MSQ’s new patrol boat to have fun race outing
The newest addition to the Maritime Safety Queensland fleet will be a visible presence on the water during this weekend’s annual Whitsunday Fun Race.
The eight metre aluminium patrol vessel Nara will be out and about during this busy highlight on the boating calendar, helping ensure people enjoy a safe boating experience.
Visitors to the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show will also be among the first to collect a single Queensland boating and fishing rule booklet.
Maritime Safety Queensland’s ever popular Queensland Recreational Boating and Fishing Guide 2011–2012 edition meets a call from boaties and fishers to have all the rules for these two recreational pastimes in one easy reference book.
Staff at the Maritime Safety Queensland stand will have plenty of stocks available for patrons wanting to keep up to date on important rule changes.
Staff will also be on hand to answer any other questions visitors may have about recently announced recreational boating rule reforms to boost marine safety.
One of the major focuses of these reforms is enhanced night and electronic navigation training for all new licence holders.
Under the new rules instructors providing licence courses for boaties through the BoatSafe program will offer additional training covering all aspects of safe navigation.
A new boating licence class will be introduced to encourage a high standard of safety in larger recreational craft.
The safety reforms will come into effect from January 2012 with the exception of the enhanced licence for vessels over 12 metres in length which will take effect from January 2013.
New rules at a glance
- Enhanced night and electronic navigation training in existing BoatSafe course.
- Extending the number of coastal bars where personal flotation devices (life jackets) must be worn.
- Additional safety equipment requirements for personal watercraft operating offshore.
- Higher standards for new large recreational boat operators.
Also likely to be popular at the show will be Maritime Safety Queensland’s water-tight safety equipment buckets, which will be available free for visitors after completing a brief survey of their boating habits and knowledge.
Further information
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