The Queensland Government is urging boaties to take extra care on the water, as additional compliance patrols are rolled out across Queensland’s waterways.
The six-month compliance campaign by Maritime Safety Queensland will aim to address concerns of unsafe behaviour on Queensland’s waterways, with data showing that 28 per cent of personal watercraft (PWC) and over 8 per cent of motorboats intercepted by compliance officers between 2022 and 2025 were caught speeding.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the message to boaties was simple: slow down, keep a proper lookout and make sure you and your passengers are complying with lifejacket rules.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon with his marine officers
“With our waterways at their busiest during the holidays, there is no room for complacency — skippers and personal watercraft riders must take safety seriously to avoid tragic outcomes,” Mr Dillon said.
Maritime Safety Queensland’s Maritime Enforcement Team will be out in force as part of a six-month compliance campaign asking PWC operators in particular to ‘cool your jets.’
They will be reminding PWC riders there is a speed limit of 6 knots when within 60 metres of people in the water, shorelines, pontoons, and anchored vessels.
Region-specific statistics revealed an increased prevalence for speeding among PWC riders in South East Queensland compared with statewide figures.
On the Gold Coast, nearly 40 per cent of intercepted PWC riders were caught exceeding speed limits, compared with the statewide average of 28 per cent.
Similarly, the Sunshine Coast region recorded higher rates of speeding among PWC, highlighting a concerning trend in these popular coastal areas.
Mr Dillon said these figures were very concerning for the state’s maritime regulator.
“Too often we are seeing jet skis and tinnies weaving through busy waterways at high speed, putting families, children, paddlers and other boaties at risk,” Mr Dillon said.
“This kind of behaviour is dangerous, deliberate and unacceptable. If you put others at risk, expect an on-the-spot fine.
“We’re urging all skippers to cool your jets, slow down, and respect speed limits.
“Let’s keep Queensland’s waterways safe for everyone.”
Fines for speeding start at $333.
Marine officers will also be out on the waterways ensuring people are carrying and wearing lifejackets as required by legislation.
In December 2024, MSQ introduced new laws requiring lifejackets to be worn in certain high-risk situations.
“The new laws save lives,” Mr Dillon said.
“It’s important that every skipper brushes up on the lifejacket laws and complies.”
Further information to help boaties comply with safety requirements can be found on Maritime Safety Queensland’s website: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/.
Region-specific statistics:
Gold Coast
- Nearly 40 per cent of PWC riders intercepted between 2022 and 2025 were caught speeding, compared with 20 per cent of motorboats.
Sunshine Coast
- 21 per cent of PWC riders intercepted were caught speeding, compared with 10 per cent of motorboats.
Noosa Region
- 35 per cent of PWC riders intercepted were caught speeding, compared with just over 19 per cent of motorboats.
Statewide
- 28 per cent of PWC riders intercepted between 2022 and 2025 were caught speeding, compared with just over 8 per cent of motorboats.
