Commercial aircraft operations on Sunshine Coast regulated waters

Aircraft taking off, landing and operating on Queensland waters are considered 'ships' under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 and the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995, and are required to conduct their operations accordingly.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (the COLREGs) apply to all aircraft when taking off, landing and operating on Queensland waters. This means, that pilots must have careful consideration to rules of the COLREGs, such as look-out, safe speed, risk of collision and action to avoid a collision.

Any commercial aircraft operating on Sunshine Coast 'regulated waters' are also subject to the provisions of the Transport Infrastructure (Waterways Management) Regulation 2012.

If you intend to take off, land or operate a commercial aircraft on Sunshine Coast 'regulated waters', then you must first obtain prior approval from Maritime Safety Queensland.

For further information about obtaining approval, please contact Maritime Safety Queensland Sunshine Coast Regional Office on (07) 5252 1825.

Last updated
19 June 2023