Personal watercraft riders are being urged to cool their jets after the Queensland Government recorded widespread speeding, lifejacket breaches and other unsafe behaviour during its largest Spring Boat Safety Campaign.
Maritime Safety Queensland officers completed a record 1,160 intercepts statewide with compliance rates for personal watercraft at just 34 per cent, compared with over 50 per cent for other vessels.
The campaign ran over two weeks, and resulted in 289 formal enforcement actions, which was made up of 129 infringement notices and 160 cautions.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads’ statewide campaign targeted high-risk waterways, including a joint Nerang River operation with Gold Coast Water Police over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Officers conducted 52 intercepts around Chevron Island and Budds Beach and took 21 enforcement actions for speeding, unsafe manoeuvres, freestyling, distance-off breaches and other offences.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said too many riders were putting themselves and others at risk.
“Queensland’s waterways are for everyone, but every skipper and personal watercraft rider must operate safely and responsibly,” Mr Dillon said.
“The message is simple: cool your jets. Slow down, wear the right lifejacket and give others space to enjoy the water safely.
“We use community reports, compliance data, targeted drone surveillance and local intelligence to focus patrols where unsafe behaviour poses the greatest risk.
“If you speed, freestyle around other waterway users or ride recklessly, expect to see Maritime Safety Queensland and police on the water.”
Region-specific statistics for Spring Campaign outcomes (conducted between 19 September and 5 October)
Gold Coast
Maritime Safety Queensland officers made 398 intercepts, with 35 per cent compliant.
Speeding, lifejacket compliance and licence requirements were among the most common issues identified.
Personal watercraft made up the majority of intercepts (55.3 per cent), with 220 personal watercraft intercepted.
Sunshine Coast
Maritime Safety Queensland officers made 266 intercepts, with 36 per cent compliant.
Lifejacket compliance was the most commonly recorded issue, followed by speeding and distance-off requirements.
Personal watercraft accounted for 42.1 per cent of intercepts (112 of the 266 intercepts), with speed and distance-off issues more commonly recorded for personal watercraft than motorboats.
Gladstone South
Maritime Safety Queensland officers made 242 intercepts, with 64 per cent compliant.
Lifejacket compliance was the most commonly recorded issue.
Motorboats made up the clear majority of intercepts, with 219 motorboats intercepted (90.5 per cent).
Gladstone North
Maritime Safety Queensland officers made 171 intercepts, with 64 per cent compliant.
Lifejacket compliance was the most commonly recorded issue, followed by offshore equipment requirements.
Motorboats accounted for 163 of the 171 intercepts.
Mackay and Townsville
Maritime Safety Queensland officers made 62 intercepts, with 67 per cent compliant.
Lifejacket compliance was the most commonly recorded issue.
Motorboats made up the vast majority of intercepts, accounting for 57 of the 62 intercepts.
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au
