The purpose of this notice is to provide to you information about the recreational boating safety changes that are commencing 1 January 2012.

The key changes include:

· Introducing better training for recreational licences.
· Extending the list of coastal bars requiring everyone onboard to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when in an open boat under 4.8 metres in length.
· Additional operating requirements for personal watercraft (PWC) to minimise the likelihood of collisions.
· Additional safety equipment requirements for PWCs operating offshore in line with other recreational boats.

The changes will also incorporate several miscellaneous matters, including:
· The owner of a recreational boat to ensure a master is appropriately licensed.
· Recognition of particular types of overseas boating licences.
· Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon’s (EPIRB) registration sticker to be fixed to the beacon.
· Interstate registered recreational boats on an interstate voyage do not require Queensland registration when in Queensland waters.
· New stowage requirements for safety equipment to enable immediate access in the event of an emergency.
· The new Australian Standard 4758 for PFDs as an appropriate standard for use.

The new legislative changes will commence 1 January 2012.

Please find attached a copy of the Marine Information Bulletin and FAQs. Further information may be accessed on the Maritime Safety Queensland website at www.msq.qld.gov.au.




(See attached file: mib_recboating_improvements_Final_Dec2011.pdf)(See attached file: faq_boating_safety_improvements_Final_Dec2011.pdf)

If you have any queries please call Margaret Edwards on 07 3120 7353.

Could you please distribute this information to your members or stakeholders.

Kind regards,

Margaret Edwards
Senior Advisor (Maritime) | Safety Standards
Maritime Safety Queensland | Department of Transport and Main Roads