Aquatic events
An aquatic event is an organised onwater activity such as boat or swimming races, sailing regattas, waterskiing competitions or fireworks displays that are likely to affect the normal operation of ships in the area of the event. If you want to hold an aquatic event you will require a aquatic event authority, which permits you to hold an event.
An authority is required so that Maritime Safety Queensland can manage the use of Queensland’s waterways to ensure that all users, whether recreational or commercial, organised or social, have equal and safe access to its waters.
An aquatic event application form must be lodged with your local Maritime Safety Queensland regional office 90 days prior to your scheduled event. The fee for an aquatic event authority is A$29.25. Other approvals may be required from local councils, Queensland Water Police, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol or the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Contact a Maritime Safety Queensland regional office for more information about applying for an aquatic event authority.
Fact sheet about applying for an aquatic event authority (PDF, 46 KB).
Some areas are restricted and you might need to choose another area to hold your event. To avoid disappointment please check restricted areas and gazetted speed limits.
Scheduled aquatic events by region
