New recreational boating safety reforms will come into effect from January 2012.
The reforms include enhanced night and electronic navigation training incorporated into the existing BoatSafe course, extending the number of coastal bars where personal floatation devices must be worn, additional safety equipment requirements for personal watercraft operating offshore, and higher standards for new large recreational boat operators.
These operators will also be subject to a new boating licence class that will take effect from January 2013, but will not affect current marine driver and commercial master licence holders or the size of vessel they can operate.
Full details are available on Maritime Safety Queensland’s website at www.msq.qld.gov.au
