From time to time MSQ have highlighted the importance of lifejackets and engine kill-switch safety lanyards in potentially saving lives when boating.
They have now begun public consultation to gauge feedback on how regulations could best be amended to improve boating safety.
Marine incident reports show an alarming number of boating fatalities have resulted from people drowning after falling into the water without their lifejackets.
They also show a concerning number of solo operators have been struck by their boat or its propellors after they’ve fallen into the water with the motor still running.
MSQ say that these tragic events may have been avoided if they’d been wearing their lifejackets and/or kill-switch lanyards when they fell overboard.
In Queensland, while lifejackets must be carried aboard vessels in most circumstances, wearing lifejackets is mandatory only for children under 12 years in open boats less of than 4.8m and underway, or for all people crossing designated coastal bars in open boats less than 4.8m.
Wearing kill-switch lanyards is mandatory only for the supervising master of a personal watercraft being operated by an unlicensed person.
The regulations leave a lot of room for skippers and passengers not to wear their lifejackets or kill-switch safety lanyards in routine boating situations where the dangers and risks to safety are heightened.
But normal boating situations can turn into emergencies in the blink of an eye.
A momentary loss of balance is all it can take to fall overboard and if, for instance, you are crossing a coastal bar, boating with children, boating alone or at night, that spells real trouble.
That is why they are looking at broadening the circumstances where wearing lifejackets and kill-switch lanyards is mandated and consulting the community about it.
There are several ways for the community to provide feedback and we urge you to do so.
Everyone can go to the Queensland Government’s Get Involved website and fill out a survey before 23 December 2022.
Further information on potential regulatory changes can be found on the MSQ website.
