Safety reminder for skippers during Riverfire
Boaties with their eyes on the sky during Brisbane’s annual Riverfire this Saturday night should not lose sight of their safety obligations.
Skippers moored on the river should remember they still have a duty to keep a proper lookout and ensure their own safety, their passengers’ safety and the safety of other vessels at all times.
Remember it is compulsory for children under 12 years old to wear lifejackets on open boats smaller than 4.8 metres.
Life jackets are a must at night or whenever there is a heightened risk.
Make sure they’re in good condition and your passengers know where they are and how to wear them correctly.
The blood alcohol limit is zero for commercial operators and 0.05 or under for recreational skippers – these laws apply on the water just as they do for drivers on the road.
The skipper is also responsible for the safety of onboard passengers and that includes monitoring their alcohol consumption.
Maritime Safety Queensland Shipping Inspectors, Brisbane Water Police and Boating and Fisheries Patrol Officers would be out on the water managing the event from 10 am until 11 pm on Saturday.
Designated anchorage zones for commercial and recreational vessels have been set up for approved spectator craft and Maritime Safety Queensland’s advice is for permit holders to get to their vantage points early.
For the first time in Riverfire history there will be nightly laser light shows for one month following the event.
This means additional barges lit with yellow flashing lights at night will remain in place just downstream of the Victoria Bridge from September 4 until the first week of October.
Riverfire is a wonderful spectacle and an established highlight on Brisbane’s events calendar and it is up to every vessel operator to ensure the evening runs smoothly and safely.
Further information
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