft 79ft 72ft 66ft 59ft 52ft 46ft 39ft 33ft 30ft 26ft 23ft 20ft 16ft 13ft listening watch during their operating hours. For 36ft of do-it-yourself he designed the Original Marine Rescue stations provide these courses or 590cm ² still prevalent today – needing to carry a variety of ≤ 1T ≤ 2T ≤ 5T ≤ 4T more information on volunteer rescue stations 01 02 34 57 110 70 55 40 33 25 20 15 10 6 | Rocna to solve these problems once and for all. 3b10kg 13lb | may advise where a local course is available. /”7mm 1/4” andanchors frequencies to suit monitored various in seabeds,your area contact yet still the Visit www .acma .gov .au and navigate to the your local Australian Volunteer Coast Guard
6mm anchors dragged. 4kg
460cm ² ‘marine, amateur and CB radio’ pages for more or Marine Rescue Queensland flotilla or the ≤ ½ T After years of development and re nement, the result ≤ 1T ≤ 2T 4 795cm ² | | ≤ 3T ≤ 4T ≤ 5T ≤ 6T ≤ 7T /”6mm 1/4” l 6kg 9lb information . Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club Radio Room. is a range of new generation anchors that are easy to use, | | 2b15kg 22lb /”8mm 1/4” He was fed up, and in the New Zealand tradition set instantly in all ocean oors, and provide rock solid of do-it-yourself he designed the Original
590cm ² holding power for ultimate peace of mind. ≤ 1T ≤ 2T ≤ 5T ≤ 4T 1030cm ² 01 02 34 57 110 70 55 40 33 25 20 15 10 6 | Rocna to solve these problems once and for all. 3b10kg 13lb ≤ 10T | ≤ 6T ≤ 7T ≤ 8T ≤ 9T /”7mm 1/4” | | /6 9mm 5/16” 3b20kg 33lb After years of development and re nement, the result 795cm ² ≤ 3T ≤ 4T ≤ 5T ≤ 6T ≤ 7T
1140cm ² is a range of new generation anchors that are easy to use, | ≤ 10T ≤ 12T ≤ 14T ≤ 16T | 2b15kg 22lb ≤ 7T /”8mm 1/4” | | /6 10mm 5/16” 4b25kg 44lb set instantly in all ocean oors, and provide rock solid holding power for ultimate peace of mind. 1030cm ² ≤ 10T ≤ 6T ≤ 7T ≤ 8T ≤ 9T 1415cm ² | | ≤ 12T ≤ 15T ≤ 20T ≤ 25T /6 9mm 5/16” 3b20kg 33lb ≤ 9T | boaters would ever endure. We recommend medium tensile / G40 High Test chain as a minimum. 5b33kg 55lb | /”10mm 3/8” 1140cm ² ≤ 10T ≤ 12T ≤ 14T ≤ 16T ≤ 7T 1695cm ² | | ≤ 10T ≤ 12T ≤ 15T ≤ 20T ≤ 25T ≤ 30T /6 10mm 5/16” 4b25kg 44lb | 3b40kg 73lb | /”11mm 3/8” 1415cm ² ≤ 12T ≤ 15T ≤ 20T ≤ 25T ≤ 9T 1945cm ² | ≤ 18T ≤ 25T ≤ 33T ≤ 40T ≤ 12T boaters would ever endure. We recommend medium tensile / G40 High Test chain as a minimum. 5b33kg 55lb | /”10mm 3/8” | |
8b55kg 88lb T&S Boat Sales incorporating Wondall Road marine is a “ANCHOR WATCH” 12mm 7/16” one stop shop providing all marine services including Boat sales, mechanical, electrical, anti-foul, detailing, repairs and
1695cm ² stainless steel. As a local, family owned business operating ≤ 10T ≤ 12T ≤ 15T ≤ 20T ≤ 25T IS A THING OF THE PAST. ≤ 30T
2300cm ² for over 20 years, we ensure your boating experience is a | ≤ 40T ≤ 50T ≤ 60T ≤ 22T ≤ 25T ≤ 30T 3b40kg 73lb | /”11mm 3/8” pleasurable one. Call in and allow us to help you! | 2l 70kg 121lb
| " Setting and holding are better /6 14mm 7/16” A Rocna anchor will set fast and hold in all conditions, Horizon Shores Marina, Shed G1, Cabbage Tree Point Road, Woongoolba QLD 4208 Ph: 07 5546 1669 Email: [email protected] www.tsboatsales.com.au so you don’t have to be on constant1945cm ² anchor watch. than any anchor we have used in ≤ 18T ≤ 25T ≤ 33T ≤ 40T ≤ 12T 2690cm ² | ≤ 80T ≤ 90T ≤ 40T ≤ 45T ≤ 50T ≤ 60T ≤ 70T | 8b55kg 88lb “ANCHOR WATCH” 12mm 7/16” | 5l 110kg 154lb | For the safety of your vessel, and everyone aboard, it’s 16mm 1/2” the past, excellent versatility" IS A THING OF THE PAST. Importer & Distributor:
worth investing in the best anchor2300cm ² available – when the ≤ 40T ≤ 50T ≤ 60T ≤ 22T ≤ 25T ≤ 30T Steve Dashew, of Dashew O shore & SetSail (USA) 3330cm ² | ≤ 100T ≤ 115T ≤ 130T ≤ 150T 2l 70kg 121lb ≤ 90T ≤ 60T ≤ 70T ≤ 80T
| " Setting and holding are better storm hits, you’ll be glad you 14mm have 7/16” a rock solid Rocna at Anchor Range |
A Rocna anchor will set fast and hold in all conditions, 243lb | the end of the line. 5/8” www.rocna.com so you don’t have to be on constant anchor watch. 1300 791 432 than anywww.rocna.com.au anchor we have used in 2690cm ² ≤ 80T ≤ 90T ≤ 40T ≤ 45T ≤ 50T ≤ 60T ≤ 70T www.oceansolutions.com.au Guaranteed to be the best anchor you’ve ever used | 5l 110kg 154lb | For the safety of your vessel, and everyone aboard, it’s 16mm 1/2” the past, excellent versatility" worth investing in the best anchor available – when the 20 !"!""#$%&'()$*+$,-.$/0&'1203$44$5$6!"77$8%9:(;;$$$<=> Steve Dashew, of Dashew O shore & SetSail (USA) 6!?"!?!!$$$!"@A!$BC 3330cm ² ≤ 100T ≤ 115T ≤ 130T ≤ 150T ≤ 90T storm hits, you’ll be glad you have a rock solid Rocna at ≤ 60T ≤ 70T ≤ 80T Anchor Range | 243lb | the end of the line. 5/8” www.rocna.com
!"!""#$%&'()$*+$,-.$/0&'1203$44$5$6!"77$8%9:(;;$$$<=> 6!?"!?!!$$$!"@A!$BC Maritime Professionals Shallow Water & Marina Salvage Specialists
The MRG Team of shallow water (up to 10M Depth) recovery specialists, provide all equipment to recover or salvage any type of vessel or submerged object up to a 12 meter length. The range of services MRG provide is extensive and includes general work boats, creek clearing & crew hiring, towage, dry hire of domestic and commercial vessels. Call Toby or Jim today for expert advice and assistance.
www.maritimerecoverygroup.com.au
Specialty Marine Services
Extending professional high quality workmanship in a competitive marine environment, Aqua Mobile Marine specialise in: • Marine Diesel Parts & Sales • Engine Alignment • Shaft & Propeller Repairs • Hydraulic Steering Sales & Repairs • Outboard Service and Supply • Inboard Service and Supply • Sterndrive Service & Supply • Petrol & Diesel Motor Service & Supply Call Jim to discuss your marine service requirements. www.aquamobilemarine.com.au
Your Marine Inspection Specialist
Navsafe specialise in providing marine inspection reports that deliver the facts without confusion. Run by Australian Maritime safety Authority accredited marine surveyors, Navsafe provide both Professional and Novice boat owners with safety equipment, pre-purchased inspections, marine surveying insurance risk assessments and more. Call Toby to assist with your marine inspections. www.navsafemarine.com.au Toby Blundell: 0421 570 475 Jim McKinnon: 0418 748 023 Boating in Queensland
Safety equipment for Queensland regulated ships All equipment must be in good working order. For EPIRBs, fire extinguisher, flares and inflatable lifejackets, check the service expiry or replacement date. Make sure yours are current. • Boats not requiring registration means Queensland regulated ships 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 Queensland regulated ships with an engine or auxiliary of 3 kW or more. Requirements or recommendations listed also apply to international or interstate boats operating in Queensland. • 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. Beyond smooth and Smooth water Partially smooth waters partially smooth waters Item Not requiring Not requiring Registered* PWC Registered* PWC Not requiring registration registration registration Registered* PWC EPIRB (406 MHz) Emergency Position Indicating Required Required Required Radio Beacon.When operating more than 2nm from land and not within smooth and partially smooth waters . Must be registered with AMSA. EPIRBs must have a printed expiry date and be replaced or serviced by the manufacturer (or Registration must be renewed authorised service agent) by this date; must comply with Australian Standard every two years . AS/NZ 4280.1:2003; and must be registered in the name of the owner/master with AMSA.
Signalling device For example a torch, or fluorescent light, or lantern or cyalume stick. Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Required when operating between sunset and sunrise .
Lifejackets# Level 275, Level 275, Level 50 or Level 275, Level 275, Level 50 Level 275, Level 275, Level 50 • One of the appropriate size for 150, 100, level 150, 100, level 50 150, 100, or 150, 100, required 150 or 100 150 or 100 required each person (12 months 50 or level 50 level 50 or special level 50 or level 50 recommended required special purpose level 50 purpose recommended required and over) on board, except if a recommended special required person is wearing an inflatable purpose diver jacket and the vessel is required engaged in diving activities. • Children under 12 must wear the lifejacket when underway in an open boat under 4.8m. • Lifejackets not required if a ship, other than • Lifejackets must be worn when a PWC, has a level crossing designated coastal flotation statement bars in open boats under 4.8m. in the approved form and is operating in a • Skiers or people being towed river, creek, stream, or + At least level 50 or level 50 the waters contained special purpose, or wetsuit within breakwaters with inbuilt flotation approved or revetments and is equipped with grab as level 50 special purpose in lines, grab rails or other smooth waters . permanent means of + At least level 50 in partially giving each person on board a way of keeping smooth waters . a secure hold to the ship . V sheet Recommended Required Required^ Recommended Required Required^ Flares Two red hand flares and two Recommended Required Required^ Recommended Required Required^ hand held orange smoke signals. Fire fighting equipment All boats over 5m. Must be Recommended Required Recommended Required Recommended Required Recommended capable of extinguishing a fire quickly and effectively.
22 Boating in Queensland
Beyond smooth and Smooth water Partially smooth waters partially smooth waters Item Not requiring Not requiring Registered* PWC Registered* PWC Not requiring registration registration registration Registered* PWC Navigation A chart and a liquid damped compass appropriate to the operational area, or other directional Recommended Recommended Recommended^ Recommended Recommended Recommended^ finding or positioning equipment. For a PWC without a chart or compass, an electronic navigation device appropriate to the operational area . Anchoring For boats less than 5m, the Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended^ Recommended Recommended Recommended^ cable can be chain or rope. For boats over 5m, the cable can be chain of at least • less than 5m: one anchor with • less than 5m: one anchor with • less than 5m: one anchor with 2m attached to anchor and at least 18m of cable at least 18m of cable at least 18m of cable rope. The type and weight of • 5m to less than 8m: one • 5m to less than 8m: one • 5m to less than 8m: one anchor and length and anchor with at least 27m anchor with at least 27m anchor with at least 27m thickness of the cable should of cable of cable of cable be appropriate for the type and • 8m and over: two anchors • 8m and over: two anchors • 8m and over: two anchors weight of ship, the weather and with at least 37m of with at least 37m of with at least 37m of sea conditions and the nature cable each cable each cable each of the seabed.
Pumping/bailing Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended equipment
• less than 5m: suitable bailing equipment • less than 5m: suitable bailing equipment • less than 5m: suitable bailing equipment • 5m to less than 8m: bilge pump 45L/ • 5m to less than 8m: bilge pump 45L/ • 5m to less than 8m: bilge pump 45L/ minute capacity minute capacity minute capacity • 8m and over: bilge pump 70L/minute • 8m and over: bilge pump 70L/minute • 8m and over: bilge pump 70L/minute capacity capacity capacity Manual propulsion Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Oars or paddles (boats under 6m) . Drinking water Enough for everyone on board Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended^ Recommended Recommended Recommended^ for the trip .
* Also includes boats that are required to be registered but are not. ^ Does not apply to a PWC operating in an approved aquatic event or beyond partially smooth waters and within 0.5 nautical miles from land. # Owners/masters must give each person on board information about where the safety equipment is kept. Lifejackets must be clearly visible to passengers or readily accessible and indicated by a clearly visible sign with a white background marked with the word ‘lifejackets’ in red letters or vice versa.
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23 MORE CHOICE TO PROVE BEACON REGISTRATION
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Boating in Queensland
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25 Boating in Queensland
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26 Boating in Queensland
Water limits Because Queensland’s waterways are so diverse there are designated BOAT AND water limits affecting the types of safety equipment required. JETSKI There are three types of limits: LICENCE • smooth waters include 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 are determined by Maritime Safety Queensland and are specified in legislation • open waters are areas beyond these limits. A complete list of maps showing these designated water limits on page 28 – 33 .
Get both on the same day
Call Alan on 0428 729 355 Jacobs well Online courses at www.boatandjetski.com.au
Boat Jet Ski Licensing Yachting Queensland BoatSafe Training Providers
Matthew Bampton 0488 020 855 NOOSAVILLE, GLADSTONE, HERVEY BAY Gregory Cullen 0400 858 004 BRISBANE Andrew Denzin 0428 181 931 THURSDAY ISLAND Gregory Heath 0408 075 899 MISSION BEACH Tim Hillier 0428 540 503 THURSDAY ISLAND David Lucas 0400 864 069 NOOSA, MOOLOOLABA, BRIBIE Jason Ivory 0421 420 227 MACKAY Gordon Johnston 0407 116 948 KURRIMINE BEACH Claudine Ward 0417 926 367 KARUMBA
Phone: 07 3393 6788 Email: [email protected] www.qld.yachting.org.au Interested in learning how to sail? Visit www.discoversailing.org.au
27 Boating in Queensland Legend partially the red line designates smooth waters smooth open waters limits beyond which EPIRBs waters must be carried.
BRIBIE ¯ ISLAND ¯
Comboyuro BRISBANE SEVENTEEN SEVENTY Point PARTIALLY SMOOTH SMOOTH WATERS AND SMOOTH WATERS Skirmish South Point Point MORETON ISLAND
REDCLIFFE BUSTARD Round Hill Head Moreton Bay BAY
'Short Point' Reeders Pt Amity Pt Monument Point
BRISBANE Cleveland SEVENTEEN Pt NORTH SEVENTY STRADBROKE ISLAND
ek re C
l il H Jumpinpin Eurimbula National
d
SOUTH Park n
u
STRADBROKE o ISLAND R
The Spit SOUTHPORT
Rooney Point ¯ GLADSTONE PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS Hervey Bay Cape Keppel
Burrum Point Fairway Beacon Division Point CURTIS FRASER T he ISLAND
HERVEY BAY ISLAND N a r r o w Connor Bluff s
North Point River ry FACING Ma South ISLAND Trees ¯ Is MARYBOROUGH East Point
G MARYBOROUGH GLADSTONE r e a PARTIALLY SMOOTH t S a AND SMOOTH WATERS n d Clews y S Point tr a Rodds it Hook Point Bay Inskip Point
Double Island Point Lake Awoonga
28 Boating in Queensland Legend partially the red line designates smooth waters smooth open waters limits beyond which EPIRBs waters must be carried.
¯ Port of Hay Point PORT ALMA Peak Island SMOOTH WATERS ¯ LLEWELLYN BAY PARTIALLY SMOOTH Cape AND SMOOTH WATERS Keppel Bay Keppel
Cattle Sea Hill Point Point SARINA Cullen Islet CURTIS Llewellyn Bay ISLAND Irving Island
Division Point PORT ALMA Ince Bay Cape Palmerstone
Sand Bay Water Park Point ¯ ¯ KEPPEL BAY PARTIALLY SMOOTH MACKAY AND HAY POINT AND SMOOTH WATERS PARTIALLY SMOOTH Slade AND SMOOTH WATERS Point
Outer Slade Rocks Islet
MACKAY Great Keppel The Child YEPPOON Island
Egg Rock E
'
0
3
°
9
4
1
g
n
o
L Hay Point
Half Tide Beach
Keppel Bay
Cape Keppel ROCKHAMPTON Sea Hill Cattle Point Point CURTIS ISLAND Llewellyn Bay
29 Boating in Queensland Legend partially the red line designates smooth waters smooth open waters limits beyond which EPIRBs waters must be carried. ¯ ¯ BOWEN, WHITSUNDAY PASSAGE AND REPULSE BAY SAND BAY Holbourne Is PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS
Gloucester Head Rattray Is Dolphin Cape Hillsborough Don Pt River Pinnacle Gloucester Eshelby Pt Is Is Hayman Edgecumbe Is Bay Hook Deloraine Is Is Sand Bay W Whitsunday h i Harold t s u Is Is n d a y AIRLIE P BEACH a s s a g e Maher PROSERPINE Is Shaw Is Repulse Bay Slade Point
Hervey Creek ¯ BOWEN SMOOTH WATERS Repulse Islands
Anchor Islands ¯ Don River Cape Edgecumbe ST HELENS BAY PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS
BOWEN
St Helens Bay Dalrymple Point
Stone Island
Cape Hillsborough Edgecumbe Bay Sand Bay Adelaide Point
30 Boating in Queensland Legend partially the red line designates smooth waters smooth open waters limits beyond which EPIRBs waters must be carried. ¯ ¯ UPSTART BAY PALM ISLES PARTIALLY SMOOTH PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS AND SMOOTH WATERS
Hinchinbrook Island
George Point Rita Island
Lucinda Point Pelorus B Island urdekin R Iris Point
Peters Cape Is Upstart Orpheus Island Curacoa Island INGHAM Halifax Upstart Bay Bay Great Palm Island
Nobbies Inlet
Rockingham ¯ Bay TOWNSVILLE PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS
Cape Sandwich
White Hecate Rock Orchard Point The Rocks Point H Bay CARDWELL in Rock ch in b Magnetic ro o Island k Halifax Bay Hinchinbrook Cape Cape Island Pallarenda Cleveland
Rowes Bay Cleveland Bay George r C Point ss o R Channel TOWNSVILLE er Riv Lucinda s Point Ros ¯ LUCINDA SMOOTH WATERS INGHAM
31 Boating in Queensland Legend partially the red line designates smooth waters smooth open waters limits beyond which EPIRBs waters must be carried. ¯ ¯ Ninney Point ROCKINGHAM BAY PARTIALLY SMOOTH CAIRNS Clump Point AND SMOOTH WATERS PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS MISSION BEACH
Dunk Island
Upolu Reef
Double Island
Buchan Point Green Island
Rockingham Bay Brook Trinity Bay Islands Goold South Island Island Ellie Ba er Point rron Riv Mission Bay Little Turtle Little Cape Bessie Bay Fitzroy Sandwich Island Missionary CAIRNS Point Hecate CARDWELL Point Bay Fitzroy Island Trinity Inlet
Hinchinbrook Island
¯ Cape Tribulation ¯ PORT DOUGLAS MOURILYAN PARTIALLY SMOOTH SMOOTH WATERS AND SMOOTH WATERS
Alexandra Bay Etty Bay
D ain tree TOWN OF River MOURILYAN DAINTREE Cape HARBOUR Kimberley Goodman Point Camp Point
Hayter Point Trinity Mo resby Bay R iv er Low Islets
Double Point R an sm os M Dicksons MOSSMAN Inlet North Barnard Island Point Islands PORT DOUGLAS
32 Boating in Queensland Legend partially the red line designates smooth waters smooth open waters limits beyond which EPIRBs waters must be carried.
GULF ¯ OF CARPENTARIA COOKTOWN SMOOTH WATERS Indian Head
Pine River Bay
Duyfken Pt er Riv on ssi Mi WEIPA Wooldrum Point Riv bley er Albatross Em Bay Hey Point
H e y
Queens R i v Chair e Finch r Bay COOKTOWN (on the Endeavour River) Boyd Point ¯ Monkhouse Thud Point WEIPA Point PARTIALLY SMOOTH AND SMOOTH WATERS
l les Channe GULF rince of Wa P OF Hammond CARPENTARIA Rock Ince Point Wednesday Harrison Island Rock Goods Hammond Channel Strait Is Is Rock Rock Thursday Island King Point Friday Pott Point Is Kiwain Point Horn Hochepied Island Point
Red Point 4 n M Prince of Wales 7.5nM Island Peak Point Alligator Pt Zuna Rattlesnake Possession Point Island Island KARUMBA
N o rm CAPE an it YORK ra B St Parau ur PENINSULA y vo Island n R dea o iv En e ¯ er Van Speult ¯ KARUMBA Point R iv PARTIALLY SMOOTH e THURSDAY ISLAND r AND SMOOTH WATERS Jar PARTIALLY SMOOTH din Ri e AND SMOOTH WATERS ver
33 Boating in Queensland Safe operation It is the responsibility of every boat owner and skipper to operate the boat under their control in a safe manner . Operating safely combines the following: • the boat is in good condition and safe to operate • crew and passengers are safe • the right equipment is on board and ready to be used • crew and passengers know what to do in an emergency With a fixed throttle system, if the skipper leaves • the skipper is competent in operating the boat or is thrown from the helm position, the vessel • rules are followed so that other waterway users will maintain speed until the throttle is altered are not injured by unsafe operations. to reduce speed. It is strongly recommended that the skippers of all boats, but especially tiller Driving a boat is very different to driving a car. steered boats, have a throttle lanyard attached There are a range of rules that you must know as to their wrist which will stop the motor instantly if a boat owner or skipper. the skipper loses control of the boat. Do not be complacent because of the perception Ensure you wear a safety lanyard at all times of open water . Often narrow channels restrict that will stop the motor in emergencies . boats to passing close to one another, and between beacons and shallow banks. There is How to avoid marine incidents plenty to hit when driving a boat. Most marine incidents are avoidable and are often caused through inattention, lack of Navigating checklist knowledge and experience, or complacency of the skipper . Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when Collisions travelling at night as potential hazards are Make your intentions clear - Actions must be clear harder to see . and deliberate so other skippers can see your Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and intentions . Never assume the skipper of another boat will observe the rules; always be prepared to when near moored or anchored boats, and take action to avoid a collision . remember — working boats and larger ships may have difficulty manoeuvring. Keep a proper lookout - A proper lookout, through sight and sound, must be kept at all times. Slow Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow down and take extra precautions in bad weather, areas and when boating in unfamiliar restricted visibility and the hours of darkness to water. Water depth can vary and change assist with the early detection of other boats in quickly, particularly in freshwater. the area . Wind, waves and currents: These may Assess risk of collision and take action - Use all affect the boat’s stopping and turning means available to assess whether other boats ability. The type of motor, hull and design pose a risk of collision . If a risk of collision exists will all impact on the boat’s take early positive action (changing course and/ manoeuvrability. or speed) to eliminate the risk. Never assume the other boat will automatically ‘give way’. Skipper safety Most boats have a fixed throttle system. This Groundings means the skipper can set the throttle for a Know the waterway – plan your trip and use specific speed and the engine will maintain navigational aids such as charts, GPS and beacons. revolutions until the throttle is altered unlike a Pay attention – many groundings occur because motor vehicle which has a spring operated foot the skipper misreads a beacon through accelerator . inattention . 34 Boating in Queensland
Help protect Queensland’s maritime heritage Queensland’s shipwrecks, aircraft wrecks, and associated relics that are more than 75 years old are protected by law. The following historic shipwrecks lie within protected zones that require a permit to enter, dive or fish: • HMS Pandora • Llewellyn • HMCS Mermaid • Cato • Foam • HMS Porpoise • Yongala • Aarhus • Gothenburg • AHS Centaur To apply for a free permit visit www.environment.gov.au/heritage/historic-shipwrecks
Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has developed the following information to assist divers: • guidelines for diving on historic shipwrecks • dive guides for key wrecks in Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef. Visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/heritage/ To report the remains, or relics, of a ship or aircraft, contact EHP by phone: 13 QGOV or email: [email protected]
35 Boating in Queensland
Tides – the height of the tide may mean some the sea. They give clear indication about passing, waterways are unnavigable at certain times. approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid Check out Maritime Safety Queensland’s free collisions with other boats. Tide Tables for official tidal predictions for All boat skippers must thoroughly understand Queensland ports www .qld .gov .au/transport/ boating . and apply the rules in all situations .
Capsizes Channels Boats capsize or swamp mostly because of When navigating in narrow channels, all boats poor stability or rough conditions. Poor stability should travel on the starboard side or right hand is caused by excess weight on board, whether side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on it is people or cargo, and where the weight is the port side . positioned. It is essential to position weight as low as possible and ensure the bow or stern is not lower than the other. If the boat appears to be slow to respond to a roll or pitch then the boat is overloaded . In rough conditions the boat relies on the bow to provide lift into the prevailing sea condition whether it is wind chop or ocean swell . When a boat breaks down or is drifting, the wind will turn If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, the bow away from the wave direction and the there’s no need to deliberately alter course to stern will face into the waves. This is a dangerous pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is situation as the stern or transom usually has the simply there to remove doubt in the event of a lowest freeboard and is subject to taking water. close situation . If you break down or are adrift in rough Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep conditions, anchor immediately if practical or clear of large boats that have limited room to deploy a drogue (a bucket can act as a drogue) manoeuvre in channels . to keep the bow into the sea. Never anchor your boat by the stern. Even the passing wake of a boat can come over the transom and cause a swamping.
Speeding All boats must travel at a safe speed so you can act to avoid a collision and stop the boat in time to avoid any danger that arises suddenly. Wash created by speed must not cause any damage to the shoreline . The skipper of a boat must operate the boat at less than six knots (about the same as a brisk walking pace) or the speed necessary to safely control and manoeuvre the boat if it is causing Giving way excessive wash . All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision Collision rules Power boats The ‘International Regulations for Preventing ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the Collisions at Sea’ (Colregs) are the traffic laws of right and stay to the right’.
36 We can’t be everywhere to help you. Play it safe at our dams, lakes and parks.
Visit seqwater.com.au Boating in Queensland
Head on Overtaking When meeting head on, both boats are required If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to alter course to starboard (right), never to port to either side of the boat you wish to pass. (left). Any turn should be large enough to be However, you must keep well clear of the boat obvious to the other boat. you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
DANGERZONE
38 Boating in Queensland
Sailing boats Wind on different side When each sailing boat has the wind on a Two World Leading different side, the boat with wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other . If sailing a boat with the wind on the port side Anchor Designs and you see a sailing boat to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the boat The Super Sarca and Stick with convex has the wind on the port or starboard side, take Sarca Excel are design and leave the mud behind. action to keep clear . accredited for Super High Holding power
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Both anchor designs are new releases delivering unrivalled holding power tested with T.A.T.S Check out the holding Power figures on Wind on the same side www.anchorright.com.au When both sailing boats have the wind on the same side, the boat to windward shall keep out of Call now to place your orders. Anchor Ph: 03 5968 5014 Fax: 03 5968 6006 Mobile: 0408 371 668 Right the way of the boat to leeward. AustrAliA Pty ltd Note: The windward side is the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried or, in the case of a square-rigged boat, the side opposite to that larger vessels. Boats over 12 metres should on which the largest fore and aft sail is carried. carry sound signals, a whistle and a bell. Vessels under 12 metres should have some means of making an efficient sound signal. You should be aware of signals and what action you should take when you hear a signal. Sound signals may be accompanied by light signals. All boats should use sound signals in restricted visibility to alert others of their position. Use common sense and slow your boat or stop, and be ready to take immediate action. Be extremely cautious when operating in restricted visibility.
One short blast means Power and sail ‘I am altering my course to starboard’. A power boat generally gives way to sail unless the sailing boat is in the process of overtaking it. Two short blasts mean However, don’t expect large, less manoeuvrable ‘I am altering my course to port’. boats under power to give way. All small craft Three short blasts mean should give large boats a wide berth. ‘I am operating engines astern’ (the boat may be reversing or stopping). Sound signals Five (or more) short blasts mean Most recreational boats do not use sound ‘I am unsure of your intentions’. signals. However, they are used by ships and 39 Boating in Queensland
Navigation lights should be fitted by the manufacturer or an authorised person . Are your navigation lights fitted correctly? It is important that lights are fitted according to • The masthead and/or all-round white light the collision regulations so that other boats can must be fitted (if practical) on the centre line determine what type of boat you are and the (bow to stern) of the boat and positioned a course you are on . minimum of one metre above the side lights. When operating at night, carry replacement A common mistake is the fitting of the red and bulbs. green sidelights on the same angle of the curve of the bow of the boat. This results in the angles of light crossing over each other when seen from Incorrect installation head on . This also affects the side view . Side lights must be kept parallel to the centreline of the boat.
Correct installation
Minimum required lights Boats under way Power boats • Less than 7 metres in length with a maximum speed not exceeding 7 knots – a white light • By law, boats operating from sunset to sunrise, visible all round and, if possible, separate or whether at anchor or under way, must display combined sidelights. the correct lighting. A boat is ‘under way’ when • Less than 12 metres in length: it is not at anchor, made fast to shore or – separate or combined sidelights, a masthead aground (this includes drifting). light and a stern light or • Navigation lights must also be used in daylight – separate or combined sidelights, an all-round hours during periods of restricted visibility white light. or in other circumstances when it is deemed necessary . • Lights must be placed and displayed appropriate to the size and class of your boat. These lights tell other boat skippers about the boat and what it is doing – whether it is at anchor, under sail or motoring. • Navigation lights must be positioned so they are not obscured by the boat’s superstructure or interfered with by the deck lights. They 40 Boating in Queensland
Under the COLREGS, the anchor light must be visible for 2 nautical miles for all vessels up to 50 metres in length. There are many other www.rocna.com.au combinations of lights used on boats. The lights shown will relate to the activity the boat or ship is engaged in (for example fishing, dredging, not under command). A simple rule of thumb for a small Sailing boats and boats under oars powerboat is to stay clear of any • Less than 7 metres in length – boats exhibiting additional lights. the lights required for sailing boats over 7 metres in length. If Navigation at night
not, a torch or lantern showing a Guaranteed white light ready to display to www.rocna.com The waterways are not like to be the best avoid a collision . well-defined roads . It is unsafe anchor • More than 7 metres in length to navigate a boat with lights
you’ve ever used and less than 20 metres in illuminating the water directly www.rocna.comwww.rocna.com length: ahead because it will deprive you a) combined lantern at or near the and other boat skippers of night
top of the mast that vision . incorporates sidelights and stern Spotlights can be used to identify www.rocna.com light or specific hazards, but this should 1300 791 432 b) separate sidelights and stern light. be done only when operating www.oceansolutions.com.au at very slow speed and without affecting other waterway users. The most important rules to remember when driving a boat at night are to slow down and keep a Est. 1991 good lookout. QUEENSLAND’S 1st & No1 ON-WATER DRIVING SCHOOL
Night navigation tips Phone: Not all navigation (07) 3399 6422 hazards have lights 1/41 Steel Place, indicating their position Morningside (examples are shallow banks, oyster leases, and QLD 4170 many navigation markers). Email: It is difficult to judge [email protected] distances at night. Boats moored or at anchor Web: Background lighting can www.archiesboat The International Regulations for cause confusion . licence.com the Prevention of Collisions at Sea All boats are required to 1972 (COLREGS) require vessels show lights. On-Line or In-Class at anchor to display an all round Training available white light, where it may be best A safe speed is a speed at which sufficient action can seen, between the hours of sunset be taken in time to prevent and sunrise and during times of a collision . restricted visibility. For moored boats, it is a condition of the boor Keep an extra good mooring authority to display an lookout . anchor light. 41 Boating in Queensland
Boats with limited manoeuvrability Lateral marks Many work boats operate in Queensland Port and starboard marks are referred to as waterways . The nature of the activities lateral marks . They indicate the port-hand undertaken by these craft means that they and starboard-hand sides of navigable waters are often stationary and not always noticed by (channels). passing vessel traffic. The effects of wash on When both a port and starboard mark are placed a stationary workboat can pose a considerable near to each other, travel directly between them. risk, as crew are often moving between the Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs where vessel and a fixed structure, for example, a the safe side to pass is generally determined by marine aid to navigation. To protect vessels and the direction of travel to or from the sea, or a their crew, internationally recognised marine predetermined local direction of buoyage. signals are displayed. When a vessel displaying any of these signals is sighted, other traffic When going upstream (away from the sea) should stay clear and preferably slow down, to l Keep red (port-hand marks) on the left-hand minimise wash . side (to port) l green Vessel situation Day shapes 'Signature lights' Keep (starboard-hand marks) on the right-hand side (to starboard) Restricted in ability to manoeuvre When going downstream (towards the sea) l Keep red (port-hand marks) on your right-hand side (to starboard)
Not under l Keep green (starboard-hand marks) on command your left-hand side (to port) Local direction of buoyage Where there is doubt, the direction of buoyage is A vessel displaying the combination of flags indicated on charts by the symbol: shown, either separately or in conjunction with one of the above signals, is requesting that passing boats slow down.
PORT
(Can)
IALA buoyage system A system of buoys, spars and lights, known as IALA Buoyage System ‘A’ is used to assist safe navigation. QUICK FLASHING Group FLASHING These are the equivalent of road signs on highways. Each type of mark has a unique combination of LONG FLASHING FLASHING colour, shape, topmark and light. You must be able to recognise these and pass them safely on the correct side .
42 Boating in Queensland
STARBOARD
(Cone)
QUICK FLASHING Group FLASHING
LONG FLASHING FLASHING
Cardinal marks A cardinal mark indicates where the deepest We Can Assist You With... and safest water can be found. That is, where the mariner has safe passage. It may also Commercial and Recreational indicate the safe side on which to pass a Vessel Surveying danger and to draw attention to a feature in the channel such as a bend or junction. Vessel Pre Purchase Reports
Insurance Condition Reports
NORTH Vessel Valuations – Customs, Safe water to the North of the cardinal Insurance, Taxation etc Top marks point ‘up’ toward the NORTH for safest water. At night the frequency of the Project Management and Consultancy flashes are an uninterrupted quick flash. Vessel Maintenance and Scheduling
Safety Management Systems – SMS
Vessel Operation Manuals
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SOUTH Safe water to the South of the cardinal Topmarks both point ‘down’ towards the SOUTH for safe water. The frequency of flashes is 6 quick flashes in a group followed by a long flash.
MASTER 5 MED II ACCREDITED MARINE SURVEYOR Recognised by Club Marine, Nautilus Marine and Trident Marine Insurers MSA Member - Marine Surveyors Association
43 Boating in Queensland
EAST any other than those used for the white lights of a cardinal, isolated danger and safe water marks. Safe water to the East of the cardinal Variations in the design of buoys will exist in many The topmarks are in the shape of an egg, so areas . Illustrations indicate the approved shapes, remember the e of egg is for safe water to the colouring and topmarks. EAST. The frequency of the flashes is 3 quick flashes in a group.
LONG FLASHING QUICK FLASHING
Safe water marks Indicates that there is navigable water all around the mark – for example, mid channel . WEST At night a white light shows a single long flash Safe water to the West of the cardinal every 10 seconds. To remember this, associate a single sphere with a single flash. The topmarks make the shape of a wine glass so remember the w of wine glass is for safe water to the WEST. The frequency of the flashes is 9 quick flashes in a group.
ISOPHASE
OCCULTING To remember the light flash rates North LONG FLASH 10s for cardinal marks, the number of 12 flashes for east, south and west West 9 3 East Isolated danger marks agrees with a Indicates there is an isolated danger with clock face . navigable water all around it – for example, an 6 isolated shoal, rock or wreck . A north mark has a continuous South At night a white flashing light shows groups of flashing light. two flashes. The best way to remember this is to associate two flashes with two spheres as the topmarks . Special marks Special marks can be used to mark a specific structure or feature such as a cable or pipeline, or to indicate that a channel divides . The direction to navigate around a special mark is GROUP FLASHING often obvious by using a chart. At night the light is yellow and the rhythm may be 44 Boating in Queensland
Emergency wreck marking buoy The emergency wreck marking buoy is designed ship navigation area tips to provide high visual and radio aid to navigation Maintain a constant lookout at all times, recognition. using all means available. Monitor the appropriate VHF channel for the area when near shipping traffic and keep up-to-date with local traffic movement information . Don’t rely only on mobile phones for marine communications– the ship’s captain or pilot won’t know your number, and you don’t know theirs! Always cross a shipping channel at 90 degrees behind a ship and only when it is clear and safe to travel . Never cross in front of a large ship. If a Boating in ship navigation areas small boat breaks downs or runs out of The chances of large ships and small boats fuel this can end with disastrous results . interacting is high in shipping channels, pilot Between sunset and sunrise and when boarding grounds, anchorages, swing basins or visibility is restructured show the correct port berths. navigation lights. Ships can approach quickly and silently and do Don’t anchor near, or fish in, channel not have brakes. Large ships often travel at or near navigation aids marking designated speeds over 20 knots and can have a stopping shipping channels. distance equal to 28 football fields (2.5 nautical miles). A small boat rarely appears on ship’s radar and can be unseen from the helm of the ship. Navigating with a Global Positioning This blind spot can extend several nautical System (GPS) mile because the bow of the ship and its cargo obscures the view. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are commonly found on recreational boats, and while a good When travelling in narrower channels, large ships navigation aid, they should not be relied upon can have very low under-keel clearance and (like any other electronic equipment dependent cannot turn or slow down . on battery power). A GPS is able to provide Skippers of smaller boats should avoid or keep a latitude and longitude, updated almost clear of these areas . continuously. This can then be plotted on a chart and should be verified with a compass. There have been a number of navigational incidents, where boats have run aground and into obstructions, attributed to people using GPS data alone. Some positions given by GPS will need to be adjusted due to differing datum (see cautionary advice on charts). As with all fixes, the GPS position should be checked against something else. A GPS is not a substitute for sound watch keeping and navigational practices and should be used only in conjunction with other aids to navigation. Masters should still maintain a proper lookout while the vessel is underway to identify any approaching hazards. When going to a waypoint in a straight line, check what is in between your boat’s initial location and the waypoint .
45 Boating in Queensland
reasonably withstand the weather they may encounter and you are prepared . Maritime Safety Queensland has plans in place for extreme weather events to reduce the damage caused by cyclones and tidal surges in most harbours throughout the state. Extreme weather event contingency plans vary from region to region. Ensure you are familiar with the warning and/or alert levels used in your area, as they can differ . Copies of the extreme weather contingency plans are available at Maritime Safety Queensland offices or by visiting www .msq .qld .gov .au . You must obey and follow all direction issues by the Regional Harbour Master during extreme weather events . And don’t leave your cyclone mooring or shelter until the harbour master has given the all clear. Prepare, plan and obey these simple rules and you could prevent damage to your boat and others . Boating weather Personal watercraft Be prepared! Whether you own or just borrow a PWC, it is Always check marine weather forecasts before important to ride responsibly by understanding you go boating. And keep checking them while the safety rules and regulations for PWC’s in you are on the water . Queensland . Forecast information is available from the Bureau It’s easy to lose track of how close you are to the of Meteorology and is regularly broadcast on VHF shore, fixed objects and other waterway users - radio channel 67 by volunteer marine rescue keep a proper look out at all times. To gain the organisations. most enjoyment from your PWC ride where you Visit www .bom .gov .au for the latest weather can have fun but remain mindful of others. Ride forecasting. Check out the MetEye forecast maps responsibly – know your limits! which are adjusted by meteorologists to better represent expected weather . It also allows you to Personal watercraft licensing better select the weather information you want It is compulsory for all PWC riders to hold a for your boating area. personal watercraft licence (PWCL) in addition to Personal safety is the number one priority. At a recreational marine driver licence (RMDL). the first sign of bad or severe weather, make A supervised unlicensed driver is not allowed to sure everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket. carry passengers. A supervising PWCL holder If you cannot get back to your mooring or boat must wear the kill switch safety lanyard when the ramp, look for shelter in rivers or creeks with a PWC is being driven by an unlicensed driver. mangrove fringe to act as a buffer from the wind. If you are in a marina or hardstand area, ask the To obtain a PWCL you must be aged 16 years or manager for instructions. older and pass an approved BoatSafe course . A valid recreational marine driver licence is a Extreme weather events and cyclones prerequisite for the PWC licence. Note: Severe weather season in Queensland is from November to April. Boat skippers need to ensure • Equivalent interstate PWCL are acceptable and that they make all possible preparations for transferable to Queensland’s PWCL. extreme weather, cyclones and flooding. • Restricted PWC Licence issued to children in Don’t leave preparations to the last minute . states such as New South Wales and Victoria All boat owners are responsible for ensuring are not accepted or transferable to that their boat is properly maintained, able to Queensland’s PWCL .
46 Boating in Queensland
• Short-term visitors to Queensland can use injury to others . Consider the density of traffic in their boat licence if that is all that is required to the area to determine a safe speed . operate a PWC in their home state . When riding a PWC the following distances must be maintained, or speed reduced to 6 knots Personal watercraft registration (approx 11kph) within 60 metres from: All PWCs must be registered and must display: • people in the water • Registration symbols on both sides • from anchored or moored boats, boat ramps, • Symbols which are at least 100mm high and in jetties or pontoons a contrasting colour to the hull • the shore • Symbols which are visible from 30 metres • boundary of bathing reserve. when the PWC is underway Exceptions apply to ‘6 knots within 60 metres • Registration sticker on the port side adjacent from the shore’ rule under the following to the registration symbols conditions: Safety equipment for personal • the waterway is less than 120 metres wide and the PWC is navigated in as close as practicable watercraft to a straight line to transit the area and the See page 28 for safety equipment requirements. PWC stays as close as is practicable to the It is recommended that PWCs operating in centre of the waterway or a marked channel partially smooth and open waters also carry • the PWC is being used in waterskiing/towing. navigation equipment, anchoring, pumping/ bailing equipment and drinking water. PWCs must also remain under 10 knots within 30 metres of another moving vessel (unless the PWC riders and passengers must wear PWC is in an approved aquatic event or where a lifejacket at all times. See page 14 for compliance would endanger the operator or information on lifejackets . another person). Navigation lights PWCs travelling at night or at times of reduced visibility must show navigation lights – sidelights and either an all-round white light or a stern and masthead light.
Personal watercraft distance and speed It is important you do not exceed set speed limits for your safety and everyone else using the water. Consider the boat traffic in the area to Do not travel at speeds where your wash can determine a safe speed and adjust accordingly . cause damage to the shoreline, other boats or Ride responsibly .
BOAT & JET SKI LICENCE COURSES ONLINE THEORY AND FACE TO FACE COURSES RUN EVERY WEEK Ph: 0402 413 423 www.jetskilicence.com.au
47 Boating in Queensland
In coastal waters, freestyling or wave jumping is Rules on the water not permitted when: •Direction of travel - When skiing in lakes, • in any 6 knot zone including harbours, marinas rivers and creeks, boats should travel in and speed zones as signed an anticlockwise pattern (see right). In a few • within 200 metres of the shore if dwellings are locations local customs and conditions may within 100 metres of the shore line and those dictate the direction of travel . Always check dwellings are visible to the PWC rider. before skiing. Water sports Queensland’s waterways are shared by all types of boats used for water sports, including those that do not require registration. All boats are subject to marine safety regulations.
Water skiing Water skiing involves towing people behind a boat on skis, bare feet, inflatable toys, boards and parasailing. • Skiing or towing on a personal watercraft - When towing a skier on a PWC you must obey The skipper of the boat or PWC is responsible for personal watercraft rules. See page 32 for the safety of others and must be appropriately more information on PWC requirements. licensed. They have a general safety obligation to: • make sure the boat is capable of towing skiers • Prohibited areas - Water skiing is prohibited in all 6 knot zones including harbours and • have the correct safety equipment for skiers marinas, within 30 metres of people in the and passengers water, anchored boats, diver’s flags, jetties, • operate the boat as safely as possible and pontoons or boat ramps and within 60 metres check the area is safe for skiing. of people in the water if operating a PWC. Observers • Restricted areas – Restricted areas are You must not drive a boat towing a skier unless published on the Maritime Safety Queensland there is another person, the observer, on board. website at www .msq .qld .gov .au and Gold The observer must be more than 12 years old Coast Waterways Authority website at and competent to watch the skier at all times . www .gcwa .qld .gov .au . Additionally, the Gold They must immediately tell the skipper if: and Sunshine Coasts have some designated • there is a danger, or potential for danger, to water ski areas and times for operation - These the skier are usually marked by signs. • the skier signals the observer Water skiing is permitted in all other areas. • the skier has a fall or mishap However, it is the responsibility of the driver to • a vessel is approaching from behind ensure the area is safe and suitable for skiing. Life jackets for skiers When water skiing, the skier must wear a life jacket at all times: • at least Level 50 or Level 50 S (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 . See page 14 for information on lifejackets. 48 Boating in Queensland
Water skiing safety tips Check the depth and width of the waterway (to make turns safely) and look for any hazards in the area to see if it is safe for skiing. The tip of the ski must always be showing before the boat starts. After a fall, a skier should always clasp hands over head if unhurt until seen by the observer and boat driver. No signal from a fallen skier calls for immediate action by the observer and skipper. A fallen skier getting into a boat should leave their skis in the water and swim towards the boat. The skipper should always stop the engine(s) before picking up the skiers in the water. Skiers should enter a boat over the stern whenever possible.
Recognised water ski signals The following signals are suggestions only. The observer and skiers should agree to the signals beforehand.
1 2 3 Start: Nod the head . Faster: Open palm facing up – Slower: Open palm facing down – motion upwards or nod head if both motion downwards or shake head if hands in use . both hands are in use.
4a 4b 5 Speed required: Use the number of fingers for km required. For example, 23 – Speed OK: Arm upraised with thumb first two fingers then three fingers. and forefinger making an ‘O’ – OK signal.
6 7 8 Turns: Palm vertical, curving motion Whip off: Point to direction and then Stop: Hand up with fingers outstretched. of hand in direction required. give quick circular motions with hand.
9 10 11 Back to dock: Point with downward Cut motor: Finger drawn across OK after fall: Skier should clasp hands swing of the arm. throat in cutting motion. over head if unhurt, until seen by the boat driver. 49 Boating in Queensland
Sail boats and sail boards Kitesurfing Sail boats and boards are propelled by the wind, Kitesurfing involves a surfboard with 30 metres requiring special skills to control direction and of line attached to a kite . The kite acts as a sail speed. When learning to sail, choose a quiet area and propels the rider through the water. Kitesurfs away from anchored boats and activity. work best in windy conditions and reach speeds Like all other boat users, sailors have a up to 30 knots . responsibility to take all action to avoid a collision Sailing rules apply to kitesurfers and other boats and follow the rules . should give them a wide berth. If a kitesurfer drops the kite, other boats should travel upwind Rowing of the kitesurfer to avoid becoming tangled in the Like canoes and kayaks, rowing boats are difficult line . to see and can be swamped easily. Kitesurfers should stay at least 30 metres from As a general rule, keep the starboard side close swimmers and boats. to the shore of busy rivers. An all-round white flashing light is recommended between sunset Tow-in surfing and sunrise. (see also page on lighting) A code of conduct has been developed to A code of conduct has been developed to promote the safety of tow-in surfing on the Gold promote safety on the Brisbane River. All rowing Coast. The code provides guidance on a number boats must be fitted with an all-round white of important safety aspects, including: flashing light if they are on the river before • general rules relating to proceeding at a safe sunrise or after sunset . Download the code of speed, keeping a proper lookout and avoiding conduct and the Brisbane RiverShare Pocket collision Guide from Maritime Safety Queensland’s website www .msq .qld .gov .au . • specific rules of operation for personal watercraft (PWC) in relation to speed and Canoes, kayaks and surf skis distance off requirements Canoes and kayaks create little or no noise and have a • rules governing the operation of vessels in and small profile on the water, often making them difficult near Gold Coast City Council bathing reserves to see, and they often appear stationary . It is essential • requirements to be met to qualify for the tow-in to be seen all the time as speedboats and larger boats surfing observer exemption can create wash capable of capsizing the boat. • specific requirements for tow-in surfing Travel close to banks to avoid high traffic areas. Where operations within Currumbin Alley and possible travel in a group, keep the group together and Tallebudgera Creek mouth. adopt a one/all stop attitude. Wear a lifejacket. Download the code of conduct from Maritime Safety Queensland’s website www .msq .qld .gov .au . Divers’ flags Divers can surface at any time, sometimes a significant distance Boating offshore from where they enter the water . Boating in offshore waters brings with it a new In the interest of diver safety, any range of safety risks which the skipper must be boat is excluded from operating aware of. The most important thing is to have a within 30 metres of a diver in the boat that can handle offshore conditions and is water if a Code A flag is displayed capable of travelling extended distances in rough (see above). It is legal for the boat tending the conditions. Dinghies are not suitable offshore diver to operate within the 30 metres . craft .
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50 Boating in Queensland
While conditions in the morning might look ideal, take a number of precautions and manoeuvre these can change rapidly and become rough the boat with extreme caution. and dangerous. Offshore boats should have an All bars are different. Local knowledge, enclosed foredeck to prevent water coming on experience and the right kind of boat are critical board, or if the craft is an open boat with centre when trying to cross a bar. Only experienced console configuration, a self-draining deck. skippers should try to cross a coastal bar and, Flotation is a must and many new boats will have even then, you should be very careful. You can buoyancy built in and specified on the Australian learn about each bar by asking local boaters, Builders Plate . However, the aim is to prevent volunteer marine rescue organisations or local water coming on board, and if it does, to be able marine authorities who cross it regularly. to escape as quickly as possible. It’s a good idea to radio the local marine rescue Consider installing a second high volume bilge group for an update on bar conditions and advise pump which will offload water quickly. Always them of your intended crossing and safe passing. have at least two heavy-duty buckets ready for use, as a bucket is an extremely efficient method of bailing water. Boating on freshwater Consider carrying two batteries, one for starting Queensland has many inland waterways ideal and one for running accessories. This way you for fishing, boating and water sports. Operating will always be able to start the motor. Make sure on freshwater lakes and dams, however, can be they are marine batteries which can handle rough quite different to estuary boating. conditions, have a high-cranking power and are deep-cycle which means they can charge faster. Boat registration and licensing requirements are the same for freshwater, inland waterways and coastal waters . safety tips when boating offshore Some freshwater impoundments and dams do Keep a weather watch — receive regular not allow some types of activities while other weather updates for changes. have specific restrictions or permit requirements. Keep a fuel watch — ensure the boat is fully Petrol motors are not always permitted on some fuelled before leaving the ramp or marina. dams for environmental reasons . Always check Be aware that in rough weather more fuel the local waterway rules before you go. will be used than on the outward trip. Always have a reserve supply . Freshwater boating tips • Freshwater does not necessarily mean calm water – have your safety equipment on board Bar crossings and be prepared for any conditions. Always check the weather . A bar is an accumulation of sand or silt at the entrance of a river, creek, lake or harbour. Never • Freshwater is less buoyant than salt water and underestimate a coastal bar as conditions can the water temperature is usually colder . This change quickly and without warning. increases the risk of cold water shock to the body and reduces the ability to function - so Designated coastal bars in Queensland include wear a lifejacket . Currumbin Bar, Tallebudgera Bar, Jumpinpin Bar, South Passage Bar, Caloundra Bar, Mooloolah • If you are using an electric motor on your boat, River mouth, Noosa Bar, Gold Coast Seaway, make sure the battery is fully charged before Round Hill Creek, Wide Bay Bar . every trip and have a back-up. • If you are canoeing and kayaking, travel close Bar crossing rules (under 4 .8m) to the banks to avoid high traffic area and be Everyone in open boats under 4.8 metres, while aware of wash from larger boats. crossing a designated coastal bar, must be • If you are boating, riding your PWC or water- wearing a lifejacket. skiing, remember to consider other waterway If you cross the bar without a lifejacket on, you users and be aware of your speed, wash and cross the line! freshwater hazards . • Keep a proper lookout at all times. Bar crossings can be dangerous - Heavy rain can cause strong currents and Bar conditions can be steep and often breaking bring debris and flotsam to the waterway. seas . Even small waves can capsize, swamp or - Drought can cause a big drop in the water sink a boat. For these reasons it is important to level and expose submerged objects like old 51 Boating in Queensland
fences, sticks, trees, rocks and sandbanks. • Have secure bins or garbage bags to store Slow down when boating close to shore and garbage on board until you return to shore. avoid hitting underwater hazards. • Use crockery or re-useable plates and cutlery. - Rivers can have blind spots at river bends • Make the effort to retrieve lost or damaged or caused by land, tree and overhanging fishing gear. branch obstructions. • If garbage does end up in the water, take the • Don’t go alone and tell someone where you time to pick it up . are. Freshwater areas can be remote and miles wide with no quick access to shelter or • Don’t abandon crab pots, as floats and lines assistance if you run into trouble. can entangle wildlife and foul boat propellers. • Paint scrapings and residues that enter the water from hull maintenance activities are Carbon monoxide classed as garbage pollution. hazard Vessels 12 metres and over All vessels measuring 12 metres or more are Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas made by required by law to display a placard with the incomplete ignition or burning of carbon-based following information. fuels like petrol, propane, charcoal, wood and oil. You can’t smell it, see it or taste it, but it can pose a real threat to the personal safety of those on board your boat. Carbon monoxide can accumulate anywhere in and around your boat and in all weather conditions. Sources of carbon monoxide on your boat include engines, gas cooking ranges and gas and water heaters. Boats with partially- enclosed cabins, wheelhouses or passenger accommodation are at higher risk. It can also collect in area near the exhaust outlets at the stern of the boat. Fitting and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and alarms is a good way to minimise the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. High concentrations Garbage management plans of carbon monoxide can be fatal in minutes. If Garbage management plans are required for poisoning is suspected move to fresh air and vessels of 100 gross tons and above (generally seek medical advice immediately . vessels of 12 metres or more) or with the capacity to carry 15 or more persons . If you have enclosed spaces whether temporary or permanent on board your boat ensure you This is an international requirement arising from understand the risks and have safety the International Convention for the Prevention procedures in place. More information on carbon of Pollution from Ships, which is given effect in monoxide and boats is available at commonwealth and state/territory legislation. www .qld .gov .au/transport/boating . For more information visit Maritime Safety Queensland’s website www .msq .qld .gov .au . Pollution Fuels, oils and chemicals Whether your boat is large or small, it is an Most oil and chemical pollution results from offence to deliberately discharge pollutants into activities such as refuelling, boat maintenance Queensland coastal waters . and bilge discharges. Reduce oil and chemicals entering our waterways: Garbage requirements • Do not overfill your tank. Garbage is hazardous to marine life and all users of our waterways . All skippers and PWC • Watch the breathers for signs of blow-back or riders need to manage the use and disposal of overflow . all garbage generated on board correctly. Play • Ensure your bilges are clean before your part: discharging them. • Don’t throw anything overboard. • Use phosphate free biodegradable detergents. 52 Boating in Queensland
• Carry absorbent material on board to clean up wharf or jetty other than a jetty that is a marina any accidental spills . (b) within 1852m (1 nM) of • Repair oil and fuel leaks when first noticed. – aquaculture fisheries resources If you accidentally spill oil or chemicals into the water, or see a spill, do your bit for the marine – if a vessel has 7–15 people on board: a reef, environment and contact your local harbour or the mean low water mark of an island or master, marina manager or Port Authority, so the mainland . it can be contained and cleaned up as soon as possible. Note: If you have 16 or more persons on board, the discharge of untreated sewage is not Sewage permitted anywhere in Queensland coastal The discharge of sewage into the marine waters . environment poses serious health and environmental issues . To reduce the impacts Treated sewage associated with vessel sourced sewage Treated sewage is sewage that has passed prohibitions and restrictions are in place for the through an on board sewage treatment system discharge of sewage. and is categorised as either grade A, B or C Untreated sewage depending on the level of treatment it has Untreated sewage is sewage that has not passed received . through an on-board sewage treatment system. In areas where the discharge of untreated All treated sewage is prohibited from being sewage is allowed, the effluent must pass discharged in ‘prohibited discharge waters’ such through a macerator before being discharged, in as canals, marinas, boat harbours, the Noosa order to assist with dispersion and improve visual River and designated areas of state marine amenity for all waterways users . parks . Note: Macerated sewage is not classed as treated sewage. Macerated sewage is untreated Additionally, the following types of treated sewage sewage. have the following restrictions on discharge: Untreated sewage is prohibited from being • Grade A treated sewage (highest level of discharged in the following areas: treatment) — No further restrictions. • Prohibited discharge waters — these are • Grade B treated sewage (moderate level of canals, marinas, boat harbours, the Noosa River and designated areas of state marine treatment) — Nil discharge in Hervey Bay parks . waters, Northern Moreton Bay waters, open • Smooth waters – these are the designated waters and smooth waters within 700m of a smooth water limits. See page xx for more person in the water, an aquaculture fisheries information on smooth waters . resource and a reef . • Hervey Bay and Northern Moreton Bay waters • Grade C treated sewage (lowest treatment) – within 1852m (1 nM) of reefs, for example — Nil discharge in Hervey Bay waters, Northern oyster lease or fish farm, the mean low water Moreton Bay waters, open waters and smooth mark of the mainland, or if the ship is a declared ship, all Hervey Bay and Northern waters within 926m (½ nM) of a person in the Moreton Bay waters. (A declared ship is a Class water, an aquaculture fisheries resource and a 1 commercial passenger-carrying vessel with a reef . fixed toilet). For more information visit Maritime Safety • Open waters – (a) within 926m (½ nM) of a Queensland’s website www .msq .qld .gov .au .
53 Marine Parks in Queensland
Marine parks zoning Marine Parks in Marine parks are divided into zones that help Queensland keep the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area healthy, productive and flourishing. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Seven colour-coded zones guide where and coastal Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park how different activities can occur (see GBRMP together make one of the world’s most beautiful Zoning table on page 56). and richly diverse marine ecosystems, lying right There is no fishing allowed in Green Zones. In a next to our coastline and stretching from the top Yellow Zone you can only fish with one line with of Cape York south to Bundaberg. one hook per person (except when trolling). All The marine parks are multiple-use areas zoning rules are outlined in free zoning maps supporting a range of activities including available from bait and tackle shops, boating commercial and recreational fishing, boating, stores and tourist information centres along tourism and shipping. the Great Barrier Reef coast . Although some areas do not allow fishing, Research shows fish eggs carried on currents there is no shortage of areas to wet a line, with from parents that live in protected green zones almost 70 per cent of the marine parks open to play an important role in sustaining populations recreational fishing. of fish such as coral trout in areas open to fishing. So taking those important breeders impacts on everyone . It is very important to help protect green zones by not fishing in them and reporting those who do. You can free call to report marine park offences to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) on 1800 341 211 (24hr). Fishing in green zones is treated very seriously by the GBRMPA. Don’t risk a large fine. Know your zones and where you are when out on the water .
54 Marine Parks in Queensland
If you’re planning a day out in the marine parks, there are simple things you can do to have a great time and help protect the area for the future . • Pick up a free zoning map for the area you are visiting so you know where you can go and what you can do • When out on the water, keep your eye on your GPS and use your zoning map to help you locate where you are so you fish in the right area • Take all your rubbish home including line, tackle and bait bags • Anchor in sand or mud away from corals. Visit www .gbrmpa .gov .au to download zoning maps and find more tips on how you can help protect the Reef .
55 Marine Parks in Queensland
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56 Marine Parks in Queensland
Know your zones in Moreton Bay Penalties apply: Marine Park On-the-spot fines can be issued Moreton Bay Marine Park supports more than 1000 species of marine wildlife including fish, marine turtles, humpback whales, dolphins Conservation park (yellow) zone and several threated species such as grey These zones are Boating 3 nurse sharks and dugong. Covering 3400 areas of high square kilometres (km2)—stretching 125km conservation value Diving from Caloundra to the Gold Coast—the park is for habitat and 3 a hot spot for fishers and boaties in South East wildlife that also Queensland . 2 allow for limited Line fishing 3 To effectively manage various activities in the recreational and marine park, and protect the park’s unique commercial uses Trolling 32 biodiversity, it has been divided into zones, which such as fishing restrict some activities . and crabbing. Crabbing 33 The main areas of concern for anglers are national park (green) zones, which prohibit all Bait gathering extractive uses including fishing and collecting. 3 In go slow areas, vessels must operate off-the- Bait netting plane to help protect turtles and dugong from 3 boat strike, and to avoid damaging vulnerable Netting (other than 1 habitats. bait netting 8 Penalties apply so familiarise yourself with zone restrictions . Limited spearfishing 3
4 Marine national park (green) zone Limited collecting 3 Like a national Boating 3 Trawling 1 park in the water, 8 these areas are 1 Diving All equipment to conduct this activity must ‘no take areas’ of 3 be stowed or secured in board the vessel and high conservation completely out of the water. Line fishing 1 value . Anyone 8 2 A maximum of two lines and a total of two can enter and hooks per angler. undertake Trolling 1 8 3 Maximum of four crab pots per person. activities such 4 as boating, Crabbing 81 No coral or protected species (except under a snorkelling and permit). Limits apply to species and equipment used. sailing. Bait gathering 81 Green zones provide the Bait netting 81 greatest level of protection in the Netting (other than 81 marine park . All bait netting forms of take 1 (fishing, collecting Limited spearfishing 8 or extracting) are prohibited. Limited collecting 8 Trawling 81 1 All equipment to conduct this activity must be stowed or secured in board the vessel and completely out of the water.
57 Marine Parks in Queensland
www .npsr .qld .gov .au Habitat protection (dark blue) zone Visit and search “Moreton Bay”, for detailed zoning maps and other useful Protect sensitive Boating 3 information . habitats by keeping them Diving generally free 3 Artificial reefs from potentially There are artificial reefs in Moreton Bay Marine damaging Line fishing 3 Park that sustain a diversity of fish species and activities . No have been designed to benefit a range of fishing trawling is allowed Trolling 3 techniques—including spearfishing, bottom fishing in these zones . and game fishing for pelagic species. These areas Crabbing 3 make for some exciting fishing: • Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef—7km east-south- Bait gathering 3 east of St Helena Island • West Peel Artificial Reef—west of Peel Island and Bait netting 3 north-east of Cleveland Point Netting (other than 3 • East Coochie Artificial Reef—east of bait netting Coochiemudlo Island Limited spearfishing 3 • Wild Banks Artificial Reef—east of the Wild Banks, which are east of Bribie Island Limited collecting 34 • North Moreton Artificial Reef—north of Moreton Island Trawling 1 8 • South Stradbroke Artificial Reef—east of South 1 All equipment to conduct this activity must Stradbroke Island, approximately 3km north of be stowed or secured in board the vessel and the Gold Coast seaway . completely out of the water. www .npsr .qld .gov .au 4 Visit for detailed location No coral or protected species (except under a maps and activities on offer at each reef . permit). Limits apply to species and equipment used.
General use (light blue) zone Fish habitat areas Declared fish habitat areas (FHAs) protect key Boating 3 areas of inshore and estuarine fish habitats (e.g. vegetation, sand bars and rocky headlands) along Diving 3 the Queensland coast from development impacts . Habitat protection is critical to ensure fishing for Line fishing 3 the future . FHAs are open to: Trolling 3 • fishing (legal recreational, commercial and traditional) Crabbing 3 • boating, swimming, walking and other Bait gathering 3 recreational activities • collecting bait (except with a digging implement). Bait netting 3 Approvals may be required for specific types of works within a declared FHA . Check with Fisheries Netting (other than bait netting 3 Queensland before you: • undertake any construction, digging or Limited spearfishing 3 maintenance works Limited collecting 34 • undertake any sampling or surveying • remove weeds, using a pesticide or engage in Trawling 3 biological control of a pest. 4 No coral or protected species (except under a For more information about FHAs visit permit). Limits apply to species and equipment used. www .npsr .qld gov. .au . 58 Marine Parks in Queensland
Artificial reefs locality map Moreton Bay Marine Park
153°0'E 153°15'E 153°30'E
Caloundra
Pumicestone Channel CPZ01 Wild Banks Artificial Reef MNP01 North West Channel
MNP02 Bribie MNP03 North Moreton Island (NP) Artificial Reef CPZ03 Wild Banks Flinders MNP04 Reef
27°0'S MNP05 27°0'S CPZ04 Pumicestone Channel MNP06 Bulwer MNP07 MNP08 Moreton CPZ02 Island (NP) MNP09 Cowan Cowan MNP10 Deception Moreton Bay Moorgumpin Bay Quandamooka CPZ05 Tangalooma Turner Redcliffe Artificial Reef MNP11
27°15'S Hays Inlet MNP12 27°15'S CPZ06 Bramble Bay MNP15
MNP13 Mud Island MNP14 MNP16 MNP17 Moreton South Passage MNP19 Harry Atkinson Banks CPZ07 Artificial Reef MNP18 Amity St Helena Island (NP) Brisbane MNP21 MNP20 Point Scale River 0 5 10 15 20 km Amity Banks North Lookout Brisbane Waterloo Manly MNP22 Stradbroke Bay West Peel MNP23 Artificial Reef Island Dunwich Legend Raby Bay 27°30'S CPZ09 27°30'S CPZ08 Minjerribah Marine park outer boundary Cleveland Peel Island Teerk Roo Ra (NP) Artificial reef special activity area MNP24 Coochiemudlo East Coochie Turner Artificial Reef area Island Artificial Reef Macleay MNP26 MNP25 General use zone (GUZ) Island MNP27 Habitat protection zone (HPZ) MNP29 Conservation park zone (CPZ) Russell MNP28 Island Marine national park zone (MNP) Logan MNP31 CPZ10 River MNP30 Swan Bay Jumpinpin
27°45'S Disclaimer 27°45'S The maps contained within this product are not to be used for navigation. For navigation, refer to Jacobs Well official nautical charts published by maritime agencies. MNP32 While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this product, the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, MNP33 South completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. Stradbroke Island The Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing disclaims all responsibility and all liability Hope (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which might be incurred as a result of the product Island South Stradbroke being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Artificial Reef Runaway Hydrographic and maritime information is the copyright of the State of Queensland and is used MNP34 under licence with the permission of Maritime Safety Queensland. All rights reserved. Bay Gold Coast Seaway
153°0'E 153°15'E 153°30'E © State of Queensland. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing. MA707 August 2015 MA707 August Racing. and Sport Parks, of National Department Service, Wildlife and Parks Queensland of Queensland. © State
59 Marine Parks in Queensland
Great Sandy Marine Park Conservation, along with the reasonable use of The Department of National Parks, Sport and significant marine natural resources, is achieved Racing’s (NPSR) Queensland Parks and Wildlife through a zoning plan consisting of five zones, eight Service (QPWS) manages the Great Sandy designated areas, and a system of regulations and Marine Park . permits. The zones range from no-take marine national park zones (green zones) to general use The marine park offers a wide range of recreational, zones (light blue zones). research and commercial opportunities . Its tidal lands and marine waters form a transition zone For more information about the location of zones between tropical and temperate waters, where throughout the Great Sandy Marine Park visit the changing water temperatures drive unique and NPSR website www .npsr .qld .gov .au . dynamic life cycles and influence marine habitats, communities and wildlife .
60 Fishing in Queensland
• conserve heavily exploited species Fishing in Queensland • conserve species that are susceptible to capture • share the catch more equitably among anglers Recreational fishing • reduce illegal marketing of fish rules for Queensland • promote ethical and responsible behaviour A brief guide when using a limited natural resource. Recreational fishing in Handy hint Queensland waters Fish ID Recreational fishing is a favourite pastime for You should carry a good fish identification guide many Queenslanders . However, we all have when fishing. Guides can be purchased from a part to play in ensuring current and future most bait and tackle stores. Remember, fish that generations are able to enjoy the pleasures of look similar may in fact be different species with recreational fishing and abundant seafood that different size and possession limits . are hallmarks of the Queensland lifestyle . Fisheries Queensland manages the state’s Check your limits fishing resources through management For a complete list of size and possession limits, arrangements that protect valuable fish stocks, see the back section of this guide. surveillance of Queensland’s fishing waters, the All information in this guide is correct at time of enforcement of fishing and boating safety laws, printing. For the most up-to-date information and and by educating and informing Queenslanders changes to regulations, visit www .fisheries .qld .gov .au about responsible fishing. Fishers should consult the Fisheries Regulation Measuring 2008 for the latest recreational fishing rules or Measuring fin fish visit www .fisheries qld. .gov .au Fin fish are measured from the tip of their Recreational fishers should also be aware that snout to the end of their tail (see Handy hint other local, state and federal regulations may below). apply—you will need to check with the relevant What if you catch an undersized fish? authorities . If you unintentionally take a fish (including fin fish or crustaceans) that is not legal size, return it to the Size and possession limits water immediately, taking as much care as possible Why do we have size limits? to avoid causing any injury to the fish. In Queensland, there are limits on the size (length) of fish that can be legally taken for many Handy hint species . There are minimum size limits and also Measuring device some maximum size limits . Use a sturdy ruler with an end stop to measure Size limits are typically, though not always, the length of catch. Adhesive or stick-on devices based on biological research into each species’ can be unreliable and shrink when exposed to reproductive cycles. Minimum size limits generally the weather . allow fish to spawn at least once and contribute to For an instructional video on measuring fish the population before they are taken. correctly, check out www .youtube .com/fisheriesqld However, in some species larger individuals contribute more to the population, which is why some maximum size limits apply . For example, most barramundi begin their lives as males and later, as they grow larger, become females. A maximum size limit is applied to protect large females and to allow them to spawn . Why do we have possession limits? A possession limit is the total number of fish that one person can legally take and keep at any one time – it does not apply on a per day basis. It includes the fish you have caught previously, for example, previous catches in your freezer at Measuring crabs home. These limits aim to: For guidelines on how to measure crabs see page 76. 61 Fishing in Queensland
Catch and release • Cut the line – when it’s not possible to remove You should always be prepared to release part of the hook without harming the fish, cut the line your catch to comply with Queensland’s size and as close to the hook as possible. Only leave possession limits and fishing closure rules, and to a small piece of line on the hook as this may ensure the sustainability of our fish species. progress through the fish’s digestive system. Research has found that cutting the line greatly Releasing undersized or no take species should increases the survival of deeply hooked fish . It’s be done carefully to ensure the fish has the best a good idea to use degradable hooks and line chance of survival. The survival of fish depends when catching and releasing. on factors such as the length of the fight, where the fish is hooked, and how the fish is handled • Do not touch the gills – don’t handle fish and released. Stressed fish become exhausted by placing your fingers in the gill slits. Fish gill quickly and have less chance of surviving when filaments are very sensitive and can easily be released . injured. Fish should be handled by cradling the To give the fish you release the best chance of survival: fish near the head and tail if possible, or by gently holding the fish near the mid-section. • Use barbless hooks or circle hooks. - Barbless hooks make the quick removal of the hook from • Releasing the fish – hold the fish upright the fish much easier and reduce the risk of underwater into the current or, if there is no hooking injuries to the angler. Pinching down current, by ‘swimming’ it around until it swims off the barb with needle-nose pliers works well. on its own . Circle hooks reduce the risk of hooking fish • Taking photos – if you’re going to take photos deeply and usually jaw hook fish . with your fish before release, support the fish • Play the fish quickly – try to catch your fish properly and do it as quickly as possible. Do not as quickly as possible and don’t play the fish delay the return of the fish to the water . The to exhaustion. Long, drawn out fights are likely to longer the fish is out of the water, the greater result in the fish dying when released, due to the stress and damage the fish can suffer. For stress and build-up of lactic acid in its body. If it protected species, fish must be returned to the takes a long time to land the fish, your drag may water immediately unharmed . be set too loosely or your gear may be too light For an instructional video on fish handling for the fish you’re catching. Use appropriate gear methods, check out www.youtube.com/fisheriesqld for your target fish. • Use a landing net – using a fine-mesh landing Sustaining our fisheries net may help in reducing the amount of time Fisheries monitoring and research required to land a fish, and keep it from thrashing The future of our fisheries relies on our resources about in shallow water or on the shore. being used in a sustainable way. This requires keeping • Keep the fish in the water – the longer a fish is a close eye on fish stocks and the performance of held out of water the greater the chance of it management arrangements for each fishery. being injured. It’s best to remove the hook from Stock status a fish you intend to release without taking it out In 2014 Fisheries Queensland committed to the of the water, or at least reduce the amount of National Status of Key Australian Fish Stocks time a fish is held out of water . If you must (SAFS) process. SAFS aims to bring together remove the fish from the water, do it as gently as biological, catch and effort data to determine possible. Don’t hold up large fish by the line, jaw or gills as this can cause fatal injuries. For small the status of key fish stock against a nationally to medium sized fish, place your hand flat and lift agreed reporting framework. This process the fish out of the water by its side. provides advice to policy makers, industry and the general public on the sustainability of the fish • Wet your hands – wet your hands, your net and stocks assessed . other materials that may come in contact with the fish . This reduces the removal of mucus on The status of fish stocks across Australia are the fish and lessens the possibility of bacterial compiled and can be found at: www.fish.gov.au infection . Get involved in fisheries monitoring • Remove hooks quickly – hooks should be If you enjoy recreational fishing, you can get removed from the fish as quickly as possible. involved in a Fisheries Queensland volunteer Long-nose pliers are an essential tool for quickly monitoring program. You can help ensure a removing hooks and wire cutters can also help sustainable future for our fisheries by providing with hook removal . valuable monitoring information. 62 Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors
Seqwater is responsible for the management of recreation at major water storages in South East Queensland. Fishing and boating are permitted at the following sites:
Lake Fishing Boating Atkinson Yes All types Baroon Yes Electric/non-powered and paddle craft Borumba Yes* All types Clarendon Yes Paddle craft only Cooloolabin Yes No boating (shore-based fishing only) Dyer (Bill Gunn) Yes* All types Enoggera Yes Paddle craft only Ewen Maddock Yes Paddle craft only Hinze (Advancetown) Yes* Electric/non-powered and paddle craft Kurwongbah Yes Fuel-powered (club only), paddle craft Macdonald Yes* Electric/non-powered and paddle craft Manchester Yes Paddle craft only Maroon Yes* All types Fuel-powered (6 knot speed limit in some parts), Moogerah Yes* electric/non-powered and paddle craft Samsonvale (North Pine) Yes* Club-access only - electric/non-powered and paddle craft Fuel-powered (6 knot speed limit in some parts), Somerset Yes* electric/non-powered and paddle craft Fuel-powered (low emission, 8 knot max speed), Wivenhoe Yes* electric/non-powered and paddle craft Wyaralong Yes Electric/non-powered and paddle craft
* A permit is required to fish at these dams. For more information visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.
Phone 1800 SEQWATER For more information visit our website www.seqwater.com.au The status of our recreation sites regularly change due to weather events, seasonal cycles and other events such as planned burns. Always check our recreation and safety notices at www.seqwater.com.au before heading out and remember to play it safe. Fishing in Queensland
Visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au to learn more boating safety laws, surveillance and providing about: educational resources . • the Keen Angler Program — donate your fish A list of QBFP offices is provided in the front of frames to science this guide. • local boat ramp and fishing surveys – let our Illegal sales scientific staff measure your catch Recreational fishing is for personal enjoyment and • fishing surveys – if you get a call, let us know consumption. Taking fish to sell is illegal without an your fishing habits. appropriate licence. Illegal marketing of fish poses a threat to the legitimate seafood market and can Handy hint pose a threat to food safety . Take only what you need Reporting illegal fishing activities While possession limits must not be exceeded, To report suspected illegal fishing activities in Fisheries Queensland recommends taking only Queensland call the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on what you need to help ensure the sustainability 1800 017 116 (free call within Queensland). of Queensland’s fisheries . If you see, or have any information on fishing Tagged fish activities you suspect are unlawful: Research projects involving the tagging of fish • record the date, time and area where the are often conducted throughout Queensland activity occurs by scientists at universities, state and federal • record any vehicle registration numbers and a agencies, and community groups to improve our description of any vehicles involved understanding of fish movement, growth and • record any boat registration numbers and a survival rates . description of any vessels involved If you want to get involved in a fish tagging • if you know the person or persons involved, give project contact: their details as well Suntag • give an accurate description of the activity 1800 077 001 (toll-free). involved, e.g. setting large numbers of crab pots, You can keep a tagged fish if it is within the size netting the local creek at low tides and possession limits. If you catch a tagged • ring the Fishwatch hotline as soon as possible to fish and decide to release it, please phone the pass on this information . number on the tag or the toll-free number above with the following information: It is important you do not engage with the person/s, as this can compromise an investigation. • the tag number (if the fish has two tags, record both tag details) A Fishwatch online report form is also available • the date and place of capture at www .facebook .com/FisheriesQueensland . Reports lodged via the form are processed during • the fork and/or total length business hours only. For immediate action, call • details of where the fish was released. the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116 . Alternatively, if you keep the fish you can phone Reporting lost and found gear the number on the tag with the information or Interfering with fishing equipment that isn’t yours post the tag and the information to the tagging is illegal. If you find commercial fishing or shark coordinator . control equipment on local beaches, report it so it can be returned to its owner. To report found shark If the tag has ‘Keep Frame’ on it, fisheries control equipment, call the Shark Hotline on officers may wish to examine the fish . If you 1800 806 891, and to report commercial fishing keep the fish (rather than releasing it), please gear, call the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. freeze the fish frame and contact the tagging coordinator on the toll-free number or your local Handy hint QBFP office to arrange for collection. Shark hotline If you notice that an animal has been entangled Compliance in shark control equipment, contact the 24-hour Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891 (free call within (QBFP) is responsible for enforcing fishing and Queensland). 64 Fishing in Queensland
Miscellaneous prohibitions Fishing ethics The following activities are illegal Code of practice throughout Queensland: Fisheries Queensland supports • jagging or foul-hooking fish fishing responsibly, sustainably • using explosives, poisons or and in a way that respects the electrical devices to take fish environment and the rights of (divers may use a powerhead We Can Assist others . Approximately 642,000 You With... on a spear gun only in defence Queenslanders go fishing each year against sharks) Commercial and Recreational and it is vitally important that we Vessel Surveying • interfering with authorised look after our fisheries for future Vessel Pre Purchase Reports aquaculture activities generations. This is why a national Insurance Condition Reports • obstructing lawful netting Vessel Valuations – Customs, code of practice for recreational Insurance, Taxation etc operations, damaging or fishers was developed by Recfish Project Management interfering with fishing Australia . and Consultancy apparatus (including removing Vessel Maintenance fish from the apparatus) The code addresses four main and Scheduling areas: Safety Management • possessing or carrying Systems – SMS prohibited apparatus in closed • treating fish humanely Vessel Operation Manuals waters unless the apparatus is • looking after our fisheries Skippering, Navigation dismantled, stowed and secured and Voyage Planning • protecting the environment Services and Tuition • removing, damaging or interfering with markers or signs • respecting the rights of others. erected under the authority of For more information visit fisheries legislation www .daf .qld gov. .au • using underwater breathing Responsible disposal of rubbish apparatus (other than a snorkel) to take fish Everyday items such as cigarette butts, plastic bags, bottles, cans • using fishing apparatus, including nets, across a and discarded fishing gear are Upgrading waterway or navigation channel common causes of marine pollution in a way that makes more than and impact marine ecosystems . your Boat? half of its width impassable to a Always ensure you dispose of litter boat or fish. responsibly. QLD’s best range of quality used: • Runabouts • Half cabins • Tiller steer • Bowriders • Fishing boats • Centre consoles • Side consoles All pre-tested & warranted and all online
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65 Fishing in Queensland
• a scoop or dip net (cast nets and bait nets Fresh waters cannot be used). No take species Fishing lines A person must not use a set line as a cross-line or use more than six fishing lines. Only one hook or an artificial fly or lure can be attached to a fishing line. Fishers must be no more than 50 m from any of Australian lungfish their fishing lines.
Bloomfield River cod
River blackfish
Scoop or dip nets A scoop or dip net must not exceed 1 m in any dimension, with a handle no longer than 2.5 m and a mesh size of no more than 25 mm .
Spiny crayfish Freshwater sawfish, cling goby and Edgbaston hardyhead are also no take species . Freshwater fishing gear Why are there restrictions on fishing gear? A number of restrictions apply to fishing gear in Queensland to protect fish stocks from overfishing. General conditions While fishing in fresh water, a person must not use Canister traps at one time more than four freshwater traps in any A canister trap must be no longer than 60 cm and combination. No age limit applies to people using no more than 50 cm in width, height or diameter. freshwater fishing gear. The trap must be open at one end. The width, In freshwater areas, fish may only be caught using: height or diameter of the trap—measured anywhere • a fishing line that consists of a handheld line along its length—must not be more than the width, with or without a pole, reel or rod height or diameter of the trap’s open end. If the trap • a trap that can be a canister trap, collapsible does not have a mesh made of rigid material, the trap, dilly net, funnel trap or round trap size of the mesh must be no more than 25 mm. 66 Fishing in Queensland
Collapsible traps A collapsible trap must be made of rigid material Open top pyramid traps with one or more collapsible sides. Open top pyramid traps can be used in all Queensland freshwater areas provided they have: • a single, rigid top opening, with a minimum size of 15 cm in all its dimensions, parallel to the base of the trap • a mesh size of no more than 25 mm • a maximum base size of 60 cm in length and width Dilly nets A dilly net must have a diameter of no more than 125 cm and a mesh size of no more than 25 mm .
Handy hint Check your traps Traps should be checked regularly to improve the quality of your catch and ensure any non-target Funnel traps and round traps species (such as freshwater turtles) that are The use of certain funnel and round traps is accidentally caught can be released safely. prohibited outside of some listed impoundments Prohibited fishing gear (see www.fisheries.qld.gov.au). This means that: All other forms of fishing apparatus other • funnel traps and round traps with a rigid opening than those mentioned on page 66 and 67 are size of up to 5 cm maximum in all its dimensions prohibited, including: can be used in all Queensland non-tidal waters • setlines • floatlines • funnel traps and round traps within a rigid • all forms of nets (except landing nets, scoop or opening size between 5 cm and 10 cm can only dip nets, and dilly nets) be used in listed impoundments east of a line • fish traps following the Great Dividing Range and east of • drum nets the Gore Highway (A39) or in non-tidal waters west of the aforementioned boundary. • cross-lines 67 Fishing in Queensland
• spears and spear guns (spearfishing is prohibited • Freshwater prawn or shrimp (Macrobrachium in all fresh waters). A spear gun includes a bow australiensis) are found throughout Queensland for propelling a spear and can be used as bait in all areas of the state. • cast nets. • Yabby or blueclaw crayfish (Cherax destructor) Marking traps are found naturally in the Murray–Darling, Lake All freshwater traps must have a tag on the trap Eyre and Bulloo–Bancannia drainage divisions, showing the owner’s surname and address. If a and some river basins in the East Coast Drainage trap is not fixed to something stationary (i.e. a Division. Yabbies can be used as bait only in branch or boat) above the surface of the water, these areas . it must have a solid light-coloured float attached that is at least 15 cm in all its dimensions and Freshwater closed seasons marked with the owner’s surname . Why do we have closed seasons? Closed seasons (regulated periods) prevent people Interfering with gear you didn’t set from taking particular species at certain times of the Interfering with fresh water gear that you didn’t set year. This protects these species at vulnerable times is a serious offence which carries heavy penalties . in their life cycle, such as during spawning seasons. Bait Barramundi Any fish caught to be used as bait must comply Throughout the Queensland east coast, a closed with all recreational fishing regulations (such as season applies to barramundi from midday 1 size and possession limits, and closed seasons). November to midday 1 February, except in and from No take species cannot be used as bait. Any fish waterways upstream of Aplins Weir (also includes that are not native to the area (non-indigenous Black Weir and Gleeson Weir), Awoonga, Ben and noxious—see page 69 of this guide) must not Anderson Barrage (also includes Paradise Dam, be put back in the water even as bait. Claude Wharton Weir and Jones Weir), Burdekin Falls, Callide, Eungella, Fairbairn, Fred Haigh (Lake Handy hint Monduran), Kinchant, Koombooloomba, Lake Gregory (Isis Balancing Storage), Copperlode Falls Catch local bait (Lake Morris), Lenthalls, Peter Faust, Teemburra, The easiest way to prevent movement of fish Tinaroo and Wuruma Dams . species is to catch your bait at the location where you are fishing. But remember, any noxious or non- The dates for the Gulf of Carpentaria closed season indigenous fish are not to be put back into the water for barramundi are midday 7 October to midday or used as bait, even if caught at that location. 1 February (but possession on boats allowed to midday 17 October). Using marine baits in freshwaters These closures do no apply in East Leichhart The use of baits from the marine (saltwater) Dam and Belmore, Corella, Fred Tritton, Julius and environment is prohibited unless the bait has Moondarra Lakes, and to waterways upstream of been frozen, cooked or preserved. This is to these impoundments . prevent the spread of disease and parasites in A possession limit of one barramundi applies Queensland’s freshwater systems, and to protect during the closed season in all of the 19 lakes and native fish populations and the future viability of dams mentioned above. The barramundi may be freshwater fish stocking programs. greater than 120 cm. Recreational fishers may continue to fish in the 19 dams and lakes once Freshwater bait they have reached their limit of one barramundi. The use of fish and crustaceans such as spangled perch, redclaw, yabbies (blueclaw) as bait (dead Outside of the closed season, in the 19 dams and or alive) is prohibited outside their natural lakes mentioned previously, a possession limit of environment or range. This is to prevent species five applies to barramundi (can include one greater from becoming established in foreign habitats and than 120 cm). causing environmental damage. It is prohibited to deliberately target barramundi Natural ranges for some commonly used ‘live’ bait outside of the dams listed above for catch and release species are listed below: during these closed seasons, as the stress of capture • Redclaw (Cherax quadricarinatus) are native to may prevent a fish from spawning. Barramundi the Gulf of Carpentaria Drainage Division and caught accidentally during the closed season must be some river basins in the far northern portion of immediately returned to the water unharmed . the East Coast Drainage Division. Redclaw can Mary River cod be used as bait only in these areas. A spawning season closure from 1 September 68 Fishing in Queensland to 30 November applies to all non-tidal waters, Crosby Weir; and from 100 m upstream to 600 m including stocked impoundments. At all other times, downstream of the Wivenhoe Dam wall . Mary River cod is a no take species in all waters Burdekin River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m except the impounded waters of Cressbrook, Hinze, downstream of Clare Weir . Maroon, Moogerah, North Pine, Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams, and lakes Dyer (Bill Gunn dam) Burnett Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m and Clarendon . downstream of the Maroon Dam wall . Murray cod Burnett River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m A spawning season closure applies to all downstream of Burnett Barrage; from 100 m Queensland waters contained in the Murray upstream to 200 m downstream of the Kirar Weir; Darling Drainage Division from 1 September to Ned Churchward (Walla) Weir, Claude Wharton Weir 30 November. An exception to this closed season and the Paradise Dam wall . applies to Beardmore Dam, Beehive Dam, Connolly Condamine River: from 100 m upstream to Dam, Cooby Dam, Coolmunda Dam, Glenlyon Dam, 200 m downstream of Chinchilla Weir; Loudon Leslie Dam and Storm King Dam. Weir, Lemon Tree Weir, Yarramalong Weir, Cecil Plains Weir and from 27˚02’24” S 149˚57’12” E Freshwater closed waters (approximately 14 km upstream of Reilly’s Weir) to Why do we have closed waters? 200 m downstream of Reilly’s Weir . Closed waters (regulated waters) prevent people from fishing in certain areas and these may be: Dawson River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream of the Glebe Weir; Gyranda Weir, • where a population of endangered or threatened Orange Creek Weir, Theodore Weir, Moura Weir and species lives Neville Hewitt Weir • where fish congregate during or before spawning Dogwood Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m • where fish may aggregate or get trapped near downstream of Gil Weir . artificial barriers and be susceptible to overfishing Dumaresq River: from Bonshaw Weir to 100 m • to separate incompatible uses (e.g. fishing from downstream of Bonshaw Weir . a bathing area) Fitzroy River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m • to enable successful migration of fish through downstream of the Fitzroy River Barrage; and from fishways . 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream of Eden Waters closed to line fishing Bann Weir; and Wattlebank Control Weir. A person must not possess or use a fishing line in Kolan River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m the following area: downstream of Kolan Barrage. Obi Obi Creek: No fish can be taken from Obi Obi Logan River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Creek all year round between the Baroon Pocket downstream of Cedar Grove Weir; and South Dam wall and the shortest line across the creek at Maclean Weir . the downstream side of Obi Obi Creek crossing 4 Macintyre Brook: from 100 m upstream to 200 m (Manuel Hornibrook Bridge). downstream of the Coolmunda Dam spillway wall, Waters closed to all forms of fishing Whetstone Weir and Ben Dor Weir . Fishing, which includes collecting, is not allowed in Macintyre River: from 150 m upstream to 150 m the following areas: downstream of Goondiwindi Weir . Albert River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Mary River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m downstream of Luscombe Weir. downstream of Mary River Barrage. Balonne River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Nerang River: from 100 m upstream to 600 m downstream of Surat Weir; Beadmore Dam wall downstream of the Hinze Dam wall . and Jack Taylor Weir . Nogo River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Barwon River: from Mungindi Weir to 100 m downstream of the Wuruma Dam wall . downstream of Mungindi Weir. Nogoa River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Boyne River (in the Auburn River basin): from downstream of the Fairbairn Dam wall. 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream of the Boondooma Dam wall . North Pine River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Brisbane River: from 100 m upstream to 200 downstream of the North Pine Dam wall . m downstream of Old Mount Crosby Weir; from Pike Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream of Mount downstream of the Glenlyon Dam wall . 69 Fishing in Queensland
Pioneer River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Gordonbrook Dam, Hinze Dam, Inglewood Town downstream of Marian Weir; 100 m upstream to Weir, Isis Balancing Storage (Lake Gregory), Jones 200 m downstream of Mirani Weir; and 100 m Weir, Kinchant Dam, Koombooloomba Dam, Lake upstream to 200 m downstream of Dumbleton Belmore, Lake Kurwongbah, Lemon Tree Weir, Weir . Lenthalls Dam, Leslie Dam, Maroon Dam, Miles Quart Pot Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Weir, Moogerah Dam, Lake MacDonald, Lake downstream of the Storm King Dam wall. Monduran (Fred Haigh Dam), North Pine Dam, Reynolds Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Peter Faust Dam, Somerset Dam, Storm King Dam, downstream of the Moogerah Dam wall. Surat Weir, Talgai Weir, Teemburra Dam, Theresa Sandy Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m Creek Dam, Tinaroo Falls Dam, Whetstone Weir, downstream of the Leslie Dam wall . Wivenhoe Dam, Woodford Weir, Wuruma Dam, Severn River: the part of the Severn River Wyaralong Dam & Yarramalong Dam. commonly known as Queen Mine waterhole, about For a current list of impoundments, visit 6 km west of Ballandean . www .fisheries .qld .gov .au Sideling Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m What fish are stocked in SIPS impoundments? downstream of the Sideling Creek dam (Lake Species stocked include Australian bass, Kurwongbah). barramundi, golden perch, Mary River cod, Murray Six Mile Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m River cod, saratoga, silver perch and sooty grunter. downstream of the Lake MacDonald Dam wall . Who needs a permit? Stuart River: from 750 m upstream to 200 m Any person aged 18 or over needs a permit to fish downstream of the Gordonbrook Dam wall. by line at a SIPS impoundment. People under 18 Teviot Brook: from 100 m upstream to 200 m do not need a permit . downstream of Wyaralong Dam wall. How much does a permit cost? Three Moon Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream of Cania Dam wall . Yearly, weekly and concession permits are available for purchase and allow the holder to fish at any Thomson River: from 100 m upstream to 200 m of the impoundments involved in the scheme . For downstream of Fairmount Weir . current permit prices visit www .fisheries .qld .gov .au Tinana Creek: from 400 m upstream to 400 m downstream of Tinana Creek Barrage. Where can I apply for a permit? Permits are available online at www.fisheries.qld. Yabba Creek: from 100 m upstream to 200 m downstream from Borumba Dam wall. gov.au or over the phone during business hours by calling 13 25 23. Payment can be made with Stocked Impoundment Permit a credit card. Permits are also available from Scheme (SIPS) Australia Post outlets in Queensland and some What is SIPS? Northern New South Wales outlets as well as SIPS impoundments are ‘put, grow and take’ some small business outlets near select fisheries where most stocked species will not impoundments . For details of the locations, visit reproduce . This means the impoundments need www .fisheries .qld .gov .au to be stocked regularly. Funds raised from the Do I need to carry my permit with me? sale of fishing permits go towards management Yes. The permit must be carried with you at all times of the SIPS and to community stocking groups for when fishing. Failure to produce a permit may result purchasing native fish fingerlings. in an on-the-spot fine. The permit may be a digital What impoundments are on the scheme? email, digital sms, paper receipt or any copy of these Alpins Weir, Baroon Pocket Dam, Beehive Dam, permits displayed on paper or an electronic device . If Ben Anderson Barrage, Ben Dor Weir, Bill Gunn you require a replacement permit please phone 13 Dam (Lake Dyer), Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Black Weir, 25 23 during business hours. Bonshaw Weir, Boondooma Dam, Borumba Dam, Burdekin Falls Dam, Caboolture River Weir, Callide Dam, Cania Dam, Cecil Plains Weir, Chinchilla Weir, Handy hint Claude Wharton Weir, Connolly Dam, Cooby Dam, When is a permit needed? Coolmunda Dam, Cressbrook Dam, Cunningham You only need a permit when using a fishing line (Beebo) Weir, Eungella Dam, Ewen Maddock Dam, at a SIPS dam. Permits are not required if you are Fairbairn Dam, Gil Weir, Gleeson Weir, Glenarbon only using permitted traps (e.g. for redclaw). Weir, Glenlyon Dam, Goondiwindi (Hilton) Weir, 70 Fishing in Queensland
Fish stocking Several fish species are available for stocking farm dams and other artificial water bodies on private land . It is important to stock these waters with fish that occur naturally in the area. It is an offence to stock them with fish that do not occur Oriental weatherloach naturally in the area. For more information about stocking fish, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au For a complete listing of declared noxious fish in Queensland, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au Pest fish Noxious fish Noxious fish must not be released into Noxious fish compete with native species and Queensland waters alive, dead, or used as bait. could greatly reduce native fish numbers and After they are caught, all noxious fish must affect their habitat. immediately be killed and must not be returned People who catch noxious fish must not keep, to the water. The fish should be buried well away feed, move or sell the fish. Some of the declared from the water or disposed of in a rubbish bin. species of noxious fish include: Non-indigenous fish Non-indigenous fish must not be released into Queensland waters or be used as bait either alive or dead. Non-indigenous fish are any species that are not native to a particular area . Non-indigenous fish include: Tilapia • species that are not native to Queensland, such as goldfish • species that are native to certain parts (or catchments) of Queensland but have been introduced to areas outside of their natural range. For example, redclaw are only native to Carp north Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria but are now found in waters in central, western and south-east Queensland . Redclaw are therefore considered non-indigenous in these catchments as they are outside of their original natural distribution.
Handy hint Help stop the spread of pest fish: • Learn how to identify pest fish – check out www .fisheries .qld .gov .au • Avoid spreading pest fish between waterways • Report sightings of pest fish to 13 25 23 Gambusia • Report any suspicious or unlawful activities relating to the releasing or breeding of pest fish to the Fishwatch hotline 1800 017 116 .
Handy hint Sale of fish The taking of fish for sale, other than by licensed fishers, is prohibited in Queensland. Climbing perch
71 Fishing in Queensland Tidal waters No take species
Red bass
Other no take species include: Barramundi cod • female mud and blue swimmer crabs • egg-bearing spanner crabs, three-spot crabs, slipper lobsters, tropical rocklobsters (tropical spiny rock lobsters), red champagne lobsters, shovel nose lobsters and smooth bugs • tropical rocklobsters with tar spots (sperm packets) attached Chinaman fish (juvenile) • all sawfish • White sharks, speartooth sharks and manta rays • clams in the family Tridacnidae, helmet shells and trumpet shells • black teatfish (species of sea cucumber). Note: Grey nurse sharks, whales, porpoises, dugongs, turtles and dolphins are protected Chinaman fish (adult) under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 .
Tidal fishing gear Why are there restrictions on fishing gear? A number of restrictions apply to fishing gear in Queensland to protect fish stocks from overfishing. Humphead Maori wrasse Fishing lines In tidal waters, up to three fishing lines with up to six hooks in total (in any configuration) are permitted. An artificial fly or lure, or gang hook is deemed to be equal to one hook. Fishers should be in attendance at all times when using this equipment. Paddletail A fishing line does not include the following: • a cross line • a drum line • a free-floating line • a set line. Potato rockcod Scoop or dip nets A scoop or dip net must not exceed 2 m in any dimension, with a handle not longer than 2.5 m and a mesh size of at least 25 mm . A gaff or landing net may be used to Queensland grouper secure line-caught fish. 72 Fishing in Queensland
Handy hint • any fish (except coral reef fin fish) caught in a seine net can be kept provided they meet size and Know your limits possession limits Cast nets can be used to catch prawns for bait or • any fish not being kept, must be released into water to eat. Remember that a take and possession limit deep enough to allow the fish to escape. of 10L per person applies to all species of prawns . Hand pumps A hand pump may be used on foreshores in tidal Cast nets waters to take yabbies only. Cast nets can be no more than 3.7 m when measured from the point of attachment of the cord or rope to the rest of the net, to the net leadline or bottom of the lowest pocket of the net, whichever is greater (see the illustration below). Mesh size must be no greater than 28 mm.
Worm digging forks A digging fork may be used on foreshores in tidal waters to take worms . The use of digging implements is prohibited in Fish Habitat Areas (FHA). Crab pots and dillies See the ‘Crabbing gear’ section on page 77.
Handy hint Aquarium fishing Remember, if you are fishing for live fish for an aquarium, the fish taken must comply with size and possession limits, and your net must also comply with the regulations.
Spearfishing Gear Spear guns and spears must not be used to take fish while using or wearing underwater breathing apparatus other than a snorkel . The use of underwater breathing apparatus other than a snorkel is not permitted when taking fish, whether by spear, spear gun, hand or any other means. A powerhead is Seine nets not permitted other than for defence against sharks. Seine nets (commonly known as bait nets or drag nets) can be used in tidal waters but must Spearfishing for barramundi not exceed 16 m in length, 3 m in drop and must Spearfishing for barramundi is prohibited have a mesh size no greater than 28 mm. The net between 6 pm and 6 am. must not contain a bag, pocket or similar device. Spearfishing areas The use of the net is subject to the following Spearfishing is prohibited in all non-tidal waters. conditions: Spearfishing and spear guns are permitted in • it must not be anchored, staked or fixed some tidal waters; however certain tidal areas • no part of the net containing fish must be out are closed to spearfishing to maintain safety and of the water other than to immediately remove fish avoid potentially conflicting uses of an area. from the net for release In tidal waters, some areas are marked by an SFB 73 Fishing in Queensland sign. For precise boundaries consult the Fisheries Long Island: the western side. Regulation 2008 at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au . South Molle Island: the northern side. For details of spearfishing areas managed by the West Molle Island (Daydream Island): Great Barrier Marine Park Authority visit surrounding waters. www .gbrmpa .gov .au . Hook Island: the eastern, south-eastern and Other local, state and federal regulations may southern sides . also apply—check with the relevant authority . Hayman Island: the southern and western sides. Closed waters to spearfishing Port Dennison: waters under, or within 100 m of, Spearfishing is prohibited in the following tidal the main wharf at Port Dennison, Bowen, and a areas: structure attached to the wharf . South East Queensland: within 100 m of all Cape Edgecumbe: the foreshores and waters public jetties in and south of the Noosa River. seaward 50 m from low water mark from the boat Tallebudgera Creek: upstream of a straight line ramp in Greys Bay around Cape Edgecumbe to between the eastern extremity of Burleigh Heads the eastern headland of Horseshoe Bay . and the seaward end of the rock groyne near its Dungeness and Lucinda Point: within 100 m of southern bank of the creek end. the public jetties. Southern Moreton Bay: Jumpinpin and the Richards Island (Bedarra Island): the Southport Broadwater (including the seaway) northwestern and northern sides . Moreton Bay south of 27˚42’ S (Logan River). Dunk Island: the north-western and western sides . Moreton Island: waters between Bulwer and Cooktown: within 100 m of the main wharf and Tangalooma Point out to the shipping beacons. pontoons . Pumicestone Strait: between a line from Elimbah Creek to Gallagher Point, Bribie Island, and a line Worm digging from Ninghi Creek to Dux Creek, Bribie Island. Recreational worm digging is banned on the Pumicestone Strait: north of a line from Bells foreshores between Lota Creek and the rock Creek to the northern tip of the most northern groyne near the northern end of Wynnum North island of a group of islands east of Bells Creek, to Esplanade for a distance of 100 m from the the western side of Bribie Island. foreshore rock wall . Between Cedar Street and Mooloolah River: downstream of the Nicklin Way Charlotte Street the closure extends from the Bridge and Brisbane Road. foreshore rock wall to the low water mark . Maroochy River: waterways joining it downstream of, and including, the Cod Hole. Skin and fillet removal In relation to coral reef fin fish, a recreational Lake Weyba (Noosa River) and waterway adjoining fisher: the lake and river downstream of Parkyns Jetty at • must not possess on board a boat a fish other than Tewantin and the western tip of Goat Island . in any of the following forms—whole, gilled, gutted Woodgate: in the vicinity of the artificial reef, or filleted Hervey Bay . • may possess on board a boat a fillet of a fish other Woody Island: waters adjacent to the eastern than a blue spotted coral trout (Chinese footballer) side of Big Woody Island including the artificial as long as the length of the fillet is at least 40 cm, reef, Hervey Bay . and the skin and scales of the fillet are attached to Bargara Beach (Bundaberg): the Basin. the fillet Great Keppel Island: western foreshore waters • must not return fish to a boat that have been taken and waters within 400m out to sea from the ashore from a boat and filleted, unless the length of the fillet is at least 40 cm and the skin and scales island’s shore at low water, between Little of the fillet is attached to the fillet Peninsula on the island’s north-western foreshore and Monkey Point at the island’s south-western tip . • must not possess a live coral reef fin fish unless the person or fisher intends to immediately return the North Keppel Island : the western and southern sides. fish to the sea . Brampton and Carlisle Islands: waters between In relation to fin fish (other than coral reef fin fish) a the islands . recreational fisher must not: Seaforth Island . • remove the skin from a fish on a boat until the fish Lindeman Island: the western and southern sides. is brought to shore 74 Fishing in Queensland
• bring a fish ashore and remove its skin and return The closure dates for 2015–18 are as follows: the fish to the boat • 28 October to 1 November 2016, 26 to 30 • divide a fish into portions other than in a way that November 2016 allows an inspector to easily count the number of • 17 to 21 October 2017, 15 to 19 November 2017 fish possessed by the fisher. • 6 to 10 October 2018, 5 to 9 November 2018. In relation to barred javelin (spotted grunter) Note: For information on closed seasons for spanner taken in the Gulf of Carpentaria, in addition to the crabs and tropical rocklobsters see page 78. above, a recreational fisher may fillet or process the fish as long as: Tidal waters closed waters • the fillet is at least 26 cm in length and has the Why do we have closed waters? skin left on Closed waters (regulated waters) prevent people • a whole fish or one that has been processed into a from fishing in certain areas, and these may be: form other than fillets is at least 40 cm in length. • where a population of endangered or Note: For information applying to recreational threatened species lives fishers on commercial fishing tours, consult the • where fish congregate during or before fisheries legislation at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au spawning • where fish may aggregate or get trapped Tidal waters closed seasons near artificial barriers and be susceptible to overfishing Why do we have closed seasons? Closed seasons (regulated periods) prevent • to separate incompatible uses (e.g. people from taking particular species at certain spearfishing in a bathing area). times of the year . This protects these species at vulnerable times in their life cycle, such as during Handy hint spawning seasons. Check closure information online Australian bass Visit www .fisheries .qld .gov .au for all the latest A closed season applies to Australian bass closure information, including boundaries. throughout Queensland tidal waters from 1 June to 31 August. Waters closed to all forms of fishing Note: For precise boundaries consult the Barramundi Fisheries Regulation 2008 at www .fisheries . Throughout the Queensland east coast, a closed qld .gov .au or contact your local QBFP office . For season applies to barramundi from midday 1 marine park boundaries contact the Queensland November to midday 1 February. Parks and Wildlife Service or the Great Barrier Throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria and Reef Marine Park Authority . adjoining waterways west and south of longitude Fishing is totally prohibited in the following areas: 142˚ 31’49” E, a closed season applies to Certain areas within state and Commonwealth barramundi. marine parks . The dates for the Gulf of Carpentaria closed Coombabah Lake and tidal waters of season for barramundi are midday 7 October Coombabah Creek upstream from the lake . to midday 1 February (but possession on boats Swan Bay and tidal waters of the unnamed creek allowed to midday 17 October). joining the bay’s northern end. It is also prohibited to deliberately target Mary River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m barramundi for catch and release during these downstream of the Mary River Barrage. closed seasons, as the stress of capture may Tinana Creek: from 400 m upstream to 400 m prevent a fish from spawning. downstream of the Tinana Creek Barrage. See the freshwater ‘Closed seasons’ section on Fraser Island: eastern foreshore waters and page 66 for information on taking barramundi waters within 400 m out to sea from the eastern shore at low water, between 400 m north of from some fresh waters during the closure. Waddy Point and 400 m south of Indian Head . Coral reef fin fish Closed from midday 1 August to midday 30 Two five-day periods have been implemented as September every year (fin fish only). closed seasons to the taking of coral reef fin fish Burnett River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m in October and November. downstream of the Burnett River Barrage. 75 Fishing in Queensland
Kolan River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m Castlereagh Point, Scarborough, but not including downstream of the Kolan Barrage. a waterway flowing into the area upstream of a Fitzroy River: from 400 m upstream to 400 m line between its banks. downstream of the Fitzroy River Barrage. Nudgee Beach: Bramble Bay foreshores at Keppel Bay: within a 150 m radius of the Middle Nudgee Beach between the eastern bank of Island Underwater Observatory. the main channel of Nudgee Creek and western Hook Island Observatory: waters within a 100 m bank of the main channel of the Kedron Brook radius of the observatory. floodway, but not including the foreshores Orpheus Island: waters under or within 100 m of of Nudgee Creek upstream of a straight line Yanks Jetty . between its banks or Kedron Brook floodway Centenary Lakes: Saltwater Creek, Lily upstream of a straight line between its banks. Creek and lakes joining the creeks, between Wynnum: Foreshores of Moreton Bay and the Greenslopes Street and Collins Avenue, Cairns . boat passage, between the south-eastern tip of Barron River: at the place commonly known as Fisherman Island and the northern breakwater Barron Waters, between F↑B signs on opposite sides of the river near its junction with Stony of the Manly Boat Harbour, but not including Creek and its junction with Camp Oven Creek . foreshores west of the road bridge over the boat passage or upstream of a line between the Mission Bay: south of a line between Cape Grafton and False Cape and waters flowing into banks of a waterway. that part of the bay. Bramble Bay: Waters within the following South Mitchell River (and waterways joining it): boundary—from the seaward end of the Sandgate between F↑B signs near the mouth of the river Pier to the mainland shore at high water mark; and F↑B signs where it joins Surprise Creek. along the foreshore at high water mark to Bizant River and German Bar Lagoon: from the Haughton Highway Bridge; in a straight line to road crossing commonly known as German Bar seaward end of Sandgate Pier. downstream for 2 km . Torres Strait: waters within the following Waters closed to netting boundary—from Turtle Head, Hammond Island, Burnett River: Closed to all methods of to Hammond Rock; to 1 nautical mile east of recreational netting including cast-netting, within Menmuir Point, Hammond Island; to the northern the town-reach waters of the Burnett River at tip of Kapuda Island; to Bruce Point, Hammond Bundaberg. This area includes all waters of the Island; along the eastern shore of Hammond Burnett River upstream from its junction with Island to Turtle Head . Bundaberg Creek (but excluding Bundaberg Waters closed to taking fish Creek itself) to a boundary line near the In Queensland there are a number of areas intersection of the most western point of Harriet closed to taking some fish or all fish, or the Island and the banks of the Burnett River. use of certain fishing apparatus. For more Water Park Creek: Water Park Creek flowing into information refer to fisheries legislation at www .fisheries .qld gov. .au Corio Bay and waterways joining it, upstream of the shortest line across the creek at the place Grey nurse shark protection areas known as Kelly’s Landing (approx. 2.6 km from The grey nurse shark is now listed under the creek’s banks). Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 as an endangered animal. There are four grey nurse Rodds Harbour: Waters within the boundary from shark protection areas in Queensland: Wolf Rock, the eastern tip of Blackney Point to the eastern Flat Rock, Henderson Rock and Cherubs’ Cave. For tip of Bird Island, to the western bank of Mort more information visit www .fisheries .qld gov. .au or Creek, Rodds Peninsula and along the shore to call 13 25 23 . Blackney Point . For a map of this closure visit Closed areas to taking gastropods or bivalve www .fisheries .qld .gov .au molluscs (e .g . pipis and cockles) Hervey Bay: From the eastern tip of Point Vernon Note: Foreshores are defined as the area to the seaward end of the Scarness Jetty to the between the high and low water mark. seaward end of the Urangan Pier to the seaward Deception Bay: Foreshores between the public end of the rock wall of the Urangan Boat Harbour ramp at Emerald Avenue, Deception Bay, and then west to the mainland shore . For a map of the seaward end of Reef Point Esplanade, this closure visit www .fisheries .qld .gov .au 76 Fishing in Queensland
Closed areas to taking Bêche de mer (sea penalties. Stealing crabs or crab pots is a cucumber) criminal offence, so those caught will be referred Waters south of latitude 20º south (near to the police . Bowen) and waters west of longitude 142º31’49’’ East (Gulf waters) Handy hint Crabbing Sorting your crabs Crabbing gear Sort your crabs on a pot-by-pot basis to remove Crab pots and dillies any illegal crabs before moving on. If you don’t, In tidal waters, when fishing for blue swimmer, they are deemed to be in your possession. mud and spanner crabs, no more than four crab It’s also important to check your pots regularly to pots or dillies (or a combination of pots and ensure any by-catch or regulated crabs can be dillies) may be used per person. Also a person must not possess more than four crab apparatus released unharmed . per person, on a boat on the water. Crab pots and dillies must be marked by an Gender identification identifying tag bearing the surname and address Determine crab gender from the underside of the of the owner. In addition, the pot or dilly must be crab. attached by a rope to either: Female mud crabs and blue swimmer crabs, and • a float that is at least 15 cm in all its egg-bearing spanner crabs and three-spotted dimensions and marked with the owner’s crabs are protected throughout Queensland. This surname, or means you cannot possess them at any time • a fixed object above high water (e.g. a jetty or without a permit . tree). The rope must have a tag attached to it above the high water mark with the owner’s surname on it . Sunken and unmarked pots are illegal. It is important to make sure your pot is a sufficient weight and has enough rope attached to the float so that it is not lost in strong tidal currents . Lost pots can harm marine animals . Measurement The use of inverted dilly apparatus (witches hats) The size of a blue swimmer crabs is determined is prohibited. by measuring the distance between the notch immediately forward of the base of the large lateral spine of the crab on one side of the crab and the notch immediately forward of the base of the large lateral spine of the crab on the other side of the crab. Blue swimmer crabs must be a minimum of 11 .5 cm from notch to notch .
Note: The age limit for the recreational use of crab apparatus has been removed. Crab Hooking The hooking of crabs is prohibited. Positioning your gear You must make sure that your crab pots are in sufficient depth of water at all stages of the tide so that marine animals are not exposed to the sun and unwanted crabs can be released alive. Interfering with gear you didn’t set Interfering with crabbing gear that you didn’t set is a serious offence which carries heavy 77 Fishing in Queensland
The size of a mud crab and three-spotted crab is Tropical rocklobster determined by measuring the widest part of its A recreational fisher: carapace. Mud crabs must be a minimum size • must not possess live tropical rocklobsters of 15 cm across the widest point of its carapace . • must not possess egg-bearing tropical Three-spot crabs must measure a minimum of 10 rocklobsters cm across the widest point of its carapace . • must not possess tropical rocklobsters with tar spots (sperm packets) attached Measurement The size of a painted crayfish is determined by measuring the distance from the front of the carapace between the two spikes on the painted crayfish’s head, to the rear edge of the carapace where the tail begins. If the carapace is damaged or separated from the The size of a spanner crab is determined by painted crayfish body, the size must be decided measuring the shortest distance between the tip by measuring the tail. To do this, measure the of the spike at the middle of the front edge of its dorsal surface of the tail laid flat on a horizontal carapace and the mid-point of the rear edge of its surface, from the front edge of the somite (shell) carapace. This distance must be a minimum of where the painted crayfish’s tail begins to the 10cm. If the carapace is damaged or separated rear edge of the somite where the tail fins begins. from the crab’s body, the size must be decided by measuring its sternite at the widest part of the front of its breastplate, located directly in front of the bases of the main claws. This measurement must be a minimum of 3.7 cm. Note: The size limit applies regardless of the condition of the carapace.
Possessing crabs and crabmeat A person must not possess: • mud or blue swimmer crabs with the carapace (shell) missing (this includes possessing claws Closed seasons without the rest of the crab) A closed season applies to all species of tropical rocklobster (family Panuliridae) from immediately • crabmeat—unless the crab with a missing shell after midnight at the beginning of 1 October and or the crab meat is for immediate consumption. ends immediately before midnight at the end of Closed seasons 31 January in Queensland tidal waters: A closed season applies to spanner crabs from (i) north of latitude 14˚ S and east of longitude midnight at the beginning of 20 November and 142˚31’49” E ends immediately before midnight at the end of (ii) in the Gulf of Carpentaria, shoreward of the 25 20 December in Queensland tidal waters. nautical mile line and south of latitude 10˚48’ S. Other crustaceans and shellfish Oysters Prawns All licensed oyster grounds are required to display A person must not possess prawns with the signage indicating the grounds are a licensed heads or any other part removed, unless the oyster bed. Taking oysters from or interfering with removal was to process the prawns for immediate aquaculture infrastructure and licensed oyster consumption . grounds is illegal and carries heavy penalties. 78 Fishing in Queensland
All oyster beds outside of marked licensed areas are classed as public. Oysters from public More information reserves cannot be collected and taken from the For more information about fisheries regulations grounds. They must be consumed on-the-spot. and other fisheries issues or programs, call 13 25 23 or visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au Pipis, mud whelks and cockles Possession limits apply to pipis, mud whelks and To access complete copies of the Fisheries Act cockles in Queensland . Some areas are closed 1994 and other fisheries legislation, visit to the taking of gastropods and bivalve molluscs. www .legislation .qld .gov .au Check www.fisheries.qld.gov.au for specific area Information on other relevant legislation may be details . found at www .afma .gov .au (national), For more information, visit www.fisheries.qld. www .gbrmpa .gov .au (Great Barrier Reef Marine gov .au or call 13 25 23 . Park) and www .nprsr .qld .gov .au (Queensland marine parks). Marine plants You can protect Queensland’s fisheries resources In Queensland, mangroves and all other marine by reporting any suspected illegal fishing plants are completely protected under the activities to the 24-hour, toll-free Fishwatch Fisheries Act 1994 . hotline on 1800 017 116. (This number is not to The protection extends to seagrasses, saltcouch be used for general enquiries.) and plants such as melaleuca that grow adjacent to tidal lands. Any disturbance (such as trimming, mowing or removal) of marine plants requires an Handy hint approval from Fisheries Queensland . Love your fishing? Stay up-to-date with all the latest fisheries news and developments as they happen. Follow us at: Handy hint Room with a view could cost you a fine www.facebook.com/FisheriesQueensland Protection of marine plants, including mangroves, applies over all tenures, including privately owned land, leasehold and state lands . Fines apply www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD for hedging, trimming, lopping or spraying with herbicide; removing marine plants for river views or other aesthetic reasons; removing mangroves or saltcouch from a beach or foreshore; running www.youtube.com/fisheriesqld machinery over marine plants; filling of tidal lands; or dumping garden waste (e.g. grass clippings and pruning) onto tidal areas. http://instagram.com/fisheriesqld
Download our ‘Qld Fishing’ app from iTunes App Store and Google Play Store .
79 Fishing in Queensland
80 Fishing in Queensland
81 Fishing in Queensland Size and possession limits Tidal waters The following legal limits apply to fish taken in Queensland waters. A possession limit is the total number of fish that one person can legally take and keep at any one time. The rules and regulations are accurate as at 1 July 2015. Fishers should consult the Fisheries Regulation 2008 or www.fisheries.qld.gov.au for updates .
Coral reef fin fish* In addition to individual possession limits for each coral reef fin fish species listed, a combined possession limit of 20 in total for all coral reef fin fish applies. For a complete list of coral reef species, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit
All cods and groupers 38 min Combined limit of 5 in total of all cod and grouper species
Cod and grouper exceptions Camouflage grouper 50 min 70 max Flowery rockcod 50 min 70 max Greasy rockcod 38 min 100 max Maori rockcod 45 min Barramundi cod No take Potato rockcod No take Queensland grouper No take All coral trout 38 min Combined limit of 7 in total of all trout species
Coral trout exceptions Blue spotted coral trout (Chinese footballer) 50 min 80 max All emperors 25 min 5 per species Emperor exceptions (see also Grass emperor (sweetlip) in Other tidal species) Redthroat emperor (sweetlip emperor) 38 min 8 Long nose emperor 38 min 5 Spangled emperor 45 min 5 All fusiliers No limit No individual limit but must comply with combined coral reef fin fish limit
* Coral reef fin fish closures apply. Please refer to page 75 for more information.
82 Fishing in Queensland
Coral reef fin fish* In addition to individual possession limits for each coral reef fin fish species listed, a combined possession limit of 20 in total for all coral reef fin fish applies. For a complete list of coral reef species, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit
All parrotfishes (see also Wrasse) 25 min 5 per species All surgeonfishes 25 min 5 per species All sweetlips 25 min 5 per species All tropical snappers and sea perches 25 min 5 per species including Moses perch (snapper) Tropical snappers and sea perch exceptions Rosy snapper (jobfish) and lavender snapper 38 min Combined limit of 8 in total of (jobfish) both species Chinaman fish No take Crimson snapper (small mouth nannygai) and 40 min Combined limit of 9 in total of saddletail snapper (large mouth nannygai) both species Flame snapper 38 min 5 Goldband snapper 38 min 5 Hussar 25 min 10 Paddletail No take Red bass No take Red emperor 55 min 5 Prescribed jobfish (Green, Smalltooth and Ruby snapper) 38 min 5 per species All wrasse 30 min 5 per species Wrasse exceptions Humphead Maori No take Tuskfish (anchor, blackspot, blue, purple and venus 30 min Combined limit of 6 in total of all tuskfish) tuskfish species Triple tail Maori wrasse Red breast Maori wrasse 25 min 5 per species Pig fish
* Coral reef fin fish closures apply. Please refer to page 75 for more information.
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83 Fishing in Queensland
Other tidal species
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Australian bass † 30 min 2 Barramundi † 58 min 120 max 5 Bêche de mer (sea cucumber) No limit 5 Bêche de mer exception Black teatfish No take Bream
Pikey Combined limit of 30 in total of Tarwhine 25 min pikey and yellowfin bream, and Yellowfin tarwhine Bugs Moreton Bay (bay lobster) 7.5 min (across No limit widest part of
carapace) Smooth (Balmain) 10.5 min (across No limit widest part of carapace) Cobia (black kingfish) 75 min 2 Estuary Cod Blackspotted rockcod (estuary cod) 38 min 120 max Combined limit of 5 in total of Goldspotted rockcod all cod and grouper species Crab Blue swimmer 11.5 min No limit Mud 15 min 10 Spanner † 10 min 20 Three-spot 10 min No limit Eels Longfin Combined limit of 10 in total of 30 min Pacific shortfin (south Pacific) all species Southern shortfin Flathead Combined limit of 5 in total of 30 min all species (except dusky flathead) Flathead exception Dusky flathead (mud flathead) 40 min 75 max 5 Garfish No limit 50 Golden snapper (fingermark) 35 min 5 Grass emperor (sweetlip) 30 min 10 Green Snail 280 g min No limit
† A closed season or closed waters applies to these species. Please refer to page 75 and 78 for more information.
84 Fishing in Queensland
85 Fishing in Queensland
Other tidal species
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Javelin Barred (spotted grunter) 40 min 10 East Coast Barred (spotted grunter) 40 min (whole 10 whole fish or 20 fillets Gulf of Carpentaria or with head or tail removed) or 26 min fillet length (whilst on a boat) Silver (small spotted grunter) 30 min 10 Jewfish Black (East coast) 75 min 2 Black (Gulf of Carpentaria) 60 min 2 Scaly (jewel fish) 45 min No limit Luderick 30 min 10 Mackerel Grey 60 min 5 Spanish 75 min 3 School 50 min 10 Shark 50 min 10 Spotted 60 min 5 Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish) 50 min 5 Mangrove jack 35 min 5 Mullet Diamondscale 30 min 20 Sea Bivalve molluscs and gastropods (including pipis, No limit 50 mud whelks and cockles, and excluding all oysters) Oysters ≈ No limit No limit Oyster exceptions Blacklip pearl oyster 9 min No limit Goldlip pearl oyster 13 min 23 max No limit Mulloway 75 min 2 Pearl perch 35 min 5 Prawns ‡ No limit 10 litres
≈ It is illegal to take oysters from any oyster ground; however you may consume oysters on the spot where taken in any public oyster reserve or unlicensed oyster grounds.
‡ A person must not possess prawns with the heads or any other part removed, unless the removal is to process the prawns for immediate consumption.
86 Fishing in Queensland
Other tidal species
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Sharks and rays 1.5m max 1 Sharks and rays exceptions White sharks Sand tiger sharks Sawfish No take Speartooth sharks Manta ray Snapper 35 min 4 with no more than 1 over 70 cm Tailor 35 min 20 Teraglin 38 min 5 Threadfin (salmon) King 60 min 5 Blue (East coast) 40 min 10 Blue (Gulf of Carpentaria) 40 min 20 Trevally (family Carangidae, which includes but is not No limit Combined limit of 20 for all fish in limited to trevally, queenfish, dart and scad/yakka) total applies to all members of this family Trevally exceptions Amberjack 50 min Combined limit of 2 in total of Samsonfish amberjack and samsonfish Swallowtail dart 30 min 30 Giant queenfish 50 min 5 Yellowtail kingfish 60 min 2 Trochus 8 min 12.5 max 50 †# Tropical rocklobster No limit Above 14° south latitude and in Gulf waters: combined limit of 3 per person / 6 per boat in total of all species Below 14° south latitude: combined limit of 5 per person / 10 per boat in total of all species
Tropical rocklobster exceptions Painted crayfish†# (Panulirus ornatus) 11.5 tail min As above 9 carapace min
Red champagne lobster 7.5 min As above
† A closed season applies to these species. Please refer to page 78 for more information.
# Recreational fishers must not possess live tropical rocklobsters.
87 Fishing in Queensland
Other tidal species
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Wahoo 75 min 2 Whiting Sand (summer) Combined limit of 30 in total of 23 min Goldenline these whiting species Northern Trumpeter (winter) No limit 50 Dorab Wolf herring No limit 10 Worms (including part thereof) Beach No limit 30 Blood ( all worms of the family Eunicidae) No limit 50
No take species
Barramundi cod Chinaman fish Humphead Maori wrasse Paddletail Potato rockcod Queensland grouper Red bass Female mud and blue swimmer crabs Egg-bearing spanner crabs, three-spot crabs, slipper lobsters and tropical rocklobsters and smooth bugs Tropical rocklobsters with tar spots attached (tar spots and sperm packets) All sawfish White sharks, sand tiger sharks, speartooth sharks and manta rays Clams in the family Tridacnidae, helmet shells and trumpet shells Black teatfish
Note: Grey nurse sharks, whales, porpoises, dugongs, turtles and dolphins are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
88 Fishing in Queensland
89 Fishing in Queensland
90 Fishing in Queensland Size and possession limits Fresh waters The following legal limits apply to fish taken in Queensland waters. A bag limit (take and possession limit) is the total number of fish that one person can legally take and keep at any one time. The rules and regulations are accurate as at 1 July 2016. Fishers should consult the Fisheries Regulation 2008 or www.fisheries.qld.gov.au for updates .
A possession limit of 20 per species applies to all freshwater fin fish not listed below
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Australian bass 30 min 2 Australian lungfish No take Barramundi* 58 min 5 (1 during the closed season for 120 max some dams) (1 greater than 120 cm from some dams)
Cherabins No limit Combined limit of 10 in total of both species: Macrobrachium lar and M. rosenbergii
Cod Bloomfield River cod No take Mary River cod (upstream of the walls of Cressbrook, 50 min 1 Hinze, Maroon, Moogerah, North Pine, Somerset and Wivenhoe dams, and lakes Dyer (Bill Gunn Dam) and Clarendon) Mary River cod* (elsewhere in Queensland) No take Murray Cod (Queensland part of Murray-Darling 60 min 110 max 2 Drainage Division)
* A closed season applies to these species. Please refer to page 68 & 69 for more information.
91 Fishing in Queensland
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Eels Longfin Pacific shortfin (south Pacific) 30 min Combined limit of 10 in total of all species Southern shortfin Freshwater catfish (eel-tailed catfish) 35 min Eel Tailed Catfish (Tandanus tandanus) Combined limit of 5 in total of fish Eel Tailed Catfish (genera Anodontiglanis, No limit in the genera Anodontiglanis, Neosilurus and Neosiluroides) Neosilurus, Tandanus and Neosiluroides (e.g. black, Cooper Creek, eel-tailed, false spine, short- finned catfish and Hyrtl’s tandan) Freshwater sawfish No take Garfish No limit 50 Goby Cling goby No take Edgbaston hardyhead, Myross hardyhead No take (Thomson River) Mangrove Jack 35 min 5 Molluscs (excluding oysters) No limit 50 Mullet Freshwater mullet 30 min 20 Sea mullet Perch and grunter Golden perch (yellowbelly) 30 min 10 Jungle perch 35 max Combined limit of 1 in total of jungle Spotted flagtail (northern jungle perch) perch and spotted flagtail Silver perch Combined limit of 5 in total of silver Barcoo grunter perch, Welch’s grunter and Barcoo Welch’s grunter grunter (no more than 2 of these fish 30 min may be silver perch)
Silver perch in Paroo and Warrego River basins are a no take species Sooty grunter 28 min Khaki grunter (khaki bream) No limit Combined limit of 10 in total for sooty, khaki, Gulf and lake grunter Gulf grunter 28 min species Lake grunter No limit
92 Fishing in Queensland
Species Size limit (cm) Possession limit Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sp.) No limit Combined limit of 20 for all rainbowfish species Redclaw (in its natural range) Gulf of Carpentaria Drainage Division and from the No limit 40 (females carrying eggs or Jacky Jacky River basin south to the Normanby young must be returned to the River basin on the east coast of Queensland water within their natural range) River blackfish No take Saratoga Combined limit of 1 in total of Northern 50 min Southern northern and southern saratoga Spiny crayfish No take Yabby (blue claw crayfish) No limit 100 (females carrying eggs or (Cherax destructor) young must be returned to the water within their natural range)
No take species
Australian lungfish Bloomfield River cod Cling goby Freshwater sawfish Mary River cod † Edgbaston hardyhead (Thomson River) River blackfish Spiny crayfish Myross hardyhead (Thomson River)
† Except upstream of some dams – see ‘Cod’ section
93 Fishing in Queensland
94 Fishing in Queensland
95 Fishing in Queensland
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